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Dark of the Moon issue 4

2016-09-08T20:19:04Z

Dinohawk: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' #4
|prev=Dark of the Moon issue 3
|prev2=
|next=
|image=DOTM 4 cover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 6]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|pencils by=[[Jorge Jimenez Moreno]]
|inks by=
|colors by=[[Romulo Fajardo Jr.|Romulo Fajardo]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|edits by=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[Movie continuity]]
}}

'''The final battle begins!'''

==Synopsis==
Outside of Chicago, Sam and Epps have assembled a strike team and are heading in to rescue Carly. Epps considers giving up, but then a Decepticon protoform attacks them. The protoform is then blown up by the arriving Autobots, who reveal that they had separated from the ship just before Starscream destroyed it. The Autobots then reveal that they plan to defeat the Decepticons once and for all. Sam then asks Bumblebee if he can use the ship the protoform was piloting...

[[File:DOTMadaptation4-Autobotsreturn.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left]]
Sam and Bumblebee soon find Carly in an apartment with Dylan Gould, but they are attacked by Laserbeak. Despite this, they still manage to rescue Carly. They meet up with the other Autobots, with Optimus getting attacked by the Driller, separating him from his trailer. Sam, Carly, and Epps' team then climb a building in an attempt to destroy the Control Pillar, but they are ambushed by Starscream. After a long chase, Starscream is killed when Sam puts a boomstick in his mouth. The Driller is also killed by Optimus, who then gets shot at by Shockwave.

Meanwhile, Bumblebee, Mirage, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Ratchet are captured by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], who rips Mirage's head off. Before Soundwave can kill Bumblebee, Wheelie and Brains hijack a Decepticon ship and sabotage it. This distracts Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee to kill him, avenging Mirage. The ship then crashes into the water, with Wheelie and Brains swimming away from it as it sinks.

Optimus kills Shockwave and deactivates the Control Pillar before fighting Sentinel. Dylan then reactivates said Pillar, but Sam pushes him into it, electrocuting him to death. Carly convinces Megatron to side with Optimus, and the pair kill Sentinel as a pair of missiles destroys the Control Pillar, sending Cybertron back through the Space Bridge.

Sam and Carly are reunited, Megatron and Optimus call for a truce, and Megatron returns to Cybertron with the remaining Decepticons, with the Autobots making Earth their new home. And somewhere far away, Igor looks up into the sky, wondering what has become of his master...

[['Til all are one]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] (18)
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] (5)
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] (6)
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (7)
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (9)
*[[Brains]] (12)
|c2=*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Driller]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] (21)
*[[Hatchling]]s (26)
*[[Igor]] (27)

|c3=*[[Robert Epps]] (1)
*[[Sam Witwicky]] (2)
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] (3)
*[[Carly Spencer]] (15)
*[[Dylan Gould]] (16)
*[[Seymour Simmons]] (22)
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] (23)
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] (24)
*[[William Lennox]] (25)
}}

==Notes==

*This issue also includes [[Convergence chapter 4|''Convergence'' chapter 4]] as exclusive bonus back-up material.
*Megatron's tarp-cape varies in length. It varies between short (going down to his neck) and long (going over his shoulder, like how it's mostly seen).
*This issue was planned to be released on [[June 29]], but after the movie date was pushed to that same date, the adaptation was delayed to July 6.
*Hardcore Eddie is inexplicably drawn as a muscular, Caucasian male with a red Mohawk.

===Differences with movie===
Several pieces of the film are trimmed out and/or pared down, but purely for page-space reasons, rather than due to the issue being based on an early script. These include:
*We never see Sam and Epps finding the soldiers, unlike the film.
*Lennox shows up ''after'' Starscream is dead.
*Bumblebee doesn't save Sam when Starscream dies.
*The Wreckers don't tear apart the Decepticon pilot.
*Most of the scenes with the NEST soldiers during the battle are omitted.
*Topspin speaks!

Other script-based differences include:
*Carly does not change her clothes while she is trapped with Dylan Gould. She still wears her white dress from last issue.
*Shockwave speaks in the final battle.
*Starscream attacks Sam and the others when they are in the building about to shoot at the pillars, something that never happened in the movie.
*Simmons is still sans wheelchair.
*The [[boomstick]] that ends Starscream's life is stabbed in his mouth instead of eye.
*The Autobots are in chains during the execution scene, as opposed to simply being restrained.
*Wheeljack lives, and instead Mirage has his head ripped off by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]].
*Bumblebee kills Soundwave with one shot to the chest, and the two do not have an extended battle.
*Wheelie and Brains live as opposed to the movie where their fate was merely ambiguous.
*Optimus' rampage is omitted. Shockwave stands with Sentinel as he triggers the pillar, and is simply stabbed in the chest as opposed to having his throat ripped out.
*The final fight between Optimus Prime, Sentinel Prime and Megatron takes place up in a large, destroyed building. Megatron helps Optimus in killing Sentinel Prime, providing a distraction so Optimus can use Sentinel's rust cannon against him. As well, Megatron does not die and offers a sincere truce after Cybertron disappears.
*The main control pillar is destroyed by missile launchers instead of Bumblebee destroying it.
*The final scene from the comic, with Igor looking at the sky wondering what became of his master, is not in the movie.

The Decepticons are also shown tearing a building apart and making a fortress out of it, something that was only alluded to in the film.

==Errors==

* The Wreckers' are colored rather inconsistently. In some panels they have the right colors, and in others Roadbuster is blue, Topspin is red, and Leadfoot is green.
* In the panel before Mirage dies, Soundwave has his head model. ''Yeah.''

==Covers (2)==
*'''Cover A:''' Megatron and Soundwave, by Jorge Jimenez Moreno.

<gallery>
Image:DOTM_4_cover.jpg
</gallery>

==Advertisements==
*[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness]].
*[[Little, Brown and Company]] ''Dark of the Moon'' children's books, including [[Autobots Versus Decepticons]], [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]], [[Bumblebee's Best Friend]], [[The Lost Autobot]], [[Dark of the Moon: The Reusable Sticker Book]] and [[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]].
*''Rising Storm'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' trade paperbacks
[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:IDW Dark of the Moon issues]]

Dark of the Moon issue 3

2016-09-08T20:16:46Z

Dinohawk: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' #3
|prev=Dark of the Moon issue 2
|prev2=
|next=Dark of the Moon issue 4
|image=DOTM 3 cover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 22]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|pencils by=[[Jorge Jimenez Moreno]]
|inks by=
|colors by=[[Romulo Fajardo Jr.|Romulo Fajardo]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|edits by=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[Movie continuity]]
}}

'''Sentinel and the Decepticons' plans are revealed!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:DOTMadaptation3-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left]]
Before shooting Ironhide, Sentinel reveals that for the sake of Cybertron's survival, he had to make a deal with Megatron. After blowing Ironhide to pieces, he then aims his gun at Bumblebee but Skids jumps in Sentinel's way and takes the blast himself, killing him. Mudflap then goes into a rage, but Sentinel shoots him in the mouth, killing Mudflap instantly. Sentinel then escapes with the pillars after temporarily holding Mearing hostage.

Later, Megatron activates the Pillars, bringing hundreds of Decepticons through a space bridge linking from the moon to Earth. The Autobots and humans try to stop them, but are overwhelmed and Optimus is badly beaten by Sentinel. Meanwhile, Sam goes to Dylan's house to find Carly. As he and Carly leave, Dylan reveals his allegiance with the Decepticons and Carly gets captured by Soundwave. Dylan then forces Sam to spy on the Autobots and find out their next move.

The next day, Sentinel tells the humans to exile the Autobots from Earth, to which they comply. As the Autobots prepare to leave in the ''Xantium'', Sam runs into Epps, who is now working on space site. Optimus tells Sam that there is no plan and the fight is now the humans'.

As the Autobots blast off, Soundwave sends coordinates to Starscream, who blows up the Autobot's ship with Carly and Dylan watching from a distance...
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (16)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (18)
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] (19)
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] (7)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] (6)
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (10)
*[[Brains]] (11)
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] (26)
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] (27)
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (28)
|c2=*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Igor]] (15)
*Decepticon "Shock Troops" (20)
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] (23)
*[[Watch-bot]] (24)
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (25)
|c3=*[[Seymour Simmons]] (2)
*[[Sam Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] (8)
*[[William Lennox]] (9)
*[[Dylan Gould]] (21)
*[[Carly Spencer]] (22)
*[[Robert Epps]] (29)
}}

==Notes==
*This issue also includes [[Convergence chapter 3|''Convergence'' chapter 3]] as exclusive bonus back-up material.
*Megatron's tarp-cape varies in length. It varies between short (going down to his neck) and long (going over his shoulder, like how it's mostly seen).
*The Decepticons on the moon are referred to as "shock troops", and one of them heavily resembles [[Mindwipe (ROTF)|Mindwipe]].

===Differences with movie===
Several pieces of the film are trimmed out and/or pared down, but purely for page-space reasons, rather than due to the issue being based on an early script. These include:
*Bumblebee does not make any attempt to shoot Sentinel Prime after Ironhide dies.
*Megatron simply removes [[Abraham Lincoln]] statue from the Abraham Lincoln Memorial instead of blasting it... [[Atlantis, Arise!|sounds familiar]].
*Dylan gives Sam the Watch-bot, instead of the Watch-bot coiling itself around Sam's arm in the movie.

Other script-based differences include:
*The Twins' deaths at the hands of Sentinel Prime are included here.
*Simmons is present during Ironhide's and the Twins' deaths, while he was not present in Ironhide's death scene in the final film.
*Simmons does not use a wheelchair after his legs are broken.
*Ironhide does not die due to the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], instead he's blasted to pieces by Sentinel Prime's gun.
*Sentinel activates the pillars in Washington D.C. during the daytime. He does it at night in the movie.
*Sam Witwicky, Lennox, Wheelie, and Brains are present when Sentinel activates the Pillars.
*The Autobots engage the Decepticons in an extended fight before they retreat, and the Washington Monument is destroyed.
*Unlike the movie, Carly doesn't change her clothes while held captive by Dylan Gould. She remains in her dress.
*Dylan is apparently a lot bolder than in the film, as he pushes Sam around himself instead of having his bodyguards restrain him.

Barricade is also not present in the final battle. Instead, he appears with Starscream in a video feed during Sentinel's speech to Congress. Another remarkable difference is that the Decepticons coming from the Moon have individualized appearances, while in the film they are [[generic]]. Kudos to the artist.

===IDW continuity notes===
*Sentinel Prime mentions that he "''never really liked'' [Ironhide's] ''kind''", seemingly in reference to his victim's origins as a [[Thetacon (tribe)|Thetacon]].
*Megatron mentions Starscream's stint as ruler on Cybertron and his use of ramshackle space bridge technology, as seen in ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.
*Starscream hesitates before claiming he merely ''saw'' Sentinel Prime die on Cybertron – in ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'', it was the Decepticon second-in-command who fired upon the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', seemingly destroying it.
*We get clarification that Megatron and Sentinel's plan was to seek out the planet of the last [[Star Harvester]] (something Megatron learned of from [[The Fallen]]), explaining away what otherwise seems like inexplicable foreknowledge of [[Earth]].
*Sam mentions the attack on the [[Diego Garcia]] base, as seen in ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm|Rising Storm]]''.

== Errors ==
*Despite his legs having been broken in the previous issue, Simmons is able to walk perfectly in this and the next issue.
* Topspin is colored red, Roadbuster is mistakenly colored blue, and Leadfoot is green for some reason.

== Covers (2) ==
*'''Cover A:''' Sentinel Prime and Bumblebee, by Jorge Jimenez Moreno.

<gallery>
Image:DOTM_3_cover.jpg
</gallery>

== Advertisements ==
*Final installment of the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]].
*[[Little, Brown and Company]] ''Dark of the Moon'' children's books, including [[Autobots Versus Decepticons]], [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]], [[Bumblebee's Best Friend]], [[The Lost Autobot]], [[Dark of the Moon: The Reusable Sticker Book]] and [[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]].
*''Rising Storm'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' trade paperbacks.

[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:IDW Dark of the Moon issues]]

Dark of the Moon issue 2

2016-09-08T20:12:49Z

Dinohawk: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' #2
|prev=Dark of the Moon issue 1
|prev2=
|next=Dark of the Moon issue 3
|image=DOTM_2_cover.jpg
|caption=This cover is illogical
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 15]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|pencils by=[[Jorge Jimenez Moreno]]
|inks by=
|colors by=[[Romulo Fajardo Jr.|Romulo Fajardo]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|edits by=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[Movie continuity]]
}}

'''A suspicious Sam Witwicky investigates the Decepticons' secret objectives, and a shocking betrayal is revealed.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:DOTMadaptation2-JerryWang.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.1]]
At his new job, Sam encounters Jerry Wang; a co-worker who recognises him from the television broadcasts. Jerry tries to reveal to Sam a Decepticon plot, revealing that he has been forced to work with the Decepticons to cover up something before being killed by Laserbeak. After being injured by Sam, Laserbeak retreats.

Sam then heads to NEST operations in Washington D.C. along with Carly, Wheels and Brains. Here he is introduced to Director Mearing. Ironhide introduces Sentinel Prime to Sam as Optimus revives Sentinel Prime using the Matrix of Leadership. Having retrieved five other pillars including the master pillar, Sentinel reveals that the pillars allow the user to open space bridges and teleport them anywhere. However he reveals that over a hundred have gone missing. Director Mearing then forces Sam away.

[[File:DOTMadaptation2-SentinelshootsIronhide.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
Later, Sam, puzzled why Decepticons have been enlisting the help of humans, meets with Seymour Simmons, who has now become a millionaire after writing books about his experiences with Sector Seven. He also has a butler and assistant named Dutch. Soon Carly arrives who gets into an argument with Sam. After breaking up with Sam, Carly angrily leaves for a party hosted by Dylan.

Following a lead, Sam and co arrive at Atlantic City, where they meet up with a former Russian cosmonaut living in the states. After a brief scuffle which Brains defuses, the cosmonaut reveals that the Soviet Union were the first to send cameras onto the moon. Footage revealed over a hundred pillars lying over the surface of the moon, however only five of them were recovered. Sam deduces that the Decepticons have recovered the other pillars. However, he is puzzled as to why the Decepticons left Sentinel Prime unharmed. Knowing that Sentinel Prime maybe the only one who knows how to use the pillars, he realises that the Decepticons left Sentinel Prime, so that the Autobots could recover him as Optimus is the only one who could revive him.

Meanwhile, the three stowaway Dreads adopt Earth vehicle modes and inform Megatron that they are ready to strike.

Realising that it was a set-up, Sam warns Director Mearing about Sentinel Prime. Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Mirage, Sam and co escort Sentinel Prime back to NEST operations. Along the way, the group is attacked by the Dreads. In the ensuing battle, Simmons is injured by Crowbar, while Sentinel Prime escapes back to base.
When the group returns to base Sentinel Prime opens fire and gravely injures Ironhide.
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] (25)
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] (29)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] (30)
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (7)
*[[Brains]] (5)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] (4)
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Igor]] (16)
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] (17)
*[[Hatchet]] (26)
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]] (27)
*[[Crowbar]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Jerry Wang]] (2)
*[[Bruce Brazos]] (3)
*[[Carly Spencer]] (6)
*[[William Lennox]] (8)
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] (10)
*[[Seymour Simmons]] (20)
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (21)
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] (22)
*Cosmonauts (23)
|c4=
*[[Mojo]] (18)
*[[Frankie]] (19)
}}

== Quotes ==
"Hey, nice bunny."
:–'''Simmons being Simmons'''

==Notes==

*This issue also includes [[Convergence chapter 2|''Convergence'' chapter 2]] as exclusive bonus back-up material.
*Megatron's tarp-cape varies in length. It varies between short (going down to his neck) and long (going over his shoulder, like how it's mostly seen).
*Sentinel's eye color changes from blue to red when he shoots Ironhide. They remain red through [[Dark of the Moon issue 3|issue 3]], but go back to blue in issue 4.

===Differences with movie===

Several pieces of the film are trimmed out and/or pared down, but purely for page-space reasons, rather than due to the issue being based on an early script. These include:

*Laserbeak's assassinations; Wang is the only victim shown (save for Voskhod, last issue). There is no protracted dialogue between the two, either: Laserbeak just bursts into a window and kills him.
*Sam's difficulty in getting into the NEST base, and Bumblebee coming to his rescue.
*Mearing calling Sam "a messenger", which kind messes up his dramatic speech in [[Dark of the Moon issue 4|issue #4]].
*Carly receiving a new car from Dylan.
*Sam contacting Simmons.

Other script-based differences include:

*Rather than hide from Laserbeak, Sam actively fights back, taking down the avian Decepticon with a fire-axe to the head. Laserbeak survives, though!
*Dutch really doesn't seem to be German here. Also, Simmons appears far less assured of his skills, often offering him advice and gently berating him.
*In line with this, there's no scene of him flipping out and setting off a Mexican standoff in the Russian bar; instead, Brains reveals himself and starts talking in Russian, charming the cosmonauts into sharing their info.
*Simmons breaks his leg not simply from being flung out of his car, but from the clumsy Dutch accidentally backing up and running him over!
*Hatchet and one of the other Dreads are taken out in the running battle along the freeway, with the third and final one being eliminated by Ironhide immediately upon arrival at NEST headquarters (Crankcase and Crowbar never transform, so we can't tell which is which). Consequently, we're missing our second Mexican standoff.
*Again, Skids and Mudflap are present at NEST headquarters.
*Sentinel's Cosmic Rust cannon is in the form of his shield, rather than looking like a normal blaster in the movie

== Errors ==
*Sentinel has an extra wheel at the front of his vehicle mode. Other details that are missing include the Rosenbaur logo on the front side and the 316.

== Covers (2) ==
*'''Cover A:''' Soldiers firing on Shockwave, by Jorge Jimenez Moreno.

<gallery>
Image:DOTM_2_cover.jpg
</gallery>

== Advertisements ==
*Future installments of the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]].
*[[Little, Brown and Company]] ''Dark of the Moon'' children's books, including [[Autobots Versus Decepticons]], [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]], [[Bumblebee's Best Friend]], [[The Lost Autobot]], [[Dark of the Moon: The Reusable Sticker Book]] and [[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]].
*''Rising Storm'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' trade paperbacks.

