Well, this is a bit of a bombshell revelation eh? Deadline is reporting Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have decided not to pick up Megan Fox’s option for Transformers 3 and are now searching for a replacement love interest. Nikki Finke’s commenters at Deadline suggest names such as Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis, Blake Lively, Amanda Seyfried, Miley Cyrus, Hillary Duff, Isla Fisher, Carey Mulligan, Amber Heard and Zoe Saldana as possible new female leads. Adding to the list, The Wrap says Gemma Arterton (Clash of the Titans) is the frontrunner.
Fox’s reps released a statement saying, “It was her decision not to return. She wishes the franchise the best.” Finke stands by her scoop saying the decision came from Bay and Paramount, and reminds her readers of the widely publicized comment Fox made (among several others) in “Wonderland” magazine accusing Bay of wanting to “create this insane, infamous mad-man reputation. He wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he’s a nightmare to work for.”
This led to online scuffles and Bay ultimately posted the following on his website:
P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.
I can’t imagine this decision will hurt the franchise in the slightest. I still remember seeing a trailer for Jonah Hex recently and hearing the audience laugh out loud as soon as Fox’s face was seen on screen. She’s become a punchline and Jennifer’s Body proved she isn’t putting asses in the seats.
You can get a much more in-depth rundown of Fox’s negative publicity tour at Deadline where they have faithfully processed the whole ordeal.
The most interesting thing about this whole thing will be waiting to hear the line in the script where Fox’s character, Mikaela, is passed off. Will Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) say he dumped her? Will she have dumped him? it could be a funny moment.
