'Transformers 4' and '5' to Be Filmed Back-to-Back, Michael Bay Still Interested to Direct

Paramount considers to film the next 'Transformers' movies without a pause to save the budget, while Bay is reportedly still interested to take the helming duty although he focuses on another project।

Following the success of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon", Hasbro plans to make the fourth and fifth installments soon. In a statement during a third-quarter earnings conference call on Monday, October 17, Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner said that the toy giant is in "active discussion" with Paramount Pictures, Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg about the next "Transformers" movies.

Variety reported that Paramount, which has the licenses of the "Transformers" franchise from Hasbro, considers to shoot the fourth and fifth installments back-to-back. The plan is made to save the budget because the deals for cast and crew can only be negotiated once. As for the plot, screenwriter Ehren Kruger reportedly has already had an idea that the studio is interested to.

Although it has been said that Bay may not return as the director, multiple sources close to the project revealed that the filmmaker is still interested to helm the upcoming "Transformers" movies, in addition to being attached as the executive producer along with Spielberg. Bay is now concentrating on his passion project called "Pain and Gain", but he could finish it before the upcoming "Transformers" films start the production in late 2012 or early 2013.

"Transformers 4" and "5" might be going without lead actor Shia LaBeouf. Last July, during the New York premiere of "Dark of the Moon", the Sam Witwicky depicter claimed, "If they're going to do it again, they have to attempt it with somebody else." Words are, Jason Statham has been eyed to replace LaBeouf. Statham is believed to have the capability to bring different image for the robot film franchise.

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon", which was released on June 29 in U.S. theaters, has grossed $1.1 billion worldwide. The movie is placed in the fourth spot on the all-time box office list. It also stars Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who replaces Megan Fox as the leading lady, Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel.