Link to the thread on the 2007 live-action version of Transformers (as opposed to the 1986 animated version).
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'Transformers' sequel sets 2009 date
Paramount and DreamWorks are holding the date of June 26, 2009, for "Transformers 2," with Michael Bay expected to return to direct the sequel.
Despite the tensions between them, DreamWorks and Par have plenty of incentive to move forward with the next installment in the budding franchise. "Transformers," starring Shia LaBeouf and based on the toy robot line, has grossed nearly $700 million worldwide, giving DreamWorks its first live-action franchise. . . .
Variety, September 27
Full Version: Transformers 2
It's been mentioned already in the Indiana Jones thread, but it kinda fits better here:
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Shia LaBeouf Recovering From Crash-Related Surgery
“Transformers” star Shia LaBeouf, 22, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after he crashed his truck while making an illegal left-hand turn in Hollywood early Sunday morning. The actor was taken to a local hospital shortly after for “extensive” hand surgery, but a spokesperson said he will resume filming “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” within a month. No one else was injured in the crash.
MTV Movies Blog, July 28
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Shia LaBeouf Recovering From Crash-Related Surgery
“Transformers” star Shia LaBeouf, 22, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after he crashed his truck while making an illegal left-hand turn in Hollywood early Sunday morning. The actor was taken to a local hospital shortly after for “extensive” hand surgery, but a spokesperson said he will resume filming “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” within a month. No one else was injured in the crash.
MTV Movies Blog, July 28
FWIW, the title of this film is no longer Transformers 2; it is now Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Here is the Fallen (may constitute a spoiler, though I don't see how).
Here is the Fallen (may constitute a spoiler, though I don't see how).
Authorities: LaBeouf not at fault for wreck
Shia LaBeouf was not to blame for an early-morning car wreck in Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday, pinning fault on the other driver for apparently running a red light.
Also Tuesday, a person close to production of the "Transformers" sequel said LaBeouf's passenger in the accident was Isabel Lucas, the 23-year-old Australian who plays a supporting role. The person asked not to be named because he was not authorized to release the information.
Associated Press, July 29
Shia LaBeouf was not to blame for an early-morning car wreck in Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday, pinning fault on the other driver for apparently running a red light.
Also Tuesday, a person close to production of the "Transformers" sequel said LaBeouf's passenger in the accident was Isabel Lucas, the 23-year-old Australian who plays a supporting role. The person asked not to be named because he was not authorized to release the information.
Associated Press, July 29
LaBeouf injury slows 'Transformers'
A DreamWorks insider said there was no work stoppage on "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" -- a follow-up to last year's global box office hit -- but added that rescheduling has proven to be a logistical headache. Scenes featuring co-star Josh Duhamel had to be moved to this week to work around LaBeouf's absence. Another person familiar with the situation said, "Everyone had to adjust their schedule."
Despite DreamWorks' insistence that shooting was not halted, another source close to the project said at least two days of filming were lost on the big-budget tentpole.
Variety, July 30
A DreamWorks insider said there was no work stoppage on "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" -- a follow-up to last year's global box office hit -- but added that rescheduling has proven to be a logistical headache. Scenes featuring co-star Josh Duhamel had to be moved to this week to work around LaBeouf's absence. Another person familiar with the situation said, "Everyone had to adjust their schedule."
Despite DreamWorks' insistence that shooting was not halted, another source close to the project said at least two days of filming were lost on the big-budget tentpole.
Variety, July 30
Shia LaBeouf 's Car-Crash Injury To Be Written Into 'Transformers' Sequel, Director Says
'We're figuring out a way to shoot around it,' Michael Bay says of star's injured hand.
MTV Movie News, August 1
'Transformers' may be adapted for LaBeouf's injury
The "Transformers" sequel may need to be reworked to explain Shia LaBeouf's injured hand, says the film's director Michael Bay.
Bay told "Access Hollywood" in an interview airing Friday that LaBeouf's left hand was significantly enough mangled that the script may need to be adjusted.
"His two fingers are pretty smashed, but we're figuring out a way to shoot around it, kind of write it into the story," Bay told the syndicated entertainment program.
Associated Press, August 1
LaBeouf lawyer asks for witnesses to accident
Shia LaBeouf could have a long road before him as he recovers from the accident that crushed his hand, his lawyer says.
LaBeouf, 22, was injured in a late-night crash last Sunday in West Hollywood that flipped his truck. The "Indiana Jones" star was cited for drunken driving, but authorities have since said he was not at fault, and that the other driver apparently ran a red light.
Michael Norris, LaBeouf's attorney, said in a statement Friday LaBeouf underwent four hours of surgery. His left arm remains immobilized from the elbow down.