[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:IDW Dark of the Moon issues]]

Dark of the Moon issue 1

2016-09-08T20:11:08Z

Dinohawk: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' #1
|prev=Foundation issue 4
|prev2=Rising Storm issue 4
|next=Dark of the Moon issue 2
|image=DOTM Cover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 8]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|pencils by=[[Jorge Jimenez Moreno]]
|inks by=
|colors by=[[Romulo Fajardo Jr.|Romulo Fajardo]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|edits by=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[Movie continuity]]
}}

'''A discovery at the heart of Chernobyl reveals to Optimus Prime a secret humanity has long hidden from the Autobots.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:DOTMadaptation1-Mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left]]
As the war waged on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] witnessed a ship carrying supplies that could turn the tides in favour of the [[Autobot]]s shot and left to drift in space by [[Decepticon]]s. It soon crashed on the [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] in [[1961]]. On [[July 20]], [[1969]], [[Apollo 11]] discovered the crashed alien ship on the Moon.

Three years after [[The Fallen]]'s attack, the Autobots have now become fully sanctioned members of the U.S. military and battle various [[human]] threats across the globe. [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]], and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] investigate a nuclear facility in the Middle East encountering humans with stolen Cybertronian tech. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] oversee the deconstruction of the [[NEST]] facility in [[Diego Garcia]]. With their mission complete in the Middle East, Optimus orders the Autobots to head to their new base in [[Washington, D.C.]], while he, Ratchet and Captain [[William Lennox|Lennox]] leave for [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]] following a lead on a recently uncovered Cybertronian artefact.

In Washington, D.C. a restless [[Sam Witwicky]] is now is living with new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], a secretary working for [[Dylan Gould]], CEO of a major investment company and a car enthusiast. Sam is pining for a new job, but, having saved the world twice, Sam doesn't want a job that he knows won't make a difference in life and complains how the government never bothered to give him a proper job. The pair also live with decommissioned Autobots; [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], whose services were turned down by the Autobots. Sam leaves for his job interviews. After some comic relief, Sam gets a job.

[[File:DOTMadaptation1-Shockwavemurderer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
Arriving in the uninhabitable city of Chernobyl, Optimus Prime, Ratchet and Lennox investigate a dig site where construction workers (who wear special suits) have uncovered a Cybertronian artefact resembling a fuel cell. Suddenly, they are attacked by the huge Decepticon [[Driller]] piloted by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]. The Decepticons attempt to retrieve the fuel cell. Some of the construction workers are killed as Optimus orders Ratchet and the humans to retreat while he battles the Decepticons. Optimus is wounded by Shockwave, but he manages to retrieve the Pillar. The Decepticons escape, leaving behind the cell. An incredulous Optimus recovers the cell and realises that it is a part of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', the long-lost Autobot ship.

In [[Africa]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] learns of the discovery of the fuel cell by the Autobots. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] to deploy [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] to silence their human allies.

At their base in Washington, D.C, United States Intelligence Director [[Charlotte Mearing]] reveals to the Autobots that the space race in 1969 was in response to the ''Ark'' crashing on the Moon. An angered Optimus Prime demands a mission to the Moon with the Autobots on it. Optimus Prime and Ratchet wind up on the moon using a human rocket: the [[Ares V]]. Once there, the duo retrieve [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], Optimus Prime's mentor and predecessor. They also recover five [[Pillar]]s and return to Earth. Unbeknownst to the Autobots, they pick up three stowaway Decepticons—the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]] [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], [[Crowbar]], and [[Hatchet]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (16)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (6)
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] (10)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] (23)
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (15)
*[[Brains]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] (18)
*[[Driller]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (25)
*[[Igor]] (26)
*[[Hatchling]]s (27)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] (28)
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] (29)
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]] (30)
*[[Crowbar]] (31)
*[[Hatchet]] (32)
|c3=
*[[Neil Armstrong]] (1)
*[[Walter Simmons]] (2)
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] (3)
*[[William Lennox]] (11)
*[[Carly Spencer]] (12)
*[[Sam Witwicky]] (13)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] (17)
*[[Bruce Brazos]] (21)
*[[Dylan Gould]] (22)
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"So emotional, Prime. Such anger over a few dead soldiers?"
:–'''Shockwave''' taunts '''Optimus'''

==Notes==
*This issue also includes [[Convergence chapter 1|''Convergence'' chapter 1]] as exclusive bonus back-up material.

===Differences with the film===
As with past IDW movie adaptations, there are some differences between this comic series and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|finished film]] itself. In a unique move for this series, however, they fall into two distinct groups: differences that exist because the comics were written based on an earlier version of the script that was later revised, and deliberately-created differences in the form of additional scenes not in the film, written by [[John Barber]] to forge greater continuity links with other IDW movie comics, and to explain away any potential continuity conflicts. See "IDW continuity notes" below for the second type of changes.

*As with pretty much every other piece of media aside from the film itself, Wheeljack and Mirage are referred to with those names, instead of the last-minute changes used in the movie, "Que" and "Dino".
*Shockwave has an extended battle with Optimus after he emerges from the Driller.
*Sam and Carly are living in a ground-level apartment rather than a loft, complete with a yard for Wheelie, Brains and their dog, rather than a balcony. Further, where they have a single [[Bonecrusher (dog)|mastiff dog]] in the film, their pets in the comic are the Witwicky family dog [[Mojo]], plus his special friend from ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Frankie]].
*Although they were mostly edited out of the finished movie, Skids and Mudflap can be glimpsed among the assembled Autobots as Prime confronts Mearing.
*Megatron ''kills'' the [[elephant]] that bars his way, rather than just scaring it off.
*Igor is simply a bouncing disembodied head, lacking the stumpy arms and legs he gets around on in the film.
*While the Autobots use the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'' to get to the moon in the film, here they use a human rocket, the ''[[Ares V]]''.
*The [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]] are among the Decepticons hidden on the moon, and secretly hitch a ride back to Earth by clinging to the outside of the ''Ares V'', preceding their later role in the story.

===IDW continuity notes===
*[[Walter Simmons]] oversees the first moon mission.
*The movie has the Autobots raiding an "illegal nuclear facility" at the start of the story; the comic has them recovering illegally-possessed Cybertronian technology that this country has covertly obtained from the Decepticons, continuing a plot thread from the ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' prequel. This makes their actions a bit more personal and justifiable!
*As this issue begins, NEST are just finishing up the decommissioning of the Diego Garcia base, following its devastation in ''Rising Storm'', explaining why it didn't appear in the film. Makeshift "caskets" (actually shipping crates) are laid out for all the Autobots who died in that series.
*As he carts Brains off, Sam asks him what he's "done to his head", referring to the addition of a shock of fibre-optic hair Brains sports in the movie that he was lacking in ''Rising Storm''.
*Shockwave's rampage from ''Rising Storm'' is actively referred to when he appears at Chernobyl, and he continues to his talk in his cold, stoic, Generation 1-inspired dialect, rather than the growling non-words of the film.

==Covers (2)==
*'''Cover A:''' Optimus Prime standing in front of Sam and Carly, by Jorge Jimenez Moreno.

<gallery>
Image:DOTM Cover.jpg
</gallery>

== Advertisements ==
*Future installments of the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]].
*[[Little, Brown and Company]] ''Dark of the Moon'' children's books, including [[Autobots Versus Decepticons]], [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]], [[Bumblebee's Best Friend]], [[The Lost Autobot]], [[Dark of the Moon: The Reusable Sticker Book]] and [[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]].
*''Rising Storm'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' trade paperbacks.

[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:IDW Dark of the Moon issues]]

Dark of the Moon issue 1

2016-09-08T20:10:30Z

Dinohawk: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' #1
|prev=Foundation issue 4
|prev2=Rising Storm issue 4
|next=Dark of the Moon issue 2
|image=DOTM Cover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 8]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|pencils by=[[Jorge Jimenez Moreno]]
|inks by=
|colors by=[[Romulo Fajardo Jr.|Romulo Fajardo]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|edits by=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[Movie continuity]]
}}

'''A discovery at the heart of Chernobyl reveals to Optimus Prime a secret humanity has long hidden from the Autobots.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:DOTMadaptation1-Mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left]]
As the war waged on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] witnessed a ship carrying supplies that could turn the tides in favour of the [[Autobot]]s shot and left to drift in space by [[Decepticon]]s. It soon crashed on the [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] in [[1961]]. On [[July 20]], [[1969]], [[Apollo 11]] discovered the crashed alien ship on the Moon.

Three years after [[The Fallen]]'s attack, the Autobots have now become fully sanctioned members of the U.S. military and battle various [[human]] threats across the globe. [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]], and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] investigate a nuclear facility in the Middle East encountering humans with stolen Cybertronian tech. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] oversee the deconstruction of the [[NEST]] facility in [[Diego Garcia]]. With their mission complete in the Middle East, Optimus orders the Autobots to head to their new base in [[Washington, D.C.]], while he, Ratchet and Captain [[William Lennox|Lennox]] leave for [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]] following a lead on a recently uncovered Cybertronian artefact.

In Washington, D.C. a restless [[Sam Witwicky]] is now is living with new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], a secretary working for [[Dylan Gould]], CEO of a major investment company and a car enthusiast. Sam is pining for a new job, but, having saved the world twice, Sam doesn't want a job that he knows won't make a difference in life and complains how the government never bothered to give him a proper job. The pair also live with decommissioned Autobots; [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], whose services were turned down by the Autobots. Sam leaves for his job interviews. After some comic relief, Sam gets a job.

[[File:DOTMadaptation1-Shockwavemurderer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
Arriving in the uninhabitable city of Chernobyl, Optimus Prime, Ratchet and Lennox investigate a dig site where construction workers (who wear special suits) have uncovered a Cybertronian artefact resembling a fuel cell. Suddenly, they are attacked by the huge Decepticon [[Driller]] piloted by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]. The Decepticons attempt to retrieve the fuel cell. Some of the construction workers are killed as Optimus orders Ratchet and the humans to retreat while he battles the Decepticons. Optimus is wounded by Shockwave, but he manages to retrieve the Pillar. The Decepticons escape, leaving behind the cell. An incredulous Optimus recovers the cell and realises that it is a part of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', the long-lost Autobot ship.

In [[Africa]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] learns of the discovery of the fuel cell by the Autobots. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] to deploy [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] to silence their human allies.

At their base in Washington, D.C, United States Intelligence Director [[Charlotte Mearing]] reveals to the Autobots that the space race in 1969 was in response to the ''Ark'' crashing on the Moon. An angered Optimus Prime demands a mission to the Moon with the Autobots on it. Optimus Prime and Ratchet wind up on the moon using a human rocket: the [[Ares V]]. Once there, the duo retrieve [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], Optimus Prime's mentor and predecessor. They also recover five [[Pillar]]s and return to Earth. Unbeknownst to the Autobots, they pick up three stowaway Decepticons—the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]] [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], [[Crowbar]], and [[Hatchet]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (16)
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (6)
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] (5)
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] (10)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] (23)
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (15)
*[[Brains]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] (18)
*[[Driller]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (25)
*[[Igor]] (26)
*[[Hatchling]]s (27)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] (28)
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] (29)
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]] (30)
*[[Crowbar]] (31)
*[[Hatchet]] (32)
|c3=
*[[Neil Armstrong]] (1)
*[[Walter Simmons]] (2)
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] (3)
*[[William Lennox]] (11)
*[[Carly Spencer]] (12)
*[[Sam Witwicky]] (13)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] (17)
*[[Bruce Brazos]] (21)
*[[Dylan Gould]] (22)
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"So emotional, Prime. Such anger over a few dead soldiers?"
:–'''Shockwave''' taunts '''Optimus'''

==Notes==
*This issue also includes [[Convergence chapter 1|''Convergence'' chapter 1]] as exclusive bonus back-up material.

===Differences with the film===
As with past IDW movie adaptations, there are some differences between this comic series and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|finished film]] itself. In a unique move for this series, however, they fall into two distinct groups: differences that exist because the comics were written based on an earlier version of the script that was later revised, and deliberately-created differences in the form of additional scenes not in the film, written by [[John Barber]] to forge greater continuity links with other IDW movie comics, and to explain away any potential continuity conflicts. See "IDW continuity notes" below for the second type of changes.

*As with pretty much every other piece of media aside from the film itself, Wheeljack and Mirage are referred to with those names, instead of the last-minute changes used in the movie, "Que" and "Dino".
*Shockwave has an extended battle with Optimus after he emerges from the Driller.
*Sam and Carly are living in a ground-level apartment rather than a loft, complete with a yard for Wheelie, Brains and their dog, rather than a balcony. Further, where they have a single [[Bonecrusher (dog)|mastiff dog]] in the film, their pets in the comic are the Witwicky family dog [[Mojo]], plus his special friend from ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Frankie]].
*Although they were mostly edited out of the finished movie, Skids and Mudflap can be glimpsed among the assembled Autobots as Prime confronts Mearing.
*Megatron ''kills'' the [[elephant]] that bars his way, rather than just scaring it off.
*Igor is simply a bouncing disembodied head, lacking the stumpy arms and legs he gets around on in the film.
*While the Autobots use the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'' to get to the moon in the film, here they use a human rocket, the ''[[Ares V]]''.
*The [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]] are among the Decepticons hidden on the moon, and secretly hitch a ride back to Earth by clinging to the outside of the ''Ares V'', preceding their later role in the story.

===IDW continuity notes===
*[[Walter Simmons]] oversees the first moon mission.
*The movie has the Autobots raiding an "illegal nuclear facility" at the start of the story; the comic has them recovering illegally-possessed Cybertronian technology that this country has covertly obtained from the Decepticons, continuing a plot thread from the ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' prequel. This makes their actions a bit more personal and justifiable!
*As this issue begins, NEST are just finishing up the decommissioning of the Diego Garcia base, following its devastation in ''Rising Storm'', explaining why it didn't appear in the film. Makeshift "caskets" (actually shipping crates) are laid out for all the Autobots who died in that series.
*As he carts Brains off, Sam asks him what he's "done to his head", referring to the addition of a shock of fibre-optic hair Brains sports in the movie that he was lacking in ''Rising Storm''.
*Shockwave's rampage from ''Rising Storm'' is actively referred to when he appears at Chernobyl, and he continues to his talk in his cold, stoic, Generation 1-inspired dialect, rather than the growling non-words of the film.

==Covers (2)==
*'''Cover A:''' Optimus Prime standing in front of Sam and Carly, by Jorge Jimenez Moreno.

<gallery>
Image:DOTM Cover.jpg
</gallery>

== Advertisements ==
*Future installments of the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]].
*[[Little, Brown and Company]] ''Dark of the Moon'' children's books, including [[Autobots Versus Decepticons]], [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]], [[Bumblebee's Best Friend]], [[The Lost Autobot]], [[Dark of the Moon: The Reusable Sticker Book]] and [[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]].
*''Rising Storm'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' trade paperbacks.

[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:IDW Dark of the Moon issues]]

Dark of the Moon issue 1

2016-09-08T20:09:54Z

Dinohawk: /* Featured characters */

Transformers (film)

2016-05-26T09:45:09Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{disambig2|the 2007 movie|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}

{{nav-movie}}

:''Transformers is an [[Sector Seven (game)|elaborate cover up]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination!]]

'''''Transformers''''' is a live-action movie released by [[DreamWorks]] in 2007, with Executive Producer [[Steven Spielberg]] and Director [[Michael Bay]]. The story follows the Transformers' arrival on modern-day Earth and their interactions with the human race, as they search for the life-giving [[AllSpark]] and continue their ages-old civil war. The movie is a new imagining of the [[Transformers brand]], drawing on past Transformers fiction but also distinct in its own right.

''Transformers'' features [[Sam Witwicky]], a plucky teenager who just wants a cool car, but gets more than he bargained for. The beater he and his father take home is actually [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], an alien robot from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], who plants Sam down in the middle of a civil war between Bumblebee's benevolent [[Autobot]] comrades and the evil [[Decepticon]]s who threaten the galaxy's peace. Both sides are after the AllSpark, a mysterious artifact that landed on Earth ten thousand years ago. The approaching robot-against-robot battle is a coming-of-age moment for Sam, who learns the meaning of his family's motto, "No sacrifice, no victory."

The principal cast members were [[Shia LaBeouf]], [[Jon Voight]], and [[Megan Fox]], with [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Hugo Weaving]] as the voices of the Transformers' iconic leaders. About 75 percent of the film's character designs and visual effects were created by [[Industrial Light & Magic]], the effects-wizards behind the [[Star Wars (film)|''Star Wars'' films]]. The remaining 25 percent were done by Michael Bay's company, [[Digital Domain]].

Originally slated to release in the summer of 2006, the film arrived in US theaters on [[July 3]], 2007, and hit UK theaters on [[July 27]] and French theaters on [[July 25]]. It premiered in Australia on [[June 12]], 2007, and was released there and in a number of Asian countries on [[June 28]], 2007. An extended cut of the film featuring footage not in the original was released to IMAX theatres on [[September 21]], 2007.

{{bigquote|Sam Witwicky, you hold the key to Earth's survival.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] on the basic plot}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Allspark movie.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|With this, I shall make you my slave!]]
Many years ago, Cybertron is destroyed at the hands of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], during his quest to obtain the AllSpark. Megatron discovers the AllSpark on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the Arctic Circle, becoming frozen in the ice. Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in the late 19th century. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and [[Glasses#Movie|Archibald's eyeglasses]] are imprinted with the coordinates to the AllSpark's location. [[Sector Seven]], a secret organization of the United States government, independently discovers the AllSpark and builds the [[Hoover Dam]] around it to mask its energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is reverse engineered to further advance [[human]] technology.

[[File:Movie Blackout SOCCENT.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|Let the slaughter begin!]]
In the present day, the other Decepticons — [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] — have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles. Blackout and Scorponok attack the U.S. [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]] in an effort to use the military database to discover the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors under Captain [[William Lennox]] wander through the desert and are followed by Scorponok. The Autonomous Robotic Organism (shortened to "Autobot") known as Bumblebee is also on Earth, disguised as a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. He finds Sam at a used car lot where the boy is looking to purchase a car. Bumblebee covertly sabotages all of the other cars in the lot, leaving him as Sam's only option. Sam buys Bumblebee and the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and woo his crush, [[Mikaela Banes]]. Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until one night when the Autobot drives off without him. Sam chases Bumblebee on a bike to a factory area, calling the police in the process, and witnesses Bumblebee transform into robot mode and send a signal to the Autobots in space. The police soon arrive and Sam is arrested.

[[File:Movie Scorponok leapsout.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Run, Blaster! Save yourself!]]
At the [[Pentagon]], Defense Secretary [[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] oversees the investigation into the attack in Qatar. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates Air Force One and attempts to download all information relating to "Project Iceman". However, [[Maggie Madsen]], one of the technicians studying the Decepticon infiltration signal, detects Frenzy hacking into the files and convinces the Pentagon to take down the Defense Network, halting Frenzy's download. When [[Air Force One]] makes an emergency landing, Frenzy slips into Barricade, and discusses his discovery of Archibald Witwicky, who has seen [[Cybertronian language|their language]]. Using an internet search, they discover that Sam's glasses will lead the Decepticons to the AllSpark. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's location. Back in Qatar, the Army Rangers are attacked by Scorponok, and take refuge in a nearby village. Calling the Pentagon and getting air support, they discover that the Decepticons are vulnerable to high heat weaponry such as sabot rounds. Using this information, the soldiers inform the Pentagon that they now have a weapon.

