With Transformers writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci taking time off from the project to go to Rome and start working on J.J. Abrams’ Mission: Impossible 3, starring Tom Cruise, DreamWorks and Paramount have moved the big screen robots adaptation back from November 17, 2006 to July 4, 2007.
The feature, based on the globally popular Transformers franchise, will be directed by Michael Bay (upcoming The Island, Armageddon). Steven Spielberg (War of the Worlds) is executive producing the film, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura (upcoming Four Brothers), Tom DeSanto (X-Men, X2: X-Men United) and Don Murphy (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) serving as co-executive producers.
DreamWorks head of distribution Jim Tharp stated, “Under the direction of Michael Bay, and with Steven Spielberg executive producing, we know that ‘Transformers’ is going to be the kind of explosive action movie that is perfect for the height of the summer movie season. By staking our claim on the 4th of July, 2007, we ensure that we not only have the time to make this movie the way it should be made, but also to build excitement and awareness leading up to its release.”
“Fans around the world have wanted a Transformers live-action movie for a long time and we are thrilled to work with DreamWorks and Paramount to bring this legendary saga to life on the big screen,” said Brian Goldner, President of Hasbro’s U.S. Toy segment. “With some of the entertainment industry’s best talent on board for this film, fans will experience Transformers in a way that is incredibly powerful.”
DreamWorks will distribute the film domestically, while Paramount will handle the international release. Hasbro will work with the production team and DreamWorks on all aspects of the film’s creative development, marketing and promotions, and will manage merchandising in conjunction with the release of the film.
This week, DreamWorks is launching the official Transformers movie website at Comic-Con International, being held from July 13 – 17 in San Diego, California. Transformers will also be making its presence at the convention known in a big way, with a huge 18-wheeler truck sporting the instantly recognizable Transformers logo dominating the area near the DreamWorks booth-and much of the convention floor-letting thousands of fans know that Transformers is coming to the big screen on 07-04-07.
Introduced in 1984, the Transformers brand took the world by storm with its compelling saga of the Autobots versus the Decepticons. The innovative “Robots in Disguise” resulted in a tremendously successful toy line from Hasbro and Takara, comic book series, television program and an animated feature film. More than 20 years later, a new generation has discovered the excitement of the Transformers brand and its legendary characters, including the two leaders of the opposing sides: Optimus Prime and Megatron. Today, the franchise features a popular toy line, an animated series on the Cartoon Network and a chart-topping comic book series from IDW Publishing.
Source: DreamWorks Pictures
