Movie News
Has Transformers 2 Hit a Snag?
Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on December 31, 2007
For a while now, there has been plenty of rumbling going on suggesting the Steven Spielberg and David Geffen are looking to get away from Paramount Studios when their contracts expire in November 2008. We talked about a lunch back in October that was had between Mr. Spielberg and Universal’s Jeff Zucker, a lunch that is being played down, but could be taken as something of significance.
But while we don’t like to dive into that part of the business — the who is stroking whose ego to make a quick buck part — we do want to know how any moves could effect some upcoming projects. One project of interest on Spielberg’s plate is Transformers 2, the follow-up to 2007’s box office titan. The Hollywood Reporter is speculating that Transformers 2, originally thought to have a June 26, 2009 release date, is now “unslotted”. In a quote from the Reporter (found via SHH), they suggested that the highly anticipated sequel now has no date:
Some will suggest that DreamWorks’ production operations will be upended if Steven Spielberg and David Geffen bolt Par when their personal contracts expire in November. But the pair remain actively engaged in several ongoing projects, including the as-yet-unslotted “Transformers 2.”
Sure, we can probably speculate that the writer’s strike has something to do with a delay, but there is no reason to raise an alarm at this point. When something comes out of the Paramount camp saying that there will be no sequel, then we will get worried. Until then, let’s all just go back to our happy little lives and believe that Shia, Ms. Fox and that guy who loves to blow shit up are all prepping to make an even bigger summer tentpole than before. For another Transformers film, I would be willing to wait a while — assuming that it would be even better than the first.
Talking Point: Does it bother you that Transformers 2 may be delayed?
Read more articles by Neil Miller
5 Comments
December 31st, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I wouldn’t be bothered in the slightest if Tranny2 was delayed, but I’d be happier if it were cancelled. The first one was easily the worst film of 2007. I’m not a Bay-hater, The Rock was a damn good movie, but Transformers really really sucked. Yes the effects were cool, but those are a dime a dozen these days. The screenplay was effin horrendous, the acting was absent, and that last mini-speech by Optimus Prime… my sphincter actually shed a tear from the pain.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Rob — I think you should admit that you are just wrong. Sure the script was pretty bad — but what do you expect. This movie isn’t about depth-of-plot, it’s about giant robots beating the piss out of each other. Whatever happened to “keeping it simple” being a good thing?
December 31st, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Neil - Are you calling my sphincter a liar? Yes the script was bad, but I shouldn’t have to expect that from a big summer blockbuster. Spiderman 2, Batman Begins, and X-Men 2 were all big, effects-driven blockbusters with well-written scripts. Additionally, a summer movie can be poorly written but still succeed in being entertaining… Spielberg’s War of the Worlds and Bay’s own The Island come to mind. I understand your affection for the source material, but I think it’s corrupting your sense of what makes for good entertainment. Transformers was poo. Shiny CGI poo, but poo all the same.
January 1st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
It shouldn’t be too too simple in plot. Transformers biggest flaw is having no tension. I mean Earth is being invaded by killer robots who can hide in front of government buildings and hospitals. Good action scenes can’t hold up a movie without context. Scare the kids a little more. I’m looking forward to a good sequel. I’m just hoping it will be a little more complex. The special effects in the first transormers were great by the way.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Well, I sure hope Transformers 2 makes it. I mean, the last news was about the three Barricade-style Saleens. It even has the “To punish and enslave” vinyls. I sure hope it pulls through.