[[File:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] say find friends today.]]
Sam having been bailed out of jail by his father, gets the impression that Bumblebee is stalking him. A freaked out Sam flees from Bumblebee (who is in car mode) on his mother's bike. Bumblebee then proceeds to pursue him. Mikaela sees Sam on the run and follows him on her motor scooter. After Sam evades Bumblebee, he is confronted by Barricade who demands Archibald's glasses. Mikaela arrives as Sam is running away from Barricade. Bumblebee, still in car mode, then finds them and has them get in. Barricade chases Bumblebee to a power plant where Bumblebee transforms and battles the Decepticon robot-to-robot. Meanwhile, Frenzy chases Sam but gets his head decapitated by Mikaela, however his head still functions and takes the form of Mikaela's phone to hide in her purse. Bumblebee, who has defeated Barricade, properly introduces himself to Sam and Mikaela. He then takes them to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. They all meet in a dark, secluded alley, transform in front of the two amazed humans, introduce themselves and tell of the reasons they had to come to Earth to Sam and Mikaela. Meanwhile, Maggie, unable to convince John Keller and his officers of the Decepticon virus's complexity, makes a copy of the intrusion signal and shows it to her friend [[Glen Whitmann]], who discovers a message with the signal about Sector Seven, Captain Witwicky, and [[Project Iceman]]. However, the FBI arrest Glen and Maggie, who desperately tries to convince them not to go to war with the wrong country.

[[File:Movie Autobots Sector Seven.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'll use the universal greeting.]]
Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. However, agents from [[Sector Seven]] arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. As Sam and Mikaela are taken away in one of their vehicles, [[Seymour Simmons]], the agency's director, reveals that Mikaela has a criminal record and threatens Sam with life imprisonment, at which point the Autobots disable the convoy and rescue the teens. Mikaela then explains to Sam that the only reason she has a record is her refusal to turn her father in for the crimes he committed, prompting her to ask him what he has ever sacrificed in his "perfect little life." Reinforcements arrive at the scene and the Autobots retreat. However Sam and Mikaela are recaptured and Bumblebee is also captured despite Sam's pleas to let him go. Prime orders the other Autobots to let Bumblebee be taken, unwilling to use deadly force against the humans. At the Pentagon, a virus Frenzy uploaded during the Air Force One hack causes a global communications blackout, while Keller is finally informed of the Transformers by [[Tom Banachek]]. After Bumblebee's capture, Optimus uses the glasses to locate the AllSpark at Hoover Dam, and declares that if they cannot defeat the Decepticons, he will merge the Cube with his spark, even though it will kill him.

[[File:Movie Optimus Megatron.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|One shall stand. One shall fall.]]
Sam, Mikaela, Keller, Maggie, Glen, and Lennox's unit are brought to Hoover Dam, where they are shown by Simmons and Banachek the frozen Megatron and the AllSpark, while Frenzy slips away. Sam explains the Decepticons' plan to use the AllSpark to transform human machines to conquer the universe. Locating the AllSpark, Frenzy regenerates the rest of his body and sends out an alert to Starscream, who mobilizes the rest of the Decepticons. Due to Starscream's attack and Frenzy's sabotage, Megatron begins to thaw, and Sam, Lennox, and Keller convince Banachek and Simmons to release Bumblebee so that he can get the AllSpark to Optimus Prime. Bumblebee converts the AllSpark into a smaller state for transportation to [[Mission City]].

Glen, Maggie, Keller, and Simmons manage to contact the Air Force and direct F22s to Mission City. Frenzy tries to stop them but is killed. As Bumblebee, Sam, Mikeala, and Lennox's unit drive to Mission City, they come in contact with the other Autobots, who join the convoy. Barricade, Devastator, and Bonecrusher, in vehicle modes, pursue them and Bonecrusher transforms into robot mode. Optimus transforms to stay behind and stop their pursuers. He fights Bonecrusher and eventually kills him. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots and the soldiers reach Mission City and come under attack by Starscream, Devastator, Blackout and Megatron. Bumblebee is crippled by Starscream while Jazz is killed by Megatron. Mikaela hijacks a tow truck to carry Bumblebee to safety while Lennox tasks Sam with taking the AllSpark to a building where it will be taken by military helicopters. Ironhide and Ratchet cover Sam as he makes his run to the building, protecting him from Blackout before being wounded by Starscream, leaving Sam to get to the building on his own.

[[File:Megatron allspark merge.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Now, light our darkest hour!]]
Optimus Prime finally arrives in the area and confronts Megatron. The two battle one-on-one before Megatron knocks Prime out and chases Sam. As Sam get to the roof of the building and is about to hand the AllSpark off to one of the helicopters, it is shot down by Starscream. Megatron destroys the portion of the roof the Sam is standing on when he refuses to hand over the AllSpark. However, Optimus catches Sam and he and Megatron resume their duel with Megatron once again gaining the upper hand. Meanwhile, Mikaela drives the tow truck in reverse to allow Bumblebee to fire on Devastator, who has Lennox and his men pinned down. Bumblebee kills Devastator and a full air strike is called in on Blackout and Megatron. As Blackout attempts to assist Megatron, he is killed by Lennox and the Air Force before he can engage. Starscream hides among a raptor squadron, destroying three fighters before being chased away. The Air Force and Lennox's rangers attack Megatron, inflicting serious damage upon him, but he is still functional, and heading toward the Cube. Finally, with both Prime and Megatron weakened, Prime beckons Sam to shove the AllSpark into his chest, destroying them both, but Sam instead takes the riskier action of shoving the AllSpark into Megatron's chest, destroying it, and killing Megatron instead.

{{note|For an extensive synopsis of the battle, see separate article [[Mission City]].}}

[[File:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Optimus thanks Sam for his courage and for saving his life, while Bumblebee, who has temporarily regained his voice, asks permission to remain with Sam, which is granted. In an attempt to cover up the existence of the Transformers, Sector Seven is disbanded, while the remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. Though Megatron is dead, the AllSpark's destruction leaves the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. With no other home to go to, the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream retreats from Earth.
{{-}}

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Darius McCrary]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] / Devastator
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]
*[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] ([[Reno Wilson]])

|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] ([[Jon Voight]])
*[[Maggie Madsen]] ([[Rachael Taylor]])
*[[Glen Whitmann]] ([[Anthony Anderson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Tom Banachek]] ([[Michael O'Neill]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Bobby Bolivia]] ([[Bernie Mac]])
*[[Trent DeMarco]] ([[Travis Van Winkle]])
*[[Archibald Witwicky]] ([[William Morgan Sheppard]])
*[[Patrick Donnelly]] ([[Zack Ward]])
*[[Jorge Figueroa]] ([[Amaury Nolasco]])
*[[Miles Lancaster]] ([[John Robinson]])
*[[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])

|c4=
*[[Mojo]] ([[Chester the Chihuahua]])
[[AllSpark Mutation]]s
*[[Nokia-bot]]
*[[Dispensor]]
*[[Steering wheel robot|Steering wheel]]
*[[Xbox 360 robot|Xbox 360]]
|nonumbering=true
}}
'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''' - Brawl is named "Devastator" in the film itself, but "Brawl" in the toyline and most of the supporting media. Plot summaries and such will reflect whichever name is relevant to that being described.

==Quotes==
"Before time began, there was the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That was how our race was born. For a time, we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good, others for evil. And so began the war - a war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death, and the Cube was lost to the far reaches of space. We scattered across the galaxy, hoping to find it and rebuild our home, searching every star, every world. And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called... Earth. But we were already too late."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' opening narration

"Look, can you do me a favor—can you look out the window for a second? See my father? He's the guy in the green car? Let me tell you about a dream, a boy's dream, and a man's promise to that boy. He looked him in the eye and said "Son, I'm gonna buy you a car, but I want you to bring me two-thousand dollars and three A's." OK, I got the two thousand and two A's. OK, here's the dream. Your B minus? Pfff! Dream gone. Kaputt. Sir, just ask yourself... what would [[Jesus]] do?"
:—'''Sam Witwicky''' negotiates a better mark for his Family Genealogy project

'''Bobby Bolivia:''' What with the semi-classic nature of the vehicle, slick wheels and custom paint job— 
'''Sam:''' The paint's faded! 
'''Bobby:''' Y-yeah, but it's custom. 
'''Sam:''' It's custom faded? 
'''Bobby:''' Well, it's your first car, I wouldn't expect you to understand. ''[turns to Ron]'' Five grand. 
'''Ron:''' No, not paying over four. Sorry. 
'''Bobby:''' ''[turns back to Sam]'' Kid, c'mon, get out, get out of the car. 
'''Sam:''' No, no, no, you said cars pick their drivers! 
'''Bobby:''' Well, sometimes they pick a driver with a cheap-ass father—out of the car. 
:—Negotiations over [[Bumblebee (Movie)|the car]] at [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo]]

''[Sam's car leaves in a huge puff of black smoke]'' 
"Wow... you are so cheap." 
"It's his first car... supposed to be like that."
:—'''Judy Witwicky''' comments on the car's condition to '''Ron'''

'''Capt. Lennox:''' I need a credit card! Epps, where's your wallet? 
'''Sgt. Epps:''' Pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' Which pocket?" 
'''Epps:''' My ''back'' pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' You got ten back pockets! 
'''Epps:''' Left cheek! Left cheek! ''Left cheek!'' 
:—Calling the Pentagon from Qatar gets complicated.

"Ready, heat's coming!" 
"What, BRING IT!" 
:—'''Lennox''' and '''Epps''' giving the green light for Strike Package Bravo to attack

'''Optimus Prime''': Are you Samuel James Witwicky, descendant of Archibald Witwicky? 
'''Mikaela Banes''': They know your name! 
'''Sam''': Uh... Yeah? 
'''Optimus Prime''': My name is Optimus Prime. 
:—Admit it, you stood up and cheered and/or wept from joy after this exchange.

"The parents are... irritating. Can I take them out?"
:—'''Ironhide''' meets the family

'''Jazz''': What about Bumblebee? We can't just leave him to die! And become some human experiment! 
'''Optimus Prime''': He'll die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission. Bumblebee is a brave soldier. This is what he would want. 
'''Ironhide:''' Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive and violent race. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' Were we so different? They are a young species. They have much to learn... but I've seen goodness in them. [[Make Prime Speak|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings]]... You all know there is only one way to end this war: We must destroy the Cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest. 
'''Ratchet:''' That's suicide! The Cube is raw power—it could destroy you both. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet... We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out! 
'''Jazz''': We rollin'! 
:—The Autobots discuss their next move.

"Do you want a piece of me?! Do you want a piece-" 
"NO! I want TWO!"''[rips Jazz in two]'' 
:—'''Jazz''', showing no fear and '''Megatron''', showing cruelty and cleverness

"Humans don't deserve to live." 
"They deserve to choose for themselves!" 
"Then you will die with them! Join them in extinction!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' have some mid-battle banter, Transformers style

"Give me the AllSpark, and you may live to be my ''pet''." 
"I'm never giving you this AllSpark!" 
"Oh, ''so'' unwise..."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Sam Witwicky''' have a tense moment on a Mission City rooftop.

"With the AllSpark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call... home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight... but watching over them in secret... waiting... protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here... we are waiting."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' closing narration

==Errors==
* Sunset occurs roughly every fifteen minutes. Possibly indicative of time passage, but a little too much to not warrant mention in the actual movie. Specific instances:
**When the radar operator at SOCCENT base first spots Blackout, he reports him as an "inbound unidentified infiltrator, ten miles out". [[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] dispatches two F-22s, which intercept Blackout still in broad daylight. When Blackout lands at the base, it's suddenly sunset. As the soldiers round him up, it rapidly turns dark within what appears to be seconds. Once Blackout transforms, it's already night.
**When Mikaela walks home from the lake, the sun is still shining. Sam tells Miles that she "lives ten miles from here". After he picked her up, Bumblebee feigns an engine problem. By the time Sam gets him running again, the sky is still in an early stage of pre-sunset. By the time Sam drops Mikaela at her home, it's night again.
**Barricade assaults Sam in the middle of the day. Bumblebee intervenes and drives off with Sam and Mikaela still in broad daylight. During the ensuing car chase, sunset abruptly occurs once Bumblebee has left the warehouse, and it promptly turns night between shots. (The chase scene was actually intended to be longer; see "[[#Changes before, during and after production|changes before, during and after production]]" below.)
* The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) used by the US Air Force to investigate Scorponok's attack on Captain Lennox is modeled after the [[wikipedia:MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]], but is identified as the [[wikipedia:MQ-1 Predator|MQ-1 Predator]]. Also, neither of these UAVs use jet engines.
[[File:MovieTaxis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|These shots were ''shown in sequence'', believe it or not.]]
* After Maggie copies the signal to take to Glen, she hails a black and white cab, but she's dropped off at Glen's house by an all-white cab. (The "cab hailing" footage originally came from a deleted scene near the beginning of the movie when Maggie was late for work.), and are two different models of the Crown Victoria taxicab.
* When Sam's car breaks down and Mikaela gets out to look at the engine, she leaves the passenger door open. When the car restarts and Sam leaves to close the hood, the passenger side door is now shut. But hey, maybe that was Bumblebee.
* Mikaela identifies Bumblebee's engine as having a "high-rise, double-pump carburetor" but the engine shown has no such carburetor.
* After Bumblebee backs into a corner of the power plant to evade Barricade, there is a close up shot of him spinning his wheels to make his getaway. However, the shot of the wheels spinning is at a different location: the empty warehouse that Bumblebee and Barricade had raced through moments earlier.
* Possibly an error, or possibly just a confusing shot setup, but when Bumblebee makes his escape, Barricade appears to change positions multiple times as camera angles change. Bumblebee guns his engines as Barricade is just starting to cross in front of him, but as Bumblebee speeds backwards, Barricade has backtracked well out of the way.
* After scanning his new Concept Camaro alt-form, Bumblebee's robot body displays either battle-worn parts or brand new parts at random times for the duration of the film.
[[File:MovieJazzBarricadeLicensePlates.jpg|thumb|Barricade has the plate before Jazz even comes to Earth, so it's not a trophy or anything...]]
* As long as Bumblebee transforms into a 1976 Camaro, his license plate consistently reads "489 PCE" both in vehicle and robot mode. After scanning his modern Camaro alternate mode, the license plate changes too... which isn't actually an error. What ''is'' an error, though, is that the new license plate keeps changing from "900 STRA" in vehicle mode to "4NZZ454" in robot mode.
*Jazz's license plate is equally inconsistent: On his robot mode chest it's "1-4027E", but during his transformation before his fight with [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], he sports the license plate "664 NLZO" in vehicle mode. What's worse, "1-4027E" is also ''Barricade's'' license plate in vehicle mode, as can be seen when he slows down and then accelerates again after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee.
* During the scene where Optimus Prime scans a truck for his new body, the passing truck has what appears to be an Autobot sigil on its grill, but the actual truck that Prime turns into at the end of the scene has a much wider, flatter symbol on the grill, quite possibly a Peterbilt logo.
* When Simmons replays Sam's "last words" recorded onto his cell phone, it doesn't match what he said in the scene where he actually recorded them.
* When the Autobots arrive to rescue Sam and Mikaela from Agent Simmons, Ironhide is the first Autobot to reach the damaged SUV and the other Sector Seven agents. Behind him, Ratchet is making his way towards the SUV, while Jazz and Bumblebee have their respective weapons drawn. However, in the very next shot, Ratchet's gun is suddenly in front of Ironhide, who is now making two short steps towards the SUV, while Jazz's gun has been replaced by his hand (which he uses to pull Sector Seven's guns away magnetically). In the shot after that, Jazz is just standing around sans Sector Seven guns, while Bumblebee wanders up and draws his gun...again.
[[File:Movie2007 Keller OBVIOUSVISUALAID.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Yer days're numbered now, Decepti-creeps.]]
* When Banachek shows Keller photographs of the Decepticon that destroyed the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] [[Beagle 2 Rover]], and supposedly a photo of Blackout taken by Epps during the attack on SOCCENT Qatar, "Blackout's photo" is clearly taken during the day, complete with the sun behind the Decepticon as a major light source, whereas the attack on SOCCENT took place in the evening. This was either a continuity error or a ham-handed attempt to make the audience realise the attackers in both photos are one and the same by making the photos look similar.
** Not to mention that the actual Beagle 2 was a '''''European''''' Space Agency '''''lander''''', not a [[NASA]] Rover.
* During the montage where Bumblebee's frozen body is being transported inside Hoover Dam via a moving platform whilst the Autobots discuss his fate, in one of the shots the physical Bumblebee prop is missing its distinctive car doors.
* During the first half of the movie, Maggie is wearing a slim striped skirt, but she is suddenly dressed in 3/4 jeans in the scene when they arrive at Hoover Dam.
*This may not be an error, but Barricade seems to disappear after being driven off the road during the highway scene, as he is never shown again in the movie or the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]]. [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] later pulls the same trick in said sequel.
* When Ironhide transforms and performs a somersault to dodge Brawl's missiles, he is seen rising first, then falling. At that moment, he is already almost at the ground, low enough to touch the ground if he stretched his arms. However, on the next scene, he has gone much higher up, high enough to fire both the cannons on his arms then perform a midair somersault.
* When Lennox arrives as Sam and Mikaela are supposedly strapping Bumblebee with the tow truck's chains, Bumblebee is not actually there. When the shot changes angles to the other side of the truck, Bumblebee is sitting right beside the truck while Sam directs Mikaela to wrap Bumblebee in the chains. When Lennox tells Sam to evacuate the Cube, subsequent camera angles from this side of the truck are actually where Bumblebee was moments earlier, but he's not there again (it is unlikely the angle was meant to be from Bumblebee's perspective). When Sam starts to run off and Mikaela calls him back, Bumblebee is once again clearly not sitting beside the truck. In fact, the space he once occupied has the beige van he crawled out of, earlier in the battle. What makes this all the more bizarre is that the life-sized Bumblebee prop was actually used for some of the scenes that depict Bumblebee strapped to the tow truck.
[[File:MovieTowTruckNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mike changed phone numbers while giant robots were fighting in the city.]]
* After Optimus Prime and Megatron land in the city streets after flying through the office tower, Megatron throws the Autobot leader a short distance away, causing him to land on a parked car. After Megatron forms his fusion cannon, Optimus Prime has suddenly moved further down the street and the car he crushed, along with the other abandoned cars, have vanished. Also, in this shot, Optimus' feet don't make craters or any visible mark on the concrete. Yet, when Optimus is running from the Sector Seven Agents, he's making huge craters while he is side-stepping cars. (This comes with weighing over four tons and running 40 miles an hour.) Additionally, Optimus stops at the intersection just in front of Megatron to pull out his Ion blaster in this shot, but when it cuts to a shot to the left-front of Optimus, he is only mid-way up the street, and there is a parked yellow cab at the curb which was empty seconds earlier. Funnily enough, this curb was where the crushed car was parked.
* During the fight towards the end of the film between Megatron and Optimus, it is shown that Optimus is about the same size as Megatron in robot mode. Yet, in vehicle mode, Megatron is a great deal larger than Optimus is. Similarly, Starscream seems to be smaller than Megatron in robot form, leading to the logical conclusion that he is smaller than Optimus as well. Yet in vehicle mode, he is nearly four to five times larger, seeing as an F-22 Raptor is a great deal larger than a Peterbilt 379 tractor cab. And they say they don't have [[scale]] problems.
* For the battle in Mission City, see [[Mission City#Notes]].
*The phone number on the doors of the tow truck is "800-555-0199" when Mikaela is driving it, but when she gets out, the number changes to "800-555-MIKE". The font is slightly different, too.
* In the battle at Mission City, Brawl very clearly fires 3 missiles out of his shoulder-mounted missile launcher, but before he dies, all 4 missiles are in his missile launcher. Then again, this could just be a sort of 'auto-reload' thing the Transformers have going on, as they probably wouldn't get very far in battle if they were only limited to 4 missiles each.
* When Keller is meeting with the other officials, he says they're going to dump the bodies of the Decepticons into the Laurentian Abyss, the deepest place on the planet. The deepest place on the planet is the Mariana Trench.

