Good News on Transformers 3!

No, really, I swear -- GOOD news!

Megan Fox will NOT be back in the next installment of Transformers. Depending on which publicist you believe, word on the wire today is that her "contract was not renewed" or she opted not to be a part of the project. Since I'm pretty sure the first 2 movies have made several hundred million dollars, I'm going to guess that talking smack about Michael Bay in the press was not the right contract negotiation strategy. But I'm not in the show biz, so what do I know?

The entertainment sites are speculating that "Shia LaBeouf's character will move in a new direction with a new love interest for 'Transformers 3.'" Ummm, duh? What kind of action movie would it be without the Hot Girl?

Anyway, don't you worry about poor Megan. She'll be out to ruin, err, I mean, star in Jonah Hex in just a few weeks. Oh, and here's a picture. Because even though she isn't a rocket scientist, she is pretty hot.

(From Transformers 2)

Transformers 3 - Casting Update

Well, in case you were waiting with bated breath, there is fresh casting news on Transformers 3!

Ok, I'll admit it -- I saw Transformers 2. In the theater. It was ridiculous. But it was directed by Michael Bay, so maybe that's not news. It was also last summer and I've repressed most of the stuff I didn't like about it. The digital animation is pretty awesome and the main reason I will watch the next installment as well.

I'm sure Shia LeBeouf will be back. Wonder if Megan Fox will be past her prime and Sam will have a new girlfriend? Maybe Fox's character, Mikaela, was turned into a Decepticon between Part 2 and 3. Is that possible? Sure, it's Hollywood, why not? I hope Josh Duhamel will be back; he's at least eye candy for a movie like this.

But in actual casting news, it was announced today that Alan Tudyk will be in Part 3, which I find quite promising. You may recall Tudyk as Wash in Firefly. Looooovvvve that show and miss it still. I feel like I see Tudyk everywhere, in random bit parts. Here's to hoping he has an actual part in the movie and isn't just the voice of an Autobot.

In addition to Tudyk, there are two other noteworthy actors signed on for this movie. Frances McDormand (Fargo!!) and John Malkovich (umm, everything but I'll stick with two of my favorites Shadow of the Vampire and Being John Malkovich!!) are actually listed as cast members of Transformers 3. Personally, I find this a bit shocking, but I assume the producers are throwing piles of cash at these two venerable character actors.

Clearly there is more than meets the eye!