Transformers 2: Weapon Modes Confirmed, Arcee Details, Possible Trailer Dates and More
It has been a few days since our last Transformers 2 update, so lets get to it.
A description of a Transformers 2 video game leaked onto the web yesterday:
The key line is “A new transformation system gives you more detailed control as you can switch between Robot, Weapon, and Vehicle modes” Recently screenwriter Roberto Orci revealed that there will be Transformers that transform into weapons in the sequel. But could this mean that all of the Autobots and Decepticons will have a third weapon mode in the new film?
The photo above gives you an idea of what Arcee might look like in alt mode. Will Kenefick tells the Ventura County Star the he created six custom motorcycles (three hero bikes and three stunt bikes) for Transformers. This pretty much confirms that three motorcycles will combine to form Arcee. According to Kenefick, 2309 hours were put in and each bike cost over $40,000, with $10,000 spent on paint alone. I’ve herd the actual bikes feature the pink and black paintjob seen in the unused concept art from the original Transformers below.
IESB explains what exactly happened in the Jonah Hill situation. Apparently Jonah was offered the part, but walked out of Michael Bay’s office after reading 20-pages of the script. Apparently the character he was to play was Shia’s chubby sidekick named “Jonah”.
And many people are wondering when we might possibly see the first teaser trailer. The mars rover teaser spot was released on June 29th, almost a year to the day of the release of the first film. Transformers 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26th 2009, could that mean a new teaser trailer will hit by months end? Screenwriter Roberto Orci responded on Don Murphy’s message boards saying “Probably in fall — maybe late summer…” Eagle Eye, also starring Shia and produced by Speilberg, is the next big Dreamwork/Paramount release that fits in the same genre. If I had to guess, I would say the studio is shooting to release a trailer attached to Eagle Eye. But who knows…. I also can’t see Bay and company going to Comic Con in July empty handed.
The photo below above is our first look at Ramon Rodriguez who plays Leo in the sequel. He was spotted filming a scene at the Richmond Power Plant on Saturday with Megan Fox and Bumblebee. Is MEgan Fox on Ramon’s lap? Could this be confirmation that Sam (Shia) and Mikaela (Fox) are no longer an item in the second film? It would further explain the frat party scenes that Shia filmed opposite Isabel Lucas. Or maybe Leo is Mikaela’s brother?
And meanwhile, a scale model of an F-22 Raptor (Starscream) was spotted being unloaded from a trailer.
contributing sources: Movie Chronicles, neogaf, TLAB, filmonic, TFW2005
When Will There Be A Transformers 2 Trailer?
“Probably in fall — maybe late summer…”
…says screenwriter Roberto Orci, who revealed it over on on DonMurphy.net
He was also asked whether we would see robots transforming into weapons, as in the original cartoon Megatron transformed into a hand gun which could then be fired by other robots. Orci claims that it will not be Megatron specifically, but robot to weapon transformations will take place.
Paramount Wants Star Trek Sequel; Transformers 2 to be Self Contained
Paramount is not only interested in another Star Trek sequel, but they are apparently trying to sign the contracts to bring the writers back for a follow-up
“I can give you a spoiler about the Studio’s state of mind (not about the movie itself). The spoiler is that they already want to lock us down to write the sequel,” co-writer Roberto Orci revealed to TrekMovie. “Take that as you will.
And by US, he means the entire team behind the new Star Trek film, including producer Damon Lindelof, executive producer Bryan Burk and director/producer JJ Abrams. But even Orci admits that no detailed discussions have yet to take place.
It’s previously been reported that main cast have options for two additional films, which is standard practice with any potential franchise contract now-a-days. I think it will all depend on next Summer’s opening weekend. Based on the production time-lines of Paramount’s other recent sequels, Transformers and Iron Man, its safe to speculate that a Trek sequel, if greenlit, could hit theaters as early as Summer 2011.
And speaking of Transformers, Michael Bay insists that Transformers 2 will be completely self contained. The sequel will not serve as a teaser for a third film - like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest or The Matrix Reloaded.
“You know how those sequels they do the second one so you go see the third one? Transformers 2 is it,” Bay told MTV. “First one was just introducing, setting up stuff, so we can go a lot farther. Let’s just say [this] is not a lame sequel.” … “The robots are going to surprise a lot of people because we go with a lot of different levels.”
But that also doesn’t mean that audience demand won’t lead to a third film (actually, I’m pretty sure it might).
Disclaimer: Before you ask, the Transformers 2 teaser poster is a fan creation.
20 Robots in Transformers 2? Jail Break Planned?
Transformers 2 screenwriter Roberto Orci has made an interesting comment on Don Murphy’s message board:
“I’d love and think we could almost barely manage ten on each side, with some front and center and others as more supporting.”
Translation: There will be almost 20 Transforming Robots in disguise in the upcoming Michael Bay sequel!
Despite reassuring comments from Bay himself, fans have been worried that the sequel would be more human focused than the original. But I’m not quite sure packing the film with 20 Transformers is a step in the right direction. The biggest fan criticism of the first film was that not enough time was spent with the Transformers as personalities. And now with almost 20 of them on the big screen, alongside the bevy of human characters, who knows if the sequel will be any different. On the other hand, this could mean more big robot action sequences, which is always cool.
Also this just in… Reader Jason X sent this in [SPOILER WARNING]:
“My girlfriend works at Eastern State Penitentiary in the Fairmount area of Philadelphia. It was used as a prison from 1829 until 1971, and is now a historical site and museum. Anyway, at the prison today producers for Transformers 2 were on site with scale models of Megatron, Optimus Prime and Star Scream and were scouting filming locations in cell block 1 and the prison kitchen. Just thought I’d let people know that filming should begin here soon.”
So looks like we can expect a big giant robot jailbreak.