===Explicable discrepancies===
* Sam and Mikaela, as well as Maggie and Glen arrive at Hoover Dam on the same helicopter despite being from opposite ends of the country. Occasionally cited as an error, it is actually a narrative oversight, as it is likely that Sam and Mikaela were held in custody at a U.S. Air Base while waiting for Maggie and Glen to arrive with Secretary Keller's party by plane, then they all left for Hoover Dam together on the helicopters.

* There are some problems with Simmons's statement about various technologies being reverse-engineered from Megatron. Cars came about in one shape or form at about the turn of the century, and spaceflight technology was pioneered by German and Soviet scientists. (This is possibly what [[Sector Seven|they]] ''want'' you to think.) Then again, [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] also thinks that [[Nokia]] is a Japanese company...

* Most people mistakenly confuse the date of Megatron's discovery with the date the Hoover Dam was built. Based on the various dates given by Banachek, it's clear that Megatron was ''left in the Arctic'' for many years before being moved to Hoover Dam, making his discovery easily pre-date cars.

==Transformer references==
The movie contains a number of nods and winks to previous iterations of ''Transformers'', primarily from ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''. Some of these were included in direct response to urgings of the fans; others originated with the production crew.

* The basic story set-up is similar to many iterations of the ''Generation 1'' story — two warring factions, the noble Autobots and the power-hungry Decepticons, arrive on Earth, having left their devastated home planet, the war-torn mechanical world of Cybertron.
* Many of the featured Transformers are re-imagined versions of characters from ''Generation 1''. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in particular are similar in physical form and characterization to their movie incarnations. The Movie versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] differ in appearance but fulfill story roles similar to their original versions.
* Though the characters are new, "[[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]", "[[Scorponok (disambiguation)|Scorponok]]", "[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]/[[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]", "[[Blackout (disambiguation)|Blackout]]", "[[Barricade (disambiguation)|Barricade]]", and "[[Bonecrusher (disambiguation)|Bonecrusher]]" are all names that have been used on Transformer characters before.
* Blackout's symbiotic relationship with Scorponok originated as an interpretation of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his cassette troops. Frenzy's transformation into a portable stereo is likewise a homage to Soundwave's cassette deck alternate form.
* Sam shares his last name with the [[Witwicky#Generation 1 continuity family|main human allies]] of the Autobots in the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]. Like Spike before him, he's closest to Bumblebee.
* The Autobot faction symbol seen on Bumblebee and others is basically unchanged from its ''Generation 1'' appearance.
* The AllSpark takes its name from [[Allspark|a concept]] originally introduced in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* The original G1 [[transformation]] sound pops up several times during the course of the film, such as Blackout's first conversion sequence (though truth be told it sounds more like it's being broadcast from a loudspeaker.)
[[File:Movie BoliviasFinestQualityUsedCars 2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.]]
* In his first appearance, Bumblebee parks next to a yellow Volkswagen Beetle — the alternate form of [[Bumblebee (G1)|G1 Bumblebee]].
* When instructing the Autobots to escape Sector Seven and when they later head for Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime delivers his catchphrase from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, ordering them to [[Roll out|"Roll out!"]]
* Sam's surmise that the Transformers come from Japan is [[TakaraTomy|not entirely inaccurate]].
* Prime references "the spark in my chest". [[Spark]]s — the life-force that makes Transformers alive — have been an integral part of Transformers fiction since ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.
* Although the Transformers' primary energy supply, [[Energon]], does not make an established physical appearance in the film, its name appears on the license plate of an SUV thrown through the air during Megatron's rampage in [[Mission City]].
* Optimus Prime's line "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" is the quote from his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|original 1984 toy's]] [[bio]]. At least one of the reasons for the inclusion of this line was because it won in an online contest conducted by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] in late 2006, named "[[Make Prime Speak]]".
* Prime's line "...one shall stand; one shall fall" comes from the 1986 animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* The scene in which Jazz yanks aside Devastator's tank barrel is a direct homage to a similar sequence from TF:TM involving [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* Ironhide's complaint that [[Mojo]] "leaked lubricant" on his foot references a [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|favorite]] [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|exclamation]] [[Power Play!|of his]] ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|counterpart]], "Leakin' lubricant!" The phrase originated with his [[The Transformers Universe|original character outline]], stating that "he [refers to] excessive talking as 'leaking lubricant.'"
* Sam telling Mikaela that there's "more than meets the eye... with you" quotes the slogan used in the toy line, also included in the G1 series [[theme song]].
*Megatron wields a flail in the Mission City battle, just as he did in his fight with Optimus Prime in the second-ever G1 episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

==Other editions==
The 2007 Transformers film has more than one "cut."

* The worldwide theatrical release was essentially identical all around the world with a few minor exceptions.
* The film board of Malaysia required [[Judy Witwicky]]'s masturbation reference be removed{{fact}}. However, no such change has been made and her lines were not omitted from the film.
*Glen's line, "that killer robot is really distracting", was cut from DVD releases. However, it is featured in the official novelization of the movie and at least one trailer.
* The [[wikipedia:IMAX|IMAX]] edition of the movie features two minutes of additional footage in the form of slightly extended scenes and very brief new scenes. Added material includes the following:
**Before heading to the lake party, Sam is shown picking Miles up at his house. Miles derides Sam's choice of car colors.
**After Sam is questioned by the sheriff at the police station, he is given an anti-drug bumper sticker and shown the "[[wikipedia:This is Your Brain on Drugs|This is Your Brain on Drugs]]" [[Public service announcement|PSA]] starring [[wikipedia:Rachel Leigh Cook|Rachel Leigh Cook]].
**After abducting Sam and Mikaela, Agent Simmons uses a device to monitor Sam's pupil dilation while interrogating him in the truck. He also remarks that he has "been there" when it comes to women with criminal records.
**Upon arriving at Hoover Dam, Simmons remarks colorfully that it is "Area 50". A few minutes later, he lists the nicknames of all the U.S. Presidents to have toured the facility.
**In Mission City, Lennox acquires short-range radios from a gun-toting, but easily flattered, pawn shop owner.

==Prequel material==
* ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]''
: A novel about the truth behind humankind's first venture into space and how that event is related to the Transformers' presence on Earth, both past and present.

* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel]]''
: A four issue limited series comic book from [[IDW Publishing]], released before the movie's debut. It chronicles the events which bring the Transformers to [[Earth]].

* "[[Interlude]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A short comic book by IDW, produced in cooperation with [[Target]], available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) at BotCon and in theaters, following Bumblebee's early search for clues on Earth.

* "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A mini-comic by IDW, produced in cooperation with Target, available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) as a Target exclusive bonus pack-in with the Movie DVD, showing the Decepticons' arrival on Earth.

* The ''[[Movie Prequel Special]]''
: A mass retail release that contains reprints of both "Planetfall" and "Interlude" (now with individual story titles) in collected form.

* ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]''
: A not-really-animated animatic version of IDW's ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' comics, voiced by some of the actors from the movie, the game and a bunch of other people. Included on a [[Walmart]] exclusive bonus DVD available with the Movie DVD.

* ''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers]]''
: A monthly comic published in the UK by [[Titan Books]], featuring new adventures set before the movie in its initial six issues (in addition to reprints of stories originally published by IDW). They were reprinted by IDW in the ''[[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark]]'' mini-series.

Some dialog in the film contradicts the prequel material, specifically pertaining to the years in which the frozen Megatron was moved from the Arctic to Hoover Dam, and exactly when the Decepticons arrived on Earth. Some of the prequel material contradicts the ''other'' prequel material... at least till [[John Barber]] fixed some of them on his [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|''Dark of the Moon'' tie in comics]].

==Adaptations==
* A novelization of the film by [[Alan Dean Foster]] was published under the title ''[[Transformers (novel)|Transformers]]''.
* IDW Publishing released a comic adaptation of the film under the title ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]''.

==Sequels==
{{main|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}
Three sequels to this film have been produced and released worldwide.

[[IDW Publishing]] also released the comic sequel to the film, titled ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Transformers: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
[[File:2007Movie 2-disc DVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
{{main|Transformers (film)/home video}}
* '''US:''' [http://tformers.com/US-To-Get-Transformers-DVD-HD-DVD-October-16th/8350/news.html October 16th, 2007] (DVD, HD-DVD), [http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1175/transformers2007.html September 2nd, 2008] (Blu-ray)
* '''Australia:''' November 1, 2007 (DVD)
* '''United Kingdom:''' December 3, 2007 (DVD, HD-DVD), September 8th, 2008 (Blu-ray)

There are nearly a dozen store [[exclusive]] [http://tformers.com/Transformers-DVD-Exclusives-Who-Gets-What/8534/news.html versions and sales premiums of the DVD.] They include:

* [[Target]] and HMV UK: transforming Optimus Prime display case.
* Best Buy: [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] and battle-damaged Optimus Prime.
* [[Walmart]]: [[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]] "animated" prequel material.
* Borders: "Making Of" book.
* Circuit City: password unlocking 15 minutes of exclusive online behind-the-scenes featurettes, covering the voice recording sessions, prop construction, stunt work, and early CG tests and animatics.
{{-}}

==Theatrical posters==
{{picsneeded|Any other official posters not depicted here}}
<center><gallery perrow="4">
File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
File:Movie2007 Autobot promo poster.jpg|Autobot promo poster
File:Movie2007 Decepticon promo poster.jpg|Decepticon promo poster
File:Prime-Sam-Mikaela-poster.jpg|Promotional poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron onesheet.jpg|Megatron one sheet
File:Movie2007 Prime onesheet.jpg|Optimus Prime one sheet
File:Movie2007_final_standee.jpg|Standee, also used as a poster
File:Movie2007 humans internationalposter.jpg|International "Humans" poster/US theatrical poster
File:Movie2007 Sphere internationalposter.jpg|International "Sphere" poster
File:Movie2007 Bumblebee internationalposter.jpg|International Bumblebee poster
File:Movie2007 Prime internationalposter.jpg|International Optimus Prime poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron internationalposter.jpg|International Megatron poster
File:Movie2007_Korean_poster.jpg|South Korean theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007 Japanese Aprilpromo poster.jpg|Japanese April 2007 promotional poster
File:Movie2007_Japanese_release_poster.jpg|Japanese theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_poster.jpg|IMAX promotional poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_releaseposter.jpg|IMAX release poster
File:Movie2007 handsmashy ver7 poster.jpg|Used as a prominent skyscraper advert
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
The movie set multiple records when it opened, including biggest opening week gross for a non-sequel ($155.4 million), biggest Tuesday release gross ($27.4 million), biggest July 4 gross ($29 million), and the biggest film opening in mainland China ($3 million) [http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/217368.htm].

The movie closed domestically on [[November 8]], [[2007]], during which time it took in $319,246,193. (Domestic gross accounted for $310,578,372 before the IMAX version's release.) It has earned a ''worldwide'' gross of $708,272,592. It currently sits at spot #20 in the "most domestic gross" list of movies, though this listing is ''not'' adjusted for inflation. When taking inflation into account, ''Transformers'' currently sits at #102. [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers06.htm 2]

{{quote|I didn't sleep through it the way I Novocained my way through the awful ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', but by the time it ended, I thought I might have vertigo or whiplash, or both, and I certainly lost more than a few of my remaining I.Q. points|[http://www.observer.com/2007/bay-bombs-again Rex Reed]}}

{{quote|It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset.|Roger Ebert}}

{{quote|But it's tough to really care about questions like, "Why did that happen?" or even "What's going on?" when you’re constantly interrupted by "Oh my goodness! Giant robots! Weeee!"|Peter Suderman|[http://tinyurl.com/373rps The National Review]}}

Critical reception was hit-and-miss, [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/ more positive than negative but not by a lot], though it's sometimes hard to tell how many negative reviewers were more interested in criticizing [[Michael Bay]] in general over the movie itself. Otherwise, the most common negatives involved it being a generally think-free "spectacle"-style movie; even those who rated the movie positively noted it was a pure "popcorn" movie meant to wow its audience with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] and explosions rather than make them think (Richard Roper noted in his "thumbs up" review "it has no nutritional value"). Whether one considers that a good or bad thing for a movie and if the movie was enough fun to overcome that is, of course, highly debatable. The other main culprit, again noted by many of the positive reviews, was its long running time, particularly the overly-chaotic, often hard-to-follow final big-bang extended ending action sequence. ([http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/REVIEWS/70620006/1023 Roger Ebert] noted that this sequence was what made him give the movie three out of four stars rather than the full four.)

From the fan and general audience point of view, Transformers was generally favored. However, there have been division over the amount of human stories at the expense of the robots.

Transformers was nominated for three Oscars, in the fields of Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Achievement in Visual Effects. The sound awards went to ''The Bourne Ultimatum'', and the visual effects award went to ''The Golden Compass''.

Three sequels have been produced to date: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' was released worldwide on [[June 24]] [[2009]], ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' was released on [[June 28]], [[2011]], and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

According to a 2011 survey, the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie is the third most-pirated movie of all time.<ref><tt>The usual suspects were there, with "Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors, and "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" at 19 million downloads apiece.</tt>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/showbiz/movies/top-pirated-movies-ew/index.html Top 10 most pirated movies], October 14, 2011</ref>

==Technical details==
'''Length:''' 144 min (original theatrical)<ref>The movie had some content cuts to meet the standards of some <s>oppressive regimes</s> quaint "developing world" rating boards.</ref> 
'''Aspect Ratio:''' 2.35:1 
'''Audio:''' Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDS 
'''Content Rating:'''
{{collist|4|
* PG-13 (USA/MPAA)
* ? (Japan)
* 12A (United Kingdom)
* PG (Canada; British Columbia)<ref>''Transformers'' received a "14A" rating in British Columbia, but an appeal by the studio successfully reduced it to PG.</ref>
* G (Canada; Quebec)
* PG (Canada; Alberta/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario)
* PG (Canada; Canadian Home Video Rating System)
* PG (Taiwan)
* IIA (China; Hong Kong)
* PG (Singapore)
* G (Philippines/MTRCB)
* U (France)
* U (Malaysia)
* M (Australia)
* M (New Zealand)
* TE (Chile)
* 10 (Brazil)
* 10M (South Africa)
* 11 (Denmark)
* K-11 (Finland)
* 11 (Norway)
* 11 (Sweden)
* 12 (Germany)
* 12A (Ireland)
* 12 (Netherlands)
* M/12 (Portugal)
* 12 (South Korea)
* 12 (Switzerland)
* 13 (Argentina)
* 14 (Peru)
* 12 (Poland)
* B (Mexico)
* 12+ (Russia)}}

==Production staff==
[[File:Movie Castandcrew2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Megatron? Is that you?!]]
* Executive Producer: [[Steven Spielberg]]
* Executive Producer: [[Brian Goldner]]
* Director: [[Michael Bay]]
* Producers: [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]], [[Ian Bryce]], [[Tom DeSanto]], [[Don Murphy]]
* Story by: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]] and [[John Rogers]],
* Screenwriters: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]]
* Music by: [[Steve Jablonsky]]

====Visual Effects====
* Visual Effects by: [[Industrial Light & Magic]], [[Digital Domain]], [[Asylum VFX]]
* Production Designer: [[Jeff Mann]]
* Lead Robot Illustrator: [[Ben Procter]]
* Illustrators: [[James Clyne]], [[Tim Flattery]]
* ILM Visual Effects Supervisior: [[Scott Farrar]]
* Art Director: [[Alex Jaeger]]
* Animation Supervisors: [[Scott Benza]], [[Dan Taylor (ILM)|Dan Taylor]]
* Animators: [[Charles Alleneck]], [[C. Michael Easton]], [[Keiji Yamaguchi]]

====Locations Department====
(winners of the California On Location Award [http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/] for "Production Company / Location Team of the Year for Feature Films")

* Supervising Location Manager: '''Ilt Jones'''
* Location Managers: '''Michael J. Burmeister''', '''Fermín Dávalos''', and '''Emre Sonmez'''
* Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Michael Wesley Aycock''', '''Leann Emmert''', '''Perri Fichtner''', '''Ronald M. Haynes''', '''Jonathan Hook''', '''Kathy McCurdy''', '''Manny Padilla''', '''Lisa Patton''', '''Rob Swenson''', '''Marta Tomkiw''', and '''Scott Trimble'''
* Additional Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Brooks Bonstin''', '''Alexandre Chen''', '''Michael Chickey''', '''Martin J. Cummins'''
* Assistant Location Managers: '''Ces Hardy''' and '''Amanda Harrington'''
* Location Scouts: '''Stuart Raven Barter''', '''Richard Klotz''', '''James Lin''', and '''Keith Nakata'''
{{-}}
==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
In 2000, director Joseph Kahn pitched his treatment for a live-action Transformers film to [[Sony]], but they eventually lost interest in a film. In 2003, producer [[Don Murphy]] had intended to produce a movie based on another [[Hasbro]] property, [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. However, following the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, a movie entitled "G.I. Joe" was no longer considered viable, so Carol Monroe, who was in charge of Hasbro's movie department at that time, suggested doing a ''Transformers'' movie instead.<ref name="murphylatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/on-set-interview-producer-don-murphy-on-transformers-1502 Latino Review interview with producer Don Murphy.]</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] joined the project as a second producer and wrote a treatment that he and Murphy tried to shop around for a while. (The treatment would eventually remain entirely unused, but DeSanto would try to get a writing credit regardless, even though none of the screenwriters had ever actually ''seen'' his treatment.<ref name="bayspat">[http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-hollywood-deal/2007/07/05/michael-bays-spat-with-his-transformer-producers Rant by Michael Bay, deleted from his own blog, still mirrored on other sites]</ref>) The movie was officially announced for the first time in June 2003.<ref name="comingsoon">[http://web.archive.org/web/20030611151443/http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=238 Coming Soon announcing the movie.]</ref>

In 2004, after [[DreamWorks]] won a bidding war with New Line Cinema over the rights to the film, [[Steven Spielberg]] signed up as executive producer, while [[John Rogers]] was confirmed as screenwriter in November of the same year.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/03/rogers-writing-transformers IGN confirming Rogers as screenwriter.]</ref> In February 2005, Rogers was replaced by [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]],<ref name="ignkurtzorc">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/18/exclusive-new-transformers-writers IGN confirming Kurtzman and Orci as new screenwriters.]</ref> who drastically reworked Rogers' original script.<ref name="rogerscred">[http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/07/proper-credits-for-transformers.html John Rogers confirming that Kurtzman and Orci drastically rewrote his script]</ref> Spielberg tried to convince [[Michael Bay]] to direct the movie in late July 2005, but Bay initially declined, having no interest in a "toy movie". He later changed his mind after attending "Transformers school" at Hasbro, but decided to make the movie "realistic" and accessible for adult viewers.<ref name="audio">Michael Bay's audio commentary on the ''Transformers'' DVD.</ref>

A few days after a list of names of the human cast had been leaked on the internet, [[Shia LaBeouf]] was confirmed as the first cast member.<ref name="ignshia">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/28/from-i-robot-to-transformers IGN confirming Shia LaBeouf.]</ref> Producer Don Murphy,<ref name="murphytfcon">[http://www.transformerscon.com/videos.php Don Murphy at the Canadian TransformersCon.]</ref> Hasbro<ref name="tfwtour">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/139273-botcon-2007-botcon-2007-hasbro-tour-updated-friday-12-45pm.html Hasbro tour report.]</ref> and the screenwriters<ref name="mtv">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1554426/20070312/story.jhtml MTV.com interview with Kurtzman and Orci.]</ref> all favored [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Frank Welker]] as voice actors for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Bay had both audition, but only hired Cullen, while preferring [[Hugo Weaving]] as Megatron.<ref name="cgirobot">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070810172643/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/004974570.cfm Wizard Universe article about the production of the movie.]</ref> However, Welker still got to voice Megatron (alongside Cullen as Prime) in the video game adaption of the movie, ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', as well as in ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]'', an animated (sort of) version of [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|prequel comic mini-series]] that was available on a Wal*Mart exclusive bonus disc included with the movie DVD.

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
In addition to acting as a licensor, Hasbro also actively participated in the development of the movie, starting with an introduction into the world of the Transformers, called the "Transformers School", for everyone involved, including [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="paramountbotcon">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=8001 "Hasbro and Paramount Partnership Panel" at BotCon 2007.]</ref> Hasbro also had a say in the depiction of the Transformers in the movie, the selection of the voice actors,<ref name="tfwtour" /> naming the characters, working on the robot designs<ref name="lorenzoiesb">[http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2724&Itemid=99 IESB interview with Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.]</ref> and the inclusion of "easter eggs", but no veto rights.<ref name="paramountbotcon" /> According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], Hasbro was more interested in an adequate adaption of the ''Transformers'' concept rather than ''only'' marketing the toyline.<ref name="orcihasbro">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2200611&postcount=239 Roberto Orci discussing Hasbro's involvement.]</ref> Nevertheless, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms because of the long production run of the toys, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew">[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20044598_3,00.html Entertainment Weekly interview with Michael Bay.]</ref> Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] then created the [[Movie (toyline)|toys]] based on the designs developed by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. Aside from this, Takara wasn't involved in the creation of the movie at all.<ref name="murphytformers">[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=3945 TFormers interview with Don Murphy.]</ref>

Unlike other ''Transformers'' toylines (except for ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]''), Hasbro and Takara don't share the full rights to the movie toys: Paramount and ILM hold the rights to the robot designs, while the vehicle modes were licensed by companies such as General Motors ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]), Saleen ([[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]), Force Protection Industries ([[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]), the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation ([[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]). Only [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] didn't require a license, since his vehicle mode in the movie was heavily genericized, and all manufacturer logos were removed.<ref name="edmundsveh">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070809065140/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424 Edmunds.com article on the vehicles featured in the movie.]</ref> TakaraTomy even identifies the Leader Class toy as a Kenworth W900 instead of a Peterbilt 379.<ref name="takaraprime">[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie/ma-01.html TakaraTomy product page for Leader Class Optimus Prime.]</ref>

Even though Hasbro didn't directly profit from the box office revenue, owning the ''Transformers'' brand allowed them to profit more from the toys than from licensed brands such as ''[[Spider-Man]]'' or ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. In addition, Hasbro was able to give out over 240 licenses to third party companies.<ref name="hasbrofall">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6912693.stm BBC reporting on Hasbro quarterly earnings for July 2007.]</ref> In the USA alone, Hasbro had sold more than three million toys from the movie line as early as July 2007,<ref name="cnnmoney">[http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/23/news/companies/hasbro/index.htm?section=money_topstories CNN Money story on Hasbro sales.]</ref> while Wal-Mart had earned more than five million $USD with the movie Transformers at the same time.<ref name="walmartmillion">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=143983 Wal-Mart employee Steevy Maximus reporting on sales figures for movie toys.]</ref> A lot of the movie toys were frequently sold out at many stores ("drought") due to a mix of popularity, stores underestimating said popularity (and thus not ordering enough toys), shipping problems in China and [[Toy scalping|scalpers]].

====US Military====
The [[United States military]] (via [[Philip Strub]] and the Defense Department's Film and Television Liaison Office) supported the movie by providing vehicles and soldiers. The vehicles included an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout)]], several F-22 Raptors (one of them serving as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s alternate mode), two A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets, an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane, an AC-130 Spectre gunship and two V-22 Ospreys. Many other airplanes are seen in the background like a few UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, several F-117 Nighthawks, and several cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster and the C-130 Hercules. Therefore, ''Transformers'' is the first movie to feature real, non-CG F-22s.<ref name="afmil">[http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123061917 Air Force Space Command article on the movie.]</ref> Real soldiers trained with the actors who played military personnel<ref name="tyreselatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=2260 Latino Review interview with Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel.]</ref> and were also featured as extras in the movie. Michael Bay even allowed them to improvise lines to make their military dialogue sound as "realistic" as possible.<ref name="nabbtfw">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=115126 First Lieutenant Micheal McNabb reporting his experience of working on the movie.]</ref> In return for their cooperation, Bay gave the military a say in their own depiction in the movie.<ref name="wired">[http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-07/trans_movie?currentPage=all Wired.com article on the movie.]</ref> The military, in turn, views the movie as a new form of recruitment.<ref name="aflink">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123021491 Air Force Link article about the movie.]</ref>

====Product Placement====
Aside from advertising the ''Transformers'' toyline, the movie also features product placement for other companies, such as Apple, Yahoo, Burger King, Nokia, Panasonic, eBay and Hewlett-Packard. The machines given life by the Allspark include an Xbox 360 (including the original startup sound) and a [[Dispensor|Mountain Dew soda vending machine]]. In addition, the movie also features other Hasbro brands, such as ''My Little Pony'' and ''Furby'' (the latter being a property of Hasbro's subsidiary Tiger Electronics). Furthermore, all Autobots, with the exception of Optimus Prime, have vehicles provided by subsidiaries of General Motors as their [[alternate mode]]s, which saved Michael Bay $3 million of his budget.<ref name="bayew" />

Many of these cooperations were mutual: Burger King offered the obligatory Kids Meal toys based on the movie characters for the movie's theatrical launch, and General Motors and Mountain Dew ran TV ads under the titles "Transform Your Ride" and "Transform Your Summer", respectively. According to producers Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, some of these brands, such as [[eBay]], were not originally included as part of a sponsoring deal, but had been part of the script from the beginning for story purposes on the writers' behalf.<ref name="lorenzoiesb" /> For the DVD release of the movie, meanwhile, ''additional'' "Cisco" logos were added into the movie that had not been there yet in the theatrical version.<ref name="dvdprod">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38792 Allspark thread featuring comparison stills of the theatrical and DVD versions of the movie.]</ref>

===Special effects===
* Three quarters of the CG effects were done by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. The other quarter was done by [[Digital Domain]], a company [[Michael Bay]] bought shortly before signing up to the ''Transformers'' movie.
* As seen in the bonus material for the Movie DVD, at least some of the ILM designers are actually Transformers fans. One of the animators, [[Charles Alleneck]], has his entire office decorated in more ''Transformers'' toys than a lot of "regular" fans might own.
* Physical props and set pieces were built for several of the Transformers' robot modes. Full body props for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (the 2009 Camaro body) and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] were used for scenes that involved direct interaction with the human cast. The Bumblebee prop (with detached legs) was also used for the scene where he was strapped to a [[Longarm (Movie)|tow truck]]. A set featuring the frozen lower half of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] body was also built. The rest is assorted bits and pieces, such as [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok's]] head and tail, a part of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s leg (including a wheel) and an unpainted, entirely blue version of his head plus a small part of the upper chest, and various semi-random chunks meant to represent the remains of the destroyed Decepticons dumped into the ocean (some of the parts meant to represent pieces of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] even feature markings found on a real-life MH-53 Pave Low helicopter).

===Changes before, during and after production===
A lot of details about the movie changed during the pre-production phase (and even still during production and post-production):

* The script was originally supposed to center around the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but because the studio wanted to avoid association with the ''Matrix'' movie trilogy, it had to be renamed. For the longest time, the working name was "[[Energon]] Cube", which neither the fans nor producer [[Don Murphy]] were really happy with.<ref name="murphytfcon" /> Ultimately, it was renamed into the [[AllSpark]] for the final movie; however, the name "Energon Cube" is still used in [[Alan Dean Foster]]'s [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie, and was also used by [[Shia LaBeouf]] in a CBS interview immediately before the movie's official theatrical launch.<ref name="shiacbs">[http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3004937n?source=search_video CBS interview with Shia LaBeouf.]</ref>
* One of the Autobot characters in the early Kurtzman/Orci drafts was [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], who would have turned into a motorcycle. Even though Hasbro developed a toy based on the designs for the character, Arcee was dropped from the script and replaced with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]: Kurtzman and Orci didn't want to spend time explaining the purpose of "female" Autobots,<ref name="orciign">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/02/exclusive-interview-robert-orci?page=3 IGN interview with Roberto Orci.]</ref> and Michael Bay considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="orciwizard">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070714214451/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> Despite what fans commonly assume, however, the scene during the final battle in [[Mission City]] where [[William Lennox|Lennox]] uses an abandoned motorcycle for his assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] wasn't added to the script until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script; however, had she ''not'' been dropped, she ''would'' have probably been that motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/2288318-post539.html Orci once again clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* Other Autobot characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman were [[Hot Rod]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].<ref name="orcichara">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388609&postcount=280 Roberto Orci confirming various characters originally intended for the movie.]</ref> The last was eventually dropped because Orci and Kurtzman preferred the idea of "a Decepticon in disguise as a police vehicle".<ref name="orciprowl">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=365508&postcount=4411 Orci explaining why Prowl is not in the movie]</ref>
* Kurtzman and Orci tried ''twice'' to include [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in the movie. The first attempt was supposed to turn into a helicopter,<ref name="orciswave">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=351304&postcount=4161 Roberto Orci confirming that Blackout was originally intended to be Soundwave.]</ref> but Hasbro rejected that notion and insisted that Soundwave's [[alternate mode]] should have something to do with music.<ref name="murphyswave">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=97507&postcount=23 Post by Don Murphy at his message board.]</ref> The "helicopter" character was then renamed multiple times, among those names being "Grimlock",<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref> "Vortex",<ref name="orcisample">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1120447&postcount=2360 Unformatted script sample from first draft posted by Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's message board]</ref> "Devastator"<ref name="procterdevas">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_32.html "Devastator" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Incinerator".<ref name="procterinc">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_34.html "Incinerator" pre-production render at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> The character eventually ended up as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].
* The second attempt would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape and tracked down [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]].<ref name="early" /> The "vehicle" part was later turned into a separate character, who was then given a different alternate mode (as a police cruiser) and eventually ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. Meanwhile, the "portable stereo" character also went through several changes, because Kurtzman and Orci eventually decided that the character didn't really do Soundwave justice, so they decided to change his name and save Soundwave for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]].<ref name="webcast">[http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2701721/20070418/2048/2701721-300-wmv-s.35907855-,2701721-300-flash-s.35907881-,2701721-100-wmv-s.35907849-,2701721-100-flash-s.35907874-,2701721-1000-wmv-s.35907866-,2701721-1000-flash-s.35907894-,2701721-700-flash-s.35907887-,2701721-700-wmv-s.35907861- Yahoo webcast with Kurtzman and Orci, revealing the final names of the movie characters.]</ref> The character went through some other working names such as "Boombot"<ref name="procterboom">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_45.html "Boombot" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Soundbyte"<ref name="proctersbyte">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_54.html "Soundbyte" head study at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and eventually ended up as [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]].
* Other Decepticon characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman, aside from Soundwave, were [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].<ref name="orcichara" /> The latter was originally supposed to be a minion of helicopter Soundwave, who would have chased [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew through the jungle after the attack on their base. However, when the scene was changed from the jungle to the desert (and Soundwave was no longer Soundwave), Ravage was replaced by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]].<ref name="orciravage">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirming that Scorponok replaced Ravage].</ref>
* Because of the long production run of the toys, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew" /> As a result, many of the Decepticon characters in particular were chosen somewhat hastily, and aren't really based on established Transformers characters aside from their names. The tank used for [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] (aka "Devastator") was a recycled prop originally built for the movie ''xXx: State of the Union'', while the mine protected vehicle used for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] caught the filmmakers' attention because of a giant photoshopped fork depicted on the manufacturer's website.<ref name="enewsi">[http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11213 Entertainment News International article on the making of the movie.]</ref>
* Other Decepticon characters featured in an early draft, aside from "Grimlock" (helicopter) and "Soundwave" (portable stereo/Humvee), were Brawl as a Jeep, Frenzy as a Piranha III mortar artillery vehicle, Onslaught as a mobile missile launcher, Octane as a tanker truck, and three jets named Blitzwing, Starscream and Devastator (a cargo plane, a 747 jet and F-16 fighter; the script doesn't say which is which). Instead of having been hiding on Earth for a while, they would have arrived there during the movie after having been summoned by Soundwave.<ref name="early" /> It's possible that the Piranha III later evolved into Stryker/[[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].
* The "evil police car Decepticon" that replaced Prowl took over the "vehicle" portion of the second character originally conceived as Soundwave (which eventually became [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]). His vehicle form was originally supposed to be a Ford Crown Victoria, while his working name was "Brawl".<ref name="policebrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour].</ref> Eventually the character ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], with the vehicle mode being changed into a Saleen S281 "Extreme" Mustang, because Ford didn't want one of their cars used as a "villain". Therefore, Barricade sports no "Ford" logos in the movie.<ref name="edmundsveh" />
* Another Decepticon character intended to be in the movie had the working name "Stryker", named after his vehicle mode, a M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle.<ref name="stryker">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=262 Unused design for "Stryker", revealed at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref> It's possible that he had evolved from a character named "Frenzy" featured in an early script draft, who would have turned into a Piranha III. The character ultimately never made it into the movie, but Hasbro later turned the design into a toy regardless, named [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].<ref name="tfwtour" />
* Michael Bay also considered having a Transformers character turn into an aircraft carrier, but eventually scrapped that idea for cost reasons.<ref name="ignround">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/13/transformers-roundtable-with-michael-bay?page=2 IGN roundtable with Michael Bay from the Australian press conference.]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman included the character in one of their drafts of the script,<ref name="orciaircraft">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=387736&postcount=210 Roberto Orci confirming that the aircraft carrier was in one of the drafts.]</ref> and artist Tim Flattery created concept art.<ref name="flattery">Tim Flattery's concept art for the unused aircraft carrier Transformer: [http://timflattery.com/transformers/4.html Image 1], [http://timflattery.com/transformers/5.html image 2].</ref>
* Working names for the tank Decepticon were "Demolisher"<ref name="hasbrodemolisher">[http://www.hasbro.com/objects/content/wallpaper.cfm?img=wp_transformers651_1280.jpg&brand_id=496&lang_id=1 Wallpaper at Hasbro's website calling Brawl/Devastator "Demolisher".]</ref> and "Devastator", the latter of which had also been a working name for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] at one point. Even though [[Michael Bay]] confirmed in May 2006 that this was not the final name,<ref name="baysecret">[http://michaelbay.com/2006/05/12/a-little-secret-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay claiming that the Transformers' names circulating were "aliases".]</ref> screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman confirmed the final name to be "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in April 2006,<ref name="webcast" /> and Hasbro used that name for all their toys based on the movie character, he identifies himself as "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie itself. According to a fan who attended the Australian press conference, Bay had decided to use that name regardless,<ref name="griffin">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1360922&postcount=122 Australian fan griffin-of-oz reporting from the Australian press conference].</ref> while Hasbro considered the name in the movie a "continuity error",<ref name="hasbrofuture">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139268 Hasbro Transformers Future Product Unveiling panel at BotCon 2007.]</ref> and Orci even claimed that he and Kurtzman had pointed out said "error" in the editing room twice.<ref name="orcidevastator">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=368555&postcount=4479 Orci confirming the name "Devastator" to be an "error".]</ref>
* Michael Bay decided to have [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] not turn into a Volkswagen Beetle because he wanted to avoid similarities with Disney's ''[[Wikipedia:Herbie|Herbie, the Love Bug]]''.<ref name="bayew" /> Production Designer Jeff Mann originally suggested using a Dodge Super Bee as Bumblebee's alternate mode,<ref name="edmunds1976">[Edmun Edmunds.com article on the classic Bumblebee Camaro.]</ref> but eventually Bay signed a deal with General Motors that saved him $3 million of his budget, which is why Bumblebee turns into a Chevrolet Camaro in the movie.<ref name="bayew" />
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was originally intended to transform into a fire truck rather than a Search & Rescue Hummer. After being changed into a Hummer, he initially still retained a red and white deco, which later served as the inspiration for Hasbro's "Rescue Ratchet" redecos of the movie toys.<ref name="ratchettour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=285 Early designs for Ratchet shown at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref>
* After designs of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had leaked on the internet, his head design was slightly revised following massive fan complaints.<ref name="murphysunday">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=764141&postcount=1 Don Murphy confirming that Megatron's head design was changed due to fan complaints.]</ref>
* The studio had originally preferred the Transformers not to talk ''at all'' throughout the movie, a notion Hasbro heavily contested.<ref name="tfwtour" /> Bumblebee still ended up being mute throughout most of the movie, which, according to Orci and Kurtzman, was inspired by Spielberg's ''E.T.'' and is supposed to signify that his friendship with Sam transcends words.<ref name="mtv" />
* Most drafts of the script started the movie with [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s discovery of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. In the actual movie, this scene was moved to a later point, shown as a flashback (actually at two points, split into two parts). [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Movie Adaptation issue 1|comic adaptation]] of the movie still has this as the opening scene.
* Also in one of the early drafts, the original reason for Mikaela's falling out with [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]] was not because he wouldn't let his "little bunny" drive his car, but because she refused to let him drive after having drunk beer. [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Anvilicious Anvilicious] much?
* In an early draft, [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew would have defeated [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] with a simple grenade, which would have "dissolved him at a molecular level". The air strike would have never happened, and Lennox wouldn't have established contact with the Pentagon until around the time when [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] were apprehended by [[Sector Seven]].<ref name="early" />
* In the same draft, Sam had left his grandfather's glasses at school. The Autobots would have distracted a security guard while Sam and Mikaela would have broken into their school. It would have been there that Sam would have learned about Mikaela's criminal past, and the scene would have ended with their arrest by Sector Seven.<ref name="early" />
* In some earlier drafts of the script, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was supposed to kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] too after he had finished off [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. That scene never made it into the final movie, and Barricade simply disappears with no explanation after Bonecrusher transforms; however, the scene still made it into Alan Dean Foster's [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie and IDW's [[Movie Adaptation issue 4|comic adaptation]].
* Also in earlier drafts of the script, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was supposed to kill [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] by consuming his [[Spark]]. Again, this is only explicitly confirmed in the novelization and IDW's comic adaptation of the movie, but not in the movie itself.
* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee (see also "[[#Errors|errors]]" above), Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#XMODS Evolution Transformers|''XMODS Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit]].