Associated Press, August 1
Full text of statement from Labeouf lawyer
Full text of statement released Friday by Michael Norris, a lawyer for "Transformers" actor Shia LaBeouf . . .
Associated Press, August 1
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For some reason this is reminding me of how the Luke-attacked-by-wampa subplot was reportedly added to The Empire Strikes Back to account for the fact that Mark Hamill got some facial scars as a result of a car accident, shortly after Star Wars came out.
'We're figuring out a way to shoot around it,' Michael Bay says of star's injured hand.
MTV Movie News, August 1
'Transformers' may be adapted for LaBeouf's injury
The "Transformers" sequel may need to be reworked to explain Shia LaBeouf's injured hand, says the film's director Michael Bay.
Bay told "Access Hollywood" in an interview airing Friday that LaBeouf's left hand was significantly enough mangled that the script may need to be adjusted.
"His two fingers are pretty smashed, but we're figuring out a way to shoot around it, kind of write it into the story," Bay told the syndicated entertainment program.
Associated Press, August 1
LaBeouf lawyer asks for witnesses to accident
Shia LaBeouf could have a long road before him as he recovers from the accident that crushed his hand, his lawyer says.
LaBeouf, 22, was injured in a late-night crash last Sunday in West Hollywood that flipped his truck. The "Indiana Jones" star was cited for drunken driving, but authorities have since said he was not at fault, and that the other driver apparently ran a red light.
Michael Norris, LaBeouf's attorney, said in a statement Friday LaBeouf underwent four hours of surgery. His left arm remains immobilized from the elbow down.
Associated Press, August 1
Full text of statement from Labeouf lawyer
Full text of statement released Friday by Michael Norris, a lawyer for "Transformers" actor Shia LaBeouf . . .
Associated Press, August 1
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For some reason this is reminding me of how the Luke-attacked-by-wampa subplot was reportedly added to The Empire Strikes Back to account for the fact that Mark Hamill got some facial scars as a result of a car accident, shortly after Star Wars came out.
In relation to even the possible existence of this film, at any point in the future, or even the fact that someone considered making it-- kill me now.
Hollywood Steps Lightly: Spielberg and Soft Diplomacy in the Middle East
A major milestone quietly passed last weekend: the first major Hollywood film in decades filmed in the heart of the Middle East. “Transformers II” turned its cameras at the Pyramids in Egypt, and again in the upper Egyptian town of Luxor, near the famed Valley of the Kings. This is significant for many reasons but mainly because it represents a rare move by two Hollywood studios, Paramount and DreamWorks, to connect to a country and culture that is perceived to be hostile the United States.
I say ‘perceived’ because my guess is you’d probably find no more avid fans elsewhere in the world than those clustered around Shia LeBeouf, the star of the film, in this part of the world. But after years of anti-American images in the Middle East, and years of entrenched mistrust, this is the kind of interaction – and publicity - that makes a difference. . . .
Sharon Waxman, October 21
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What other "major Hollywood films" have been shot in the Middle East, I wonder? Do Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) count, even though they were arguably British productions, rather than "Hollywood" productions?
A major milestone quietly passed last weekend: the first major Hollywood film in decades filmed in the heart of the Middle East. “Transformers II” turned its cameras at the Pyramids in Egypt, and again in the upper Egyptian town of Luxor, near the famed Valley of the Kings. This is significant for many reasons but mainly because it represents a rare move by two Hollywood studios, Paramount and DreamWorks, to connect to a country and culture that is perceived to be hostile the United States.
I say ‘perceived’ because my guess is you’d probably find no more avid fans elsewhere in the world than those clustered around Shia LeBeouf, the star of the film, in this part of the world. But after years of anti-American images in the Middle East, and years of entrenched mistrust, this is the kind of interaction – and publicity - that makes a difference. . . .
Sharon Waxman, October 21
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What other "major Hollywood films" have been shot in the Middle East, I wonder? Do Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) count, even though they were arguably British productions, rather than "Hollywood" productions?
QUOTE (Peter T Chattaway @ Oct 21 2008, 06:15 PM) 
What other "major Hollywood films" have been shot in the Middle East, I wonder? Do Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) count, even though they were arguably British productions, rather than "Hollywood" productions?
Are you talking entire productions based in the Middle East, or just portions of films? If it's portions, then the list might be fairly longer than suspected. Here's a few that I could think of...
Syriana - Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Egypt
Code 46 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates (not really a Hollywood production)
The Mummy and The Mummy Returns - Egypt and Jordan
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Jordan
The Kingdom - Abu Dahbi, United Arab Emirates
The Exorcist - Mosul, Iraq and other locations in Iraq
It seems easier, though, for films to just shoot in Arizona or Mexico as a sustitiute for the Middle East, like Three Kings and The Scorpion King did.
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