Transformers: Dark of the Moon was a ratings blockbuster and a critical turkey... which means a sequel was both a certainty and a problem... after all, the law of diminshing returns suggests you can only go so far on hype in an ever-competetive marketplace... so many felt Michael Bay needed to shift gears a little.
The first news that suggests he's doing so is the casting of Mark Wahlberg who has a strong track-record in more serious fare, but hasn't been adverse to lighter entertainment as well.
“Mark is awesome. We had a blast working on Pain And Gain and I’m so fired up to be back working with him. An actor of his caliber is the perfect guy to re-invigorate the franchise and carry on the Transformers’ legacy,” Bay said on his website.
Little else is known about the next chapter in the franchise, though it now seems unlikely that many of the main 'human' casts will return - Shia LaBoeuf has already indicated he won't be back and Megan Fox was written out after the first two. Wahlberg may actually play the parent of one of the new characters.
It would be unlikely that Bay, known for 'spectacle' will downplay the full-on action element. But we find it encouraging that there MAY be a more solid story and stronger casting with the project. We'll reserve final judgement until mid-2014 when it hits cinemas...