==Notes==
* The Autobot computer generated models consisted of 35,592 total pieces, 7,435,478 polygons, 95,247 rig nodes, and 20,258 texture maps. If laid end to end, the pieces would stretch 3.11 miles.
* For all the robots combined, there are 60,217 pieces of geometry, 123,509,502 polygons, 144,341 rigging nodes, and 34,215 texture maps.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12–17.</ref>
* The events of the movie span 4–5 days.
* Within the movie, neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons are referred to as "Transformers".
* As confirmed in the audio commentary on the movie DVD, director [[Michael Bay]] has a brief cameo as an innocent bystander getting flicked against a taxi cab by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].
* The "<tt>[322] days without a safety breach</tt>" sign behind Agent Simmons before they bring the [[Nokia-bot|cell phone]] to life relates to a piece of backstory that was cut from the final film. A researcher named [[James Farr (Movie)|James Farr]] was killed when a [[AX9-8946-09SU-1|robot they brought to life]] ran amok, causing the damage Glen comments on. The [[Sector Seven (game)|viral marketing campaign]] gives a date for Farr's death; [[March 16]], [[2006]]. This would chronologically place the primary events of the film as occurring over a 3-day period, [[January 30]]–[[February 1]], [[2007]].
*The two guard dogs that Sam encounters are played by a Belgian Malinois named Ammo and a Rottweiler named Nadine.
* In an interesting showing of unified marketing, the Japanese dub of the movie uses the English-market character and factions names (e.g., Autobot, Decepticon, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee) rather than the terms previously established in Japanese Transformers continuity (e.g., Cybertron, Destron, Convoy, Bumble). This has subsequently influenced Takara's subsequent dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', where (for the most part) they retain the English-market names and factions.
* In a bit of a shocker, [[Simon Furman]] has said he personally isn't a fan of the films, though he believes they're great for what he inaccurately (and worryingly) described as "the intended audience" of young kids.<ref>[http://mindlessones.com/2009/07/20/transformers-terminators-and-the-rest11-questions-with-simon-furman/ Interview at Mindless Ones blog]</ref>
* In an unexpected celebrity-related moment, famed multi award-winning British actress Helen Mirren, a Dame Commander of the British Empire, was one of the guests at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of ''Transformers''. One wonders what she thought of it.<ref>[http://movies.about.com/od/transformers/ig/Transformers-Premiere-Photos/transformersprem34.htm Helen Mirren at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles premiere of ''Transformers'';Rebecca Murray, Movies.About.com Guide]</ref>
* ''Transformers'' (ahem) "inspired" a [[Knockoff|direct-to-video movie]] called [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers|''Transmorphers'']]. It got a [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers: Fall of Man|prequel]] in 2009, starring [[Wikipedia:Bruce Boxleitner|Bruce Boxleitner]], of all people. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
* Somewhat less embarrassing, ''Transformers'' also inspired the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|2008 ''Knight Rider'' television movie]] and the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|short-lived revival/sequel series]] that followed it.<ref name="varietykr">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972829?refCatId=14 Variety article about the then-upcoming 2008 ''Knight Rider'' revival]</ref> Furthermore, the special effects<ref name="madeatl">[http://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2008/iron_man_production_details.htm ''Iron Man'' Full Production Notes]</ref> and the marketing campaign<ref name="imtie-ins">[http://www.brandweek.com/bw/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692165 Brandweek article about the ''Iron Man'' marketing campaign.]</ref> both served as inspirations for the 2008 [[Wikipedia:Iron Man (film)|''Iron Man'' movie]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers''''' (トランスフォーマー ''Toransufōmā'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛, "Transformers"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng''''' (China, 变形金刚, "Transformers")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery''''' (Трансформеры, "Transformers")

==External links==
* [http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR&ID=421174 June 11, 2003 Press Release announcing the movie.]
* [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Transformersmovie.com]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/ ''Transformers'' at IMDB.com]
* [http://www.transformersalbum.com/ ''Transformers The Album'']
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_%28film%29 ''Transformers'' 2007 film on Wikipedia]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/PROJPAGE_Trans_01.html Ben Procter], [http://www.jamesclyne.com/projects.php?gallery_id=297 James Clyne], [http://timflattery.com/main.html Tim Flattery], [http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4150 Alex Jaeger] (at CG Society), [http://2d2cg.com/# Jeremy Cook]
* [http://www.capalert.com/capreports/transformers.htm ''Transformers'' CAPalert.com review]

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

[[Category:Movie| ]]
[[Category:Movie media]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers (film)

2016-05-26T09:43:55Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{disambig2|the 2007 movie|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}

{{nav-movie}}

:''Transformers is an [[Sector Seven (game)|elaborate cover up]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination!]]

'''''Transformers''''' is a live-action movie released by [[DreamWorks]] in 2007, with Executive Producer [[Steven Spielberg]] and Director [[Michael Bay]]. The story follows the Transformers' arrival on modern-day Earth and their interactions with the human race, as they search for the life-giving [[AllSpark]] and continue their ages-old civil war. The movie is a new imagining of the [[Transformers brand]], drawing on past Transformers fiction but also distinct in its own right.

''Transformers'' features [[Sam Witwicky]], a plucky teenager who just wants a cool car, but gets more than he bargained for. The beater he and his father take home is actually [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], an alien robot from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], who plants Sam down in the middle of a civil war between Bumblebee's benevolent [[Autobot]] comrades and the evil [[Decepticon]]s who threaten the galaxy's peace. Both sides are after the AllSpark, a mysterious artifact that landed on Earth ten thousand years ago. The approaching robot-against-robot battle is a coming-of-age moment for Sam, who learns the meaning of his family's motto, "No sacrifice, no victory."

The principal cast members were [[Shia LaBeouf]], [[Jon Voight]], and [[Megan Fox]], with [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Hugo Weaving]] as the voices of the Transformers' iconic leaders. About 75 percent of the film's character designs and visual effects were created by [[Industrial Light & Magic]], the effects-wizards behind the [[Star Wars (film)|''Star Wars'' films]]. The remaining 25 percent were done by Michael Bay's company, [[Digital Domain]].

Originally slated to release in the summer of 2006, the film arrived in US theaters on [[July 3]], 2007, and hit UK theaters on [[July 27]] and French theaters on [[July 25]]. It premiered in Australia on [[June 12]], 2007, and was released there and in a number of Asian countries on [[June 28]], 2007. An extended cut of the film featuring footage not in the original was released to IMAX theatres on [[September 21]], 2007.

{{bigquote|Sam Witwicky, you hold the key to Earth's survival.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] on the basic plot}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Allspark movie.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|With this, I shall make you my slave!]]
Many years ago, Cybertron is destroyed at the hands of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], during his quest to obtain the AllSpark. Megatron discovers the AllSpark on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the Arctic Circle, becoming frozen in the ice. Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in the late 19th century. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and [[Glasses#Movie|Archibald's eyeglasses]] are imprinted with the coordinates to the AllSpark's location. [[Sector Seven]], a secret organization of the United States government, independently discovers the AllSpark and builds the [[Hoover Dam]] around it to mask its energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is reverse engineered to further advance [[human]] technology.

[[File:Movie Blackout SOCCENT.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|Let the slaughter begin!]]
In the present day, the other Decepticons — [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] — have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles. Blackout and Scorponok attack the U.S. [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]] in an effort to use the military database to discover the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors under Captain [[William Lennox]] wander through the desert and are followed by Scorponok. The Autonomous Robotic Organism (shortened to "Autobot") known as Bumblebee is also on Earth, disguised as a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. He finds Sam at a used car lot where the boy is looking to purchase a car. Bumblebee covertly sabotages all of the other cars in the lot, leaving him as Sam's only option. Sam buys Bumblebee and the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and woo his crush, [[Mikaela Banes]]. Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until one night when the Autobot drives off without him. Sam chases Bumblebee on a bike to a factory area, calling the police in the process, and witnesses Bumblebee transform into robot mode and send a signal to the Autobots in space. The police soon arrive and Sam is arrested.

[[File:Movie Scorponok leapsout.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Run, Blaster! Save yourself!]]
At the [[Pentagon]], Defense Secretary [[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] oversees the investigation into the attack in Qatar. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates Air Force One and attempts to download all information relating to "Project Iceman". However, [[Maggie Madsen]], one of the technicians studying the Decepticon infiltration signal, detects Frenzy hacking into the files and convinces the Pentagon to take down the Defense Network, halting Frenzy's download. When [[Air Force One]] makes an emergency landing, Frenzy slips into Barricade, and discusses his discovery of Archibald Witwicky, who has seen [[Cybertronian language|their language]]. Using an internet search, they discover that Sam's glasses will lead the Decepticons to the AllSpark. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's location. Back in Qatar, the Army Rangers are attacked by Scorponok, and take refuge in a nearby village. Calling the Pentagon and getting air support, they discover that the Decepticons are vulnerable to high heat weaponry such as sabot rounds. Using this information, the soldiers inform the Pentagon that they now have a weapon.

[[File:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] say find friends today.]]
Sam having been bailed out of jail by his father, gets the impression that Bumblebee is stalking him. A freaked out Sam flees from Bumblebee (who is in car mode) on his mother's bike. Bumblebee then proceeds to pursue him. Mikaela sees Sam on the run and follows him on her motor scooter. After Sam evades Bumblebee, he is confronted by Barricade who demands Archibald's glasses. Mikaela arrives as Sam is running away from Barricade. Bumblebee, still in car mode, then finds them and has them get in. Barricade chases Bumblebee to a power plant where Bumblebee transforms and battles the Decepticon robot-to-robot. Meanwhile, Frenzy chases Sam but gets his head decapitated by Mikaela, however his head still functions and takes the form of Mikaela's phone to hide in her purse. Bumblebee, who has defeated Barricade, properly introduces himself to Sam and Mikaela. He then takes them to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. They all meet in a dark, secluded alley, transform in front of the two amazed humans, introduce themselves and tell of the reasons they had to come to Earth to Sam and Mikaela. Meanwhile, Maggie, unable to convince John Keller and his officers of the Decepticon virus's complexity, makes a copy of the intrusion signal and shows it to her friend [[Glen Whitmann]], who discovers a message with the signal about Sector Seven, Captain Witwicky, and [[Project Iceman]]. However, the FBI arrest Glen and Maggie, who desperately tries to convince them not to go to war with the wrong country.

[[File:Movie Autobots Sector Seven.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'll use the universal greeting.]]
Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. However, agents from [[Sector Seven]] arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. As Sam and Mikaela are taken away in one of their vehicles, [[Seymour Simmons]], the agency's director, reveals that Mikaela has a criminal record and threatens Sam with life imprisonment, at which point the Autobots disable the convoy and rescue the teens. Mikaela then explains to Sam that the only reason she has a record is her refusal to turn her father in for the crimes he committed, prompting her to ask him what he has ever sacrificed in his "perfect little life." Reinforcements arrive at the scene and the Autobots retreat. However Sam and Mikaela are recaptured and Bumblebee is also captured despite Sam's pleas to let him go. Prime orders the other Autobots to let Bumblebee be taken, unwilling to use deadly force against the humans. At the Pentagon, a virus Frenzy uploaded during the Air Force One hack causes a global communications blackout, while Keller is finally informed of the Transformers by [[Tom Banachek]]. After Bumblebee's capture, Optimus uses the glasses to locate the AllSpark at Hoover Dam, and declares that if they cannot defeat the Decepticons, he will merge the Cube with his spark, even though it will kill him.

[[File:Movie Optimus Megatron.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|One shall stand. One shall fall.]]
Sam, Mikaela, Keller, Maggie, Glen, and Lennox's unit are brought to Hoover Dam, where they are shown by Simmons and Banachek the frozen Megatron and the AllSpark, while Frenzy slips away. Sam explains the Decepticons' plan to use the AllSpark to transform human machines to conquer the universe. Locating the AllSpark, Frenzy regenerates the rest of his body and sends out an alert to Starscream, who mobilizes the rest of the Decepticons. Due to Starscream's attack and Frenzy's sabotage, Megatron begins to thaw, and Sam, Lennox, and Keller convince Banachek and Simmons to release Bumblebee so that he can get the AllSpark to Optimus Prime. Bumblebee converts the AllSpark into a smaller state for transportation to [[Mission City]].

Glen, Maggie, Keller, and Simmons manage to contact the Air Force and direct F22s to Mission City. Frenzy tries to stop them but is killed. As Bumblebee, Sam, Mikeala, and Lennox's unit drive to Mission City, they come in contact with the other Autobots, who join the convoy. Barricade, Devastator, and Bonecrusher, in vehicle modes, pursue them and Bonecrusher transforms into robot mode. Optimus transforms to stay behind and stop their pursuers. He fights Bonecrusher and eventually kills him. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots and the soldiers reach Mission City and come under attack by Starscream, Devastator, Blackout and Megatron. Bumblebee is crippled by Starscream while Jazz is killed by Megatron. Mikaela hijacks a tow truck to carry Bumblebee to safety while Lennox tasks Sam with taking the AllSpark to a building where it will be taken by military helicopters. Ironhide and Ratchet cover Sam as he makes his run to the building, protecting him from Blackout before being wounded by Starscream, leaving Sam to get to the building on his own.

[[File:Megatron allspark merge.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Now, light our darkest hour!]]
Optimus Prime finally arrives in the area and confronts Megatron. The two battle one-on-one before Megatron knocks Prime out and chases Sam. As Sam get to the roof of the building and is about to hand the AllSpark off to one of the helicopters, it is shot down by Starscream. Megatron destroys the portion of the roof the Sam is standing on when he refuses to hand over the AllSpark. However, Optimus catches Sam and he and Megatron resume their duel with Megatron once again gaining the upper hand. Meanwhile, Mikaela drives the tow truck in reverse to allow Bumblebee to fire on Devastator, who has Lennox and his men pinned down. Bumblebee kills Devastator and a full air strike is called in on Blackout and Megatron. As Blackout attempts to assist Megatron, he is killed by Lennox and the Air Force before he can engage. Starscream hides among a raptor squadron, destroying three fighters before being chased away. The Air Force and Lennox's rangers attack Megatron, inflicting serious damage upon him, but he is still functional, and heading toward the Cube. Finally, with both Prime and Megatron weakened, Prime beckons Sam to shove the AllSpark into his chest, destroying them both, but Sam instead takes the riskier action of shoving the AllSpark into Megatron's chest, destroying it, and killing Megatron instead.

{{note|For an extensive synopsis of the battle, see separate article [[Mission City]].}}

[[File:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Optimus thanks Sam for his courage and for saving his life, while Bumblebee, who has temporarily regained his voice, asks permission to remain with Sam, which is granted. In an attempt to cover up the existence of the Transformers, Sector Seven is disbanded, while the remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. Though Megatron is dead, the AllSpark's destruction leaves the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. With no other home to go to, the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream retreats from Earth.
{{-}}

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Darius McCrary]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
**[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]''' / Devastator
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
**[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] ([[Jon Voight]])
*[[Maggie Madsen]] ([[Rachael Taylor]])
*[[Glen Whitmann]] ([[Anthony Anderson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Tom Banachek]] ([[Michael O'Neill]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Bobby Bolivia]] ([[Bernie Mac]])
*[[Trent DeMarco]] ([[Travis Van Winkle]])
*[[Archibald Witwicky]] ([[William Morgan Sheppard]])
*[[Patrick Donnelly]] ([[Zack Ward]])
*[[Jorge Figueroa]] ([[Amaury Nolasco]])
*[[Miles Lancaster]] ([[John Robinson]])
*[[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])

|c4=
*[[Mojo]] ([[Chester the Chihuahua]])
[[AllSpark Mutation]]s
*[[Nokia-bot]]
*[[Dispensor]]
*[[Steering wheel robot|Steering wheel]]
*[[Xbox 360 robot|Xbox 360]]
|nonumbering=true
}}
'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''' - Brawl is named "Devastator" in the film itself, but "Brawl" in the toyline and most of the supporting media. Plot summaries and such will reflect whichever name is relevant to that being described.

==Quotes==
"Before time began, there was the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That was how our race was born. For a time, we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good, others for evil. And so began the war - a war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death, and the Cube was lost to the far reaches of space. We scattered across the galaxy, hoping to find it and rebuild our home, searching every star, every world. And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called... Earth. But we were already too late."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' opening narration

"Look, can you do me a favor—can you look out the window for a second? See my father? He's the guy in the green car? Let me tell you about a dream, a boy's dream, and a man's promise to that boy. He looked him in the eye and said "Son, I'm gonna buy you a car, but I want you to bring me two-thousand dollars and three A's." OK, I got the two thousand and two A's. OK, here's the dream. Your B minus? Pfff! Dream gone. Kaputt. Sir, just ask yourself... what would [[Jesus]] do?"
:—'''Sam Witwicky''' negotiates a better mark for his Family Genealogy project

'''Bobby Bolivia:''' What with the semi-classic nature of the vehicle, slick wheels and custom paint job— 
'''Sam:''' The paint's faded! 
'''Bobby:''' Y-yeah, but it's custom. 
'''Sam:''' It's custom faded? 
'''Bobby:''' Well, it's your first car, I wouldn't expect you to understand. ''[turns to Ron]'' Five grand. 
'''Ron:''' No, not paying over four. Sorry. 
'''Bobby:''' ''[turns back to Sam]'' Kid, c'mon, get out, get out of the car. 
'''Sam:''' No, no, no, you said cars pick their drivers! 
'''Bobby:''' Well, sometimes they pick a driver with a cheap-ass father—out of the car. 
:—Negotiations over [[Bumblebee (Movie)|the car]] at [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo]]

''[Sam's car leaves in a huge puff of black smoke]'' 
"Wow... you are so cheap." 
"It's his first car... supposed to be like that."
:—'''Judy Witwicky''' comments on the car's condition to '''Ron'''

'''Capt. Lennox:''' I need a credit card! Epps, where's your wallet? 
'''Sgt. Epps:''' Pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' Which pocket?" 
'''Epps:''' My ''back'' pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' You got ten back pockets! 
'''Epps:''' Left cheek! Left cheek! ''Left cheek!'' 
:—Calling the Pentagon from Qatar gets complicated.

"Ready, heat's coming!" 
"What, BRING IT!" 
:—'''Lennox''' and '''Epps''' giving the green light for Strike Package Bravo to attack

'''Optimus Prime''': Are you Samuel James Witwicky, descendant of Archibald Witwicky? 
'''Mikaela Banes''': They know your name! 
'''Sam''': Uh... Yeah? 
'''Optimus Prime''': My name is Optimus Prime. 
:—Admit it, you stood up and cheered and/or wept from joy after this exchange.

"The parents are... irritating. Can I take them out?"
:—'''Ironhide''' meets the family

'''Jazz''': What about Bumblebee? We can't just leave him to die! And become some human experiment! 
'''Optimus Prime''': He'll die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission. Bumblebee is a brave soldier. This is what he would want. 
'''Ironhide:''' Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive and violent race. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' Were we so different? They are a young species. They have much to learn... but I've seen goodness in them. [[Make Prime Speak|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings]]... You all know there is only one way to end this war: We must destroy the Cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest. 
'''Ratchet:''' That's suicide! The Cube is raw power—it could destroy you both. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet... We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out! 
'''Jazz''': We rollin'! 
:—The Autobots discuss their next move.

"Do you want a piece of me?! Do you want a piece-" 
"NO! I want TWO!"''[rips Jazz in two]'' 
:—'''Jazz''', showing no fear and '''Megatron''', showing cruelty and cleverness

"Humans don't deserve to live." 
"They deserve to choose for themselves!" 
"Then you will die with them! Join them in extinction!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' have some mid-battle banter, Transformers style

"Give me the AllSpark, and you may live to be my ''pet''." 
"I'm never giving you this AllSpark!" 
"Oh, ''so'' unwise..."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Sam Witwicky''' have a tense moment on a Mission City rooftop.

"With the AllSpark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call... home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight... but watching over them in secret... waiting... protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here... we are waiting."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' closing narration

==Errors==
* Sunset occurs roughly every fifteen minutes. Possibly indicative of time passage, but a little too much to not warrant mention in the actual movie. Specific instances:
**When the radar operator at SOCCENT base first spots Blackout, he reports him as an "inbound unidentified infiltrator, ten miles out". [[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] dispatches two F-22s, which intercept Blackout still in broad daylight. When Blackout lands at the base, it's suddenly sunset. As the soldiers round him up, it rapidly turns dark within what appears to be seconds. Once Blackout transforms, it's already night.
**When Mikaela walks home from the lake, the sun is still shining. Sam tells Miles that she "lives ten miles from here". After he picked her up, Bumblebee feigns an engine problem. By the time Sam gets him running again, the sky is still in an early stage of pre-sunset. By the time Sam drops Mikaela at her home, it's night again.
**Barricade assaults Sam in the middle of the day. Bumblebee intervenes and drives off with Sam and Mikaela still in broad daylight. During the ensuing car chase, sunset abruptly occurs once Bumblebee has left the warehouse, and it promptly turns night between shots. (The chase scene was actually intended to be longer; see "[[#Changes before, during and after production|changes before, during and after production]]" below.)
* The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) used by the US Air Force to investigate Scorponok's attack on Captain Lennox is modeled after the [[wikipedia:MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]], but is identified as the [[wikipedia:MQ-1 Predator|MQ-1 Predator]]. Also, neither of these UAVs use jet engines.
[[File:MovieTaxis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|These shots were ''shown in sequence'', believe it or not.]]
* After Maggie copies the signal to take to Glen, she hails a black and white cab, but she's dropped off at Glen's house by an all-white cab. (The "cab hailing" footage originally came from a deleted scene near the beginning of the movie when Maggie was late for work.), and are two different models of the Crown Victoria taxicab.
* When Sam's car breaks down and Mikaela gets out to look at the engine, she leaves the passenger door open. When the car restarts and Sam leaves to close the hood, the passenger side door is now shut. But hey, maybe that was Bumblebee.
* Mikaela identifies Bumblebee's engine as having a "high-rise, double-pump carburetor" but the engine shown has no such carburetor.
* After Bumblebee backs into a corner of the power plant to evade Barricade, there is a close up shot of him spinning his wheels to make his getaway. However, the shot of the wheels spinning is at a different location: the empty warehouse that Bumblebee and Barricade had raced through moments earlier.
* Possibly an error, or possibly just a confusing shot setup, but when Bumblebee makes his escape, Barricade appears to change positions multiple times as camera angles change. Bumblebee guns his engines as Barricade is just starting to cross in front of him, but as Bumblebee speeds backwards, Barricade has backtracked well out of the way.
* After scanning his new Concept Camaro alt-form, Bumblebee's robot body displays either battle-worn parts or brand new parts at random times for the duration of the film.
[[File:MovieJazzBarricadeLicensePlates.jpg|thumb|Barricade has the plate before Jazz even comes to Earth, so it's not a trophy or anything...]]
* As long as Bumblebee transforms into a 1976 Camaro, his license plate consistently reads "489 PCE" both in vehicle and robot mode. After scanning his modern Camaro alternate mode, the license plate changes too... which isn't actually an error. What ''is'' an error, though, is that the new license plate keeps changing from "900 STRA" in vehicle mode to "4NZZ454" in robot mode.
*Jazz's license plate is equally inconsistent: On his robot mode chest it's "1-4027E", but during his transformation before his fight with [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], he sports the license plate "664 NLZO" in vehicle mode. What's worse, "1-4027E" is also ''Barricade's'' license plate in vehicle mode, as can be seen when he slows down and then accelerates again after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee.
* During the scene where Optimus Prime scans a truck for his new body, the passing truck has what appears to be an Autobot sigil on its grill, but the actual truck that Prime turns into at the end of the scene has a much wider, flatter symbol on the grill, quite possibly a Peterbilt logo.
* When Simmons replays Sam's "last words" recorded onto his cell phone, it doesn't match what he said in the scene where he actually recorded them.
* When the Autobots arrive to rescue Sam and Mikaela from Agent Simmons, Ironhide is the first Autobot to reach the damaged SUV and the other Sector Seven agents. Behind him, Ratchet is making his way towards the SUV, while Jazz and Bumblebee have their respective weapons drawn. However, in the very next shot, Ratchet's gun is suddenly in front of Ironhide, who is now making two short steps towards the SUV, while Jazz's gun has been replaced by his hand (which he uses to pull Sector Seven's guns away magnetically). In the shot after that, Jazz is just standing around sans Sector Seven guns, while Bumblebee wanders up and draws his gun...again.
[[File:Movie2007 Keller OBVIOUSVISUALAID.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Yer days're numbered now, Decepti-creeps.]]
* When Banachek shows Keller photographs of the Decepticon that destroyed the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] [[Beagle 2 Rover]], and supposedly a photo of Blackout taken by Epps during the attack on SOCCENT Qatar, "Blackout's photo" is clearly taken during the day, complete with the sun behind the Decepticon as a major light source, whereas the attack on SOCCENT took place in the evening. This was either a continuity error or a ham-handed attempt to make the audience realise the attackers in both photos are one and the same by making the photos look similar.
** Not to mention that the actual Beagle 2 was a '''''European''''' Space Agency '''''lander''''', not a [[NASA]] Rover.
* During the montage where Bumblebee's frozen body is being transported inside Hoover Dam via a moving platform whilst the Autobots discuss his fate, in one of the shots the physical Bumblebee prop is missing its distinctive car doors.
* During the first half of the movie, Maggie is wearing a slim striped skirt, but she is suddenly dressed in 3/4 jeans in the scene when they arrive at Hoover Dam.
*This may not be an error, but Barricade seems to disappear after being driven off the road during the highway scene, as he is never shown again in the movie or the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]]. [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] later pulls the same trick in said sequel.
* When Ironhide transforms and performs a somersault to dodge Brawl's missiles, he is seen rising first, then falling. At that moment, he is already almost at the ground, low enough to touch the ground if he stretched his arms. However, on the next scene, he has gone much higher up, high enough to fire both the cannons on his arms then perform a midair somersault.
* When Lennox arrives as Sam and Mikaela are supposedly strapping Bumblebee with the tow truck's chains, Bumblebee is not actually there. When the shot changes angles to the other side of the truck, Bumblebee is sitting right beside the truck while Sam directs Mikaela to wrap Bumblebee in the chains. When Lennox tells Sam to evacuate the Cube, subsequent camera angles from this side of the truck are actually where Bumblebee was moments earlier, but he's not there again (it is unlikely the angle was meant to be from Bumblebee's perspective). When Sam starts to run off and Mikaela calls him back, Bumblebee is once again clearly not sitting beside the truck. In fact, the space he once occupied has the beige van he crawled out of, earlier in the battle. What makes this all the more bizarre is that the life-sized Bumblebee prop was actually used for some of the scenes that depict Bumblebee strapped to the tow truck.
[[File:MovieTowTruckNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mike changed phone numbers while giant robots were fighting in the city.]]
* After Optimus Prime and Megatron land in the city streets after flying through the office tower, Megatron throws the Autobot leader a short distance away, causing him to land on a parked car. After Megatron forms his fusion cannon, Optimus Prime has suddenly moved further down the street and the car he crushed, along with the other abandoned cars, have vanished. Also, in this shot, Optimus' feet don't make craters or any visible mark on the concrete. Yet, when Optimus is running from the Sector Seven Agents, he's making huge craters while he is side-stepping cars. (This comes with weighing over four tons and running 40 miles an hour.) Additionally, Optimus stops at the intersection just in front of Megatron to pull out his Ion blaster in this shot, but when it cuts to a shot to the left-front of Optimus, he is only mid-way up the street, and there is a parked yellow cab at the curb which was empty seconds earlier. Funnily enough, this curb was where the crushed car was parked.
* During the fight towards the end of the film between Megatron and Optimus, it is shown that Optimus is about the same size as Megatron in robot mode. Yet, in vehicle mode, Megatron is a great deal larger than Optimus is. Similarly, Starscream seems to be smaller than Megatron in robot form, leading to the logical conclusion that he is smaller than Optimus as well. Yet in vehicle mode, he is nearly four to five times larger, seeing as an F-22 Raptor is a great deal larger than a Peterbilt 379 tractor cab. And they say they don't have [[scale]] problems.
* For the battle in Mission City, see [[Mission City#Notes]].
*The phone number on the doors of the tow truck is "800-555-0199" when Mikaela is driving it, but when she gets out, the number changes to "800-555-MIKE". The font is slightly different, too.
* In the battle at Mission City, Brawl very clearly fires 3 missiles out of his shoulder-mounted missile launcher, but before he dies, all 4 missiles are in his missile launcher. Then again, this could just be a sort of 'auto-reload' thing the Transformers have going on, as they probably wouldn't get very far in battle if they were only limited to 4 missiles each.
* When Keller is meeting with the other officials, he says they're going to dump the bodies of the Decepticons into the Laurentian Abyss, the deepest place on the planet. The deepest place on the planet is the Mariana Trench.

===Explicable discrepancies===
* Sam and Mikaela, as well as Maggie and Glen arrive at Hoover Dam on the same helicopter despite being from opposite ends of the country. Occasionally cited as an error, it is actually a narrative oversight, as it is likely that Sam and Mikaela were held in custody at a U.S. Air Base while waiting for Maggie and Glen to arrive with Secretary Keller's party by plane, then they all left for Hoover Dam together on the helicopters.

* There are some problems with Simmons's statement about various technologies being reverse-engineered from Megatron. Cars came about in one shape or form at about the turn of the century, and spaceflight technology was pioneered by German and Soviet scientists. (This is possibly what [[Sector Seven|they]] ''want'' you to think.) Then again, [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] also thinks that [[Nokia]] is a Japanese company...

* Most people mistakenly confuse the date of Megatron's discovery with the date the Hoover Dam was built. Based on the various dates given by Banachek, it's clear that Megatron was ''left in the Arctic'' for many years before being moved to Hoover Dam, making his discovery easily pre-date cars.

==Transformer references==
The movie contains a number of nods and winks to previous iterations of ''Transformers'', primarily from ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''. Some of these were included in direct response to urgings of the fans; others originated with the production crew.

* The basic story set-up is similar to many iterations of the ''Generation 1'' story — two warring factions, the noble Autobots and the power-hungry Decepticons, arrive on Earth, having left their devastated home planet, the war-torn mechanical world of Cybertron.
* Many of the featured Transformers are re-imagined versions of characters from ''Generation 1''. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in particular are similar in physical form and characterization to their movie incarnations. The Movie versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] differ in appearance but fulfill story roles similar to their original versions.
* Though the characters are new, "[[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]", "[[Scorponok (disambiguation)|Scorponok]]", "[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]/[[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]", "[[Blackout (disambiguation)|Blackout]]", "[[Barricade (disambiguation)|Barricade]]", and "[[Bonecrusher (disambiguation)|Bonecrusher]]" are all names that have been used on Transformer characters before.
* Blackout's symbiotic relationship with Scorponok originated as an interpretation of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his cassette troops. Frenzy's transformation into a portable stereo is likewise a homage to Soundwave's cassette deck alternate form.
* Sam shares his last name with the [[Witwicky#Generation 1 continuity family|main human allies]] of the Autobots in the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]. Like Spike before him, he's closest to Bumblebee.
* The Autobot faction symbol seen on Bumblebee and others is basically unchanged from its ''Generation 1'' appearance.
* The AllSpark takes its name from [[Allspark|a concept]] originally introduced in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* The original G1 [[transformation]] sound pops up several times during the course of the film, such as Blackout's first conversion sequence (though truth be told it sounds more like it's being broadcast from a loudspeaker.)
[[File:Movie BoliviasFinestQualityUsedCars 2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.]]
* In his first appearance, Bumblebee parks next to a yellow Volkswagen Beetle — the alternate form of [[Bumblebee (G1)|G1 Bumblebee]].
* When instructing the Autobots to escape Sector Seven and when they later head for Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime delivers his catchphrase from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, ordering them to [[Roll out|"Roll out!"]]
* Sam's surmise that the Transformers come from Japan is [[TakaraTomy|not entirely inaccurate]].
* Prime references "the spark in my chest". [[Spark]]s — the life-force that makes Transformers alive — have been an integral part of Transformers fiction since ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.
* Although the Transformers' primary energy supply, [[Energon]], does not make an established physical appearance in the film, its name appears on the license plate of an SUV thrown through the air during Megatron's rampage in [[Mission City]].
* Optimus Prime's line "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" is the quote from his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|original 1984 toy's]] [[bio]]. At least one of the reasons for the inclusion of this line was because it won in an online contest conducted by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] in late 2006, named "[[Make Prime Speak]]".
* Prime's line "...one shall stand; one shall fall" comes from the 1986 animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* The scene in which Jazz yanks aside Devastator's tank barrel is a direct homage to a similar sequence from TF:TM involving [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* Ironhide's complaint that [[Mojo]] "leaked lubricant" on his foot references a [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|favorite]] [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|exclamation]] [[Power Play!|of his]] ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|counterpart]], "Leakin' lubricant!" The phrase originated with his [[The Transformers Universe|original character outline]], stating that "he [refers to] excessive talking as 'leaking lubricant.'"
* Sam telling Mikaela that there's "more than meets the eye... with you" quotes the slogan used in the toy line, also included in the G1 series [[theme song]].
*Megatron wields a flail in the Mission City battle, just as he did in his fight with Optimus Prime in the second-ever G1 episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

==Other editions==
The 2007 Transformers film has more than one "cut."

* The worldwide theatrical release was essentially identical all around the world with a few minor exceptions.
* The film board of Malaysia required [[Judy Witwicky]]'s masturbation reference be removed{{fact}}. However, no such change has been made and her lines were not omitted from the film.
*Glen's line, "that killer robot is really distracting", was cut from DVD releases. However, it is featured in the official novelization of the movie and at least one trailer.
* The [[wikipedia:IMAX|IMAX]] edition of the movie features two minutes of additional footage in the form of slightly extended scenes and very brief new scenes. Added material includes the following:
**Before heading to the lake party, Sam is shown picking Miles up at his house. Miles derides Sam's choice of car colors.
**After Sam is questioned by the sheriff at the police station, he is given an anti-drug bumper sticker and shown the "[[wikipedia:This is Your Brain on Drugs|This is Your Brain on Drugs]]" [[Public service announcement|PSA]] starring [[wikipedia:Rachel Leigh Cook|Rachel Leigh Cook]].
**After abducting Sam and Mikaela, Agent Simmons uses a device to monitor Sam's pupil dilation while interrogating him in the truck. He also remarks that he has "been there" when it comes to women with criminal records.
**Upon arriving at Hoover Dam, Simmons remarks colorfully that it is "Area 50". A few minutes later, he lists the nicknames of all the U.S. Presidents to have toured the facility.
**In Mission City, Lennox acquires short-range radios from a gun-toting, but easily flattered, pawn shop owner.

==Prequel material==
* ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]''
: A novel about the truth behind humankind's first venture into space and how that event is related to the Transformers' presence on Earth, both past and present.

* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel]]''
: A four issue limited series comic book from [[IDW Publishing]], released before the movie's debut. It chronicles the events which bring the Transformers to [[Earth]].

* "[[Interlude]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A short comic book by IDW, produced in cooperation with [[Target]], available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) at BotCon and in theaters, following Bumblebee's early search for clues on Earth.

* "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A mini-comic by IDW, produced in cooperation with Target, available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) as a Target exclusive bonus pack-in with the Movie DVD, showing the Decepticons' arrival on Earth.

* The ''[[Movie Prequel Special]]''
: A mass retail release that contains reprints of both "Planetfall" and "Interlude" (now with individual story titles) in collected form.

* ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]''
: A not-really-animated animatic version of IDW's ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' comics, voiced by some of the actors from the movie, the game and a bunch of other people. Included on a [[Walmart]] exclusive bonus DVD available with the Movie DVD.

* ''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers]]''
: A monthly comic published in the UK by [[Titan Books]], featuring new adventures set before the movie in its initial six issues (in addition to reprints of stories originally published by IDW). They were reprinted by IDW in the ''[[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark]]'' mini-series.

Some dialog in the film contradicts the prequel material, specifically pertaining to the years in which the frozen Megatron was moved from the Arctic to Hoover Dam, and exactly when the Decepticons arrived on Earth. Some of the prequel material contradicts the ''other'' prequel material... at least till [[John Barber]] fixed some of them on his [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|''Dark of the Moon'' tie in comics]].

==Adaptations==
* A novelization of the film by [[Alan Dean Foster]] was published under the title ''[[Transformers (novel)|Transformers]]''.
* IDW Publishing released a comic adaptation of the film under the title ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]''.

==Sequels==
{{main|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}
Three sequels to this film have been produced and released worldwide.

[[IDW Publishing]] also released the comic sequel to the film, titled ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Transformers: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
[[File:2007Movie 2-disc DVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
{{main|Transformers (film)/home video}}
* '''US:''' [http://tformers.com/US-To-Get-Transformers-DVD-HD-DVD-October-16th/8350/news.html October 16th, 2007] (DVD, HD-DVD), [http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1175/transformers2007.html September 2nd, 2008] (Blu-ray)
* '''Australia:''' November 1, 2007 (DVD)
* '''United Kingdom:''' December 3, 2007 (DVD, HD-DVD), September 8th, 2008 (Blu-ray)

There are nearly a dozen store [[exclusive]] [http://tformers.com/Transformers-DVD-Exclusives-Who-Gets-What/8534/news.html versions and sales premiums of the DVD.] They include:

* [[Target]] and HMV UK: transforming Optimus Prime display case.
* Best Buy: [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] and battle-damaged Optimus Prime.
* [[Walmart]]: [[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]] "animated" prequel material.
* Borders: "Making Of" book.
* Circuit City: password unlocking 15 minutes of exclusive online behind-the-scenes featurettes, covering the voice recording sessions, prop construction, stunt work, and early CG tests and animatics.
{{-}}

==Theatrical posters==
{{picsneeded|Any other official posters not depicted here}}
<center><gallery perrow="4">
File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
File:Movie2007 Autobot promo poster.jpg|Autobot promo poster
File:Movie2007 Decepticon promo poster.jpg|Decepticon promo poster
File:Prime-Sam-Mikaela-poster.jpg|Promotional poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron onesheet.jpg|Megatron one sheet
File:Movie2007 Prime onesheet.jpg|Optimus Prime one sheet
File:Movie2007_final_standee.jpg|Standee, also used as a poster
File:Movie2007 humans internationalposter.jpg|International "Humans" poster/US theatrical poster
File:Movie2007 Sphere internationalposter.jpg|International "Sphere" poster
File:Movie2007 Bumblebee internationalposter.jpg|International Bumblebee poster
File:Movie2007 Prime internationalposter.jpg|International Optimus Prime poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron internationalposter.jpg|International Megatron poster
File:Movie2007_Korean_poster.jpg|South Korean theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007 Japanese Aprilpromo poster.jpg|Japanese April 2007 promotional poster
File:Movie2007_Japanese_release_poster.jpg|Japanese theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_poster.jpg|IMAX promotional poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_releaseposter.jpg|IMAX release poster
File:Movie2007 handsmashy ver7 poster.jpg|Used as a prominent skyscraper advert
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
The movie set multiple records when it opened, including biggest opening week gross for a non-sequel ($155.4 million), biggest Tuesday release gross ($27.4 million), biggest July 4 gross ($29 million), and the biggest film opening in mainland China ($3 million) [http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/217368.htm].

The movie closed domestically on [[November 8]], [[2007]], during which time it took in $319,246,193. (Domestic gross accounted for $310,578,372 before the IMAX version's release.) It has earned a ''worldwide'' gross of $708,272,592. It currently sits at spot #20 in the "most domestic gross" list of movies, though this listing is ''not'' adjusted for inflation. When taking inflation into account, ''Transformers'' currently sits at #102. [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers06.htm 2]

{{quote|I didn't sleep through it the way I Novocained my way through the awful ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', but by the time it ended, I thought I might have vertigo or whiplash, or both, and I certainly lost more than a few of my remaining I.Q. points|[http://www.observer.com/2007/bay-bombs-again Rex Reed]}}

{{quote|It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset.|Roger Ebert}}

{{quote|But it's tough to really care about questions like, "Why did that happen?" or even "What's going on?" when you’re constantly interrupted by "Oh my goodness! Giant robots! Weeee!"|Peter Suderman|[http://tinyurl.com/373rps The National Review]}}

Critical reception was hit-and-miss, [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/ more positive than negative but not by a lot], though it's sometimes hard to tell how many negative reviewers were more interested in criticizing [[Michael Bay]] in general over the movie itself. Otherwise, the most common negatives involved it being a generally think-free "spectacle"-style movie; even those who rated the movie positively noted it was a pure "popcorn" movie meant to wow its audience with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] and explosions rather than make them think (Richard Roper noted in his "thumbs up" review "it has no nutritional value"). Whether one considers that a good or bad thing for a movie and if the movie was enough fun to overcome that is, of course, highly debatable. The other main culprit, again noted by many of the positive reviews, was its long running time, particularly the overly-chaotic, often hard-to-follow final big-bang extended ending action sequence. ([http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/REVIEWS/70620006/1023 Roger Ebert] noted that this sequence was what made him give the movie three out of four stars rather than the full four.)

From the fan and general audience point of view, Transformers was generally favored. However, there have been division over the amount of human stories at the expense of the robots.

Transformers was nominated for three Oscars, in the fields of Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Achievement in Visual Effects. The sound awards went to ''The Bourne Ultimatum'', and the visual effects award went to ''The Golden Compass''.

Three sequels have been produced to date: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' was released worldwide on [[June 24]] [[2009]], ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' was released on [[June 28]], [[2011]], and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

According to a 2011 survey, the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie is the third most-pirated movie of all time.<ref><tt>The usual suspects were there, with "Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors, and "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" at 19 million downloads apiece.</tt>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/showbiz/movies/top-pirated-movies-ew/index.html Top 10 most pirated movies], October 14, 2011</ref>

==Technical details==
'''Length:''' 144 min (original theatrical)<ref>The movie had some content cuts to meet the standards of some <s>oppressive regimes</s> quaint "developing world" rating boards.</ref> 
'''Aspect Ratio:''' 2.35:1 
'''Audio:''' Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDS 
'''Content Rating:'''
{{collist|4|
* PG-13 (USA/MPAA)
* ? (Japan)
* 12A (United Kingdom)
* PG (Canada; British Columbia)<ref>''Transformers'' received a "14A" rating in British Columbia, but an appeal by the studio successfully reduced it to PG.</ref>
* G (Canada; Quebec)
* PG (Canada; Alberta/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario)
* PG (Canada; Canadian Home Video Rating System)
* PG (Taiwan)
* IIA (China; Hong Kong)
* PG (Singapore)
* G (Philippines/MTRCB)
* U (France)
* U (Malaysia)
* M (Australia)
* M (New Zealand)
* TE (Chile)
* 10 (Brazil)
* 10M (South Africa)
* 11 (Denmark)
* K-11 (Finland)
* 11 (Norway)
* 11 (Sweden)
* 12 (Germany)
* 12A (Ireland)
* 12 (Netherlands)
* M/12 (Portugal)
* 12 (South Korea)
* 12 (Switzerland)
* 13 (Argentina)
* 14 (Peru)
* 12 (Poland)
* B (Mexico)
* 12+ (Russia)}}

==Production staff==
[[File:Movie Castandcrew2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Megatron? Is that you?!]]
* Executive Producer: [[Steven Spielberg]]
* Executive Producer: [[Brian Goldner]]
* Director: [[Michael Bay]]
* Producers: [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]], [[Ian Bryce]], [[Tom DeSanto]], [[Don Murphy]]
* Story by: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]] and [[John Rogers]],
* Screenwriters: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]]
* Music by: [[Steve Jablonsky]]

====Visual Effects====
* Visual Effects by: [[Industrial Light & Magic]], [[Digital Domain]], [[Asylum VFX]]
* Production Designer: [[Jeff Mann]]
* Lead Robot Illustrator: [[Ben Procter]]
* Illustrators: [[James Clyne]], [[Tim Flattery]]
* ILM Visual Effects Supervisior: [[Scott Farrar]]
* Art Director: [[Alex Jaeger]]
* Animation Supervisors: [[Scott Benza]], [[Dan Taylor (ILM)|Dan Taylor]]
* Animators: [[Charles Alleneck]], [[C. Michael Easton]], [[Keiji Yamaguchi]]

====Locations Department====
(winners of the California On Location Award [http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/] for "Production Company / Location Team of the Year for Feature Films")

* Supervising Location Manager: '''Ilt Jones'''
* Location Managers: '''Michael J. Burmeister''', '''Fermín Dávalos''', and '''Emre Sonmez'''
* Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Michael Wesley Aycock''', '''Leann Emmert''', '''Perri Fichtner''', '''Ronald M. Haynes''', '''Jonathan Hook''', '''Kathy McCurdy''', '''Manny Padilla''', '''Lisa Patton''', '''Rob Swenson''', '''Marta Tomkiw''', and '''Scott Trimble'''
* Additional Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Brooks Bonstin''', '''Alexandre Chen''', '''Michael Chickey''', '''Martin J. Cummins'''
* Assistant Location Managers: '''Ces Hardy''' and '''Amanda Harrington'''
* Location Scouts: '''Stuart Raven Barter''', '''Richard Klotz''', '''James Lin''', and '''Keith Nakata'''
{{-}}
==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
In 2000, director Joseph Kahn pitched his treatment for a live-action Transformers film to [[Sony]], but they eventually lost interest in a film. In 2003, producer [[Don Murphy]] had intended to produce a movie based on another [[Hasbro]] property, [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. However, following the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, a movie entitled "G.I. Joe" was no longer considered viable, so Carol Monroe, who was in charge of Hasbro's movie department at that time, suggested doing a ''Transformers'' movie instead.<ref name="murphylatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/on-set-interview-producer-don-murphy-on-transformers-1502 Latino Review interview with producer Don Murphy.]</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] joined the project as a second producer and wrote a treatment that he and Murphy tried to shop around for a while. (The treatment would eventually remain entirely unused, but DeSanto would try to get a writing credit regardless, even though none of the screenwriters had ever actually ''seen'' his treatment.<ref name="bayspat">[http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-hollywood-deal/2007/07/05/michael-bays-spat-with-his-transformer-producers Rant by Michael Bay, deleted from his own blog, still mirrored on other sites]</ref>) The movie was officially announced for the first time in June 2003.<ref name="comingsoon">[http://web.archive.org/web/20030611151443/http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=238 Coming Soon announcing the movie.]</ref>

In 2004, after [[DreamWorks]] won a bidding war with New Line Cinema over the rights to the film, [[Steven Spielberg]] signed up as executive producer, while [[John Rogers]] was confirmed as screenwriter in November of the same year.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/03/rogers-writing-transformers IGN confirming Rogers as screenwriter.]</ref> In February 2005, Rogers was replaced by [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]],<ref name="ignkurtzorc">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/18/exclusive-new-transformers-writers IGN confirming Kurtzman and Orci as new screenwriters.]</ref> who drastically reworked Rogers' original script.<ref name="rogerscred">[http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/07/proper-credits-for-transformers.html John Rogers confirming that Kurtzman and Orci drastically rewrote his script]</ref> Spielberg tried to convince [[Michael Bay]] to direct the movie in late July 2005, but Bay initially declined, having no interest in a "toy movie". He later changed his mind after attending "Transformers school" at Hasbro, but decided to make the movie "realistic" and accessible for adult viewers.<ref name="audio">Michael Bay's audio commentary on the ''Transformers'' DVD.</ref>

A few days after a list of names of the human cast had been leaked on the internet, [[Shia LaBeouf]] was confirmed as the first cast member.<ref name="ignshia">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/28/from-i-robot-to-transformers IGN confirming Shia LaBeouf.]</ref> Producer Don Murphy,<ref name="murphytfcon">[http://www.transformerscon.com/videos.php Don Murphy at the Canadian TransformersCon.]</ref> Hasbro<ref name="tfwtour">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/139273-botcon-2007-botcon-2007-hasbro-tour-updated-friday-12-45pm.html Hasbro tour report.]</ref> and the screenwriters<ref name="mtv">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1554426/20070312/story.jhtml MTV.com interview with Kurtzman and Orci.]</ref> all favored [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Frank Welker]] as voice actors for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Bay had both audition, but only hired Cullen, while preferring [[Hugo Weaving]] as Megatron.<ref name="cgirobot">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070810172643/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/004974570.cfm Wizard Universe article about the production of the movie.]</ref> However, Welker still got to voice Megatron (alongside Cullen as Prime) in the video game adaption of the movie, ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', as well as in ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]'', an animated (sort of) version of [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|prequel comic mini-series]] that was available on a Wal*Mart exclusive bonus disc included with the movie DVD.

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
In addition to acting as a licensor, Hasbro also actively participated in the development of the movie, starting with an introduction into the world of the Transformers, called the "Transformers School", for everyone involved, including [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="paramountbotcon">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=8001 "Hasbro and Paramount Partnership Panel" at BotCon 2007.]</ref> Hasbro also had a say in the depiction of the Transformers in the movie, the selection of the voice actors,<ref name="tfwtour" /> naming the characters, working on the robot designs<ref name="lorenzoiesb">[http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2724&Itemid=99 IESB interview with Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.]</ref> and the inclusion of "easter eggs", but no veto rights.<ref name="paramountbotcon" /> According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], Hasbro was more interested in an adequate adaption of the ''Transformers'' concept rather than ''only'' marketing the toyline.<ref name="orcihasbro">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2200611&postcount=239 Roberto Orci discussing Hasbro's involvement.]</ref> Nevertheless, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms because of the long production run of the toys, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew">[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20044598_3,00.html Entertainment Weekly interview with Michael Bay.]</ref> Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] then created the [[Movie (toyline)|toys]] based on the designs developed by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. Aside from this, Takara wasn't involved in the creation of the movie at all.<ref name="murphytformers">[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=3945 TFormers interview with Don Murphy.]</ref>

Unlike other ''Transformers'' toylines (except for ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]''), Hasbro and Takara don't share the full rights to the movie toys: Paramount and ILM hold the rights to the robot designs, while the vehicle modes were licensed by companies such as General Motors ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]), Saleen ([[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]), Force Protection Industries ([[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]), the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation ([[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]). Only [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] didn't require a license, since his vehicle mode in the movie was heavily genericized, and all manufacturer logos were removed.<ref name="edmundsveh">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070809065140/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424 Edmunds.com article on the vehicles featured in the movie.]</ref> TakaraTomy even identifies the Leader Class toy as a Kenworth W900 instead of a Peterbilt 379.<ref name="takaraprime">[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie/ma-01.html TakaraTomy product page for Leader Class Optimus Prime.]</ref>

Even though Hasbro didn't directly profit from the box office revenue, owning the ''Transformers'' brand allowed them to profit more from the toys than from licensed brands such as ''[[Spider-Man]]'' or ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. In addition, Hasbro was able to give out over 240 licenses to third party companies.<ref name="hasbrofall">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6912693.stm BBC reporting on Hasbro quarterly earnings for July 2007.]</ref> In the USA alone, Hasbro had sold more than three million toys from the movie line as early as July 2007,<ref name="cnnmoney">[http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/23/news/companies/hasbro/index.htm?section=money_topstories CNN Money story on Hasbro sales.]</ref> while Wal-Mart had earned more than five million $USD with the movie Transformers at the same time.<ref name="walmartmillion">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=143983 Wal-Mart employee Steevy Maximus reporting on sales figures for movie toys.]</ref> A lot of the movie toys were frequently sold out at many stores ("drought") due to a mix of popularity, stores underestimating said popularity (and thus not ordering enough toys), shipping problems in China and [[Toy scalping|scalpers]].

====US Military====
The [[United States military]] (via [[Philip Strub]] and the Defense Department's Film and Television Liaison Office) supported the movie by providing vehicles and soldiers. The vehicles included an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout)]], several F-22 Raptors (one of them serving as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s alternate mode), two A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets, an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane, an AC-130 Spectre gunship and two V-22 Ospreys. Many other airplanes are seen in the background like a few UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, several F-117 Nighthawks, and several cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster and the C-130 Hercules. Therefore, ''Transformers'' is the first movie to feature real, non-CG F-22s.<ref name="afmil">[http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123061917 Air Force Space Command article on the movie.]</ref> Real soldiers trained with the actors who played military personnel<ref name="tyreselatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=2260 Latino Review interview with Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel.]</ref> and were also featured as extras in the movie. Michael Bay even allowed them to improvise lines to make their military dialogue sound as "realistic" as possible.<ref name="nabbtfw">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=115126 First Lieutenant Micheal McNabb reporting his experience of working on the movie.]</ref> In return for their cooperation, Bay gave the military a say in their own depiction in the movie.<ref name="wired">[http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-07/trans_movie?currentPage=all Wired.com article on the movie.]</ref> The military, in turn, views the movie as a new form of recruitment.<ref name="aflink">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123021491 Air Force Link article about the movie.]</ref>

====Product Placement====
Aside from advertising the ''Transformers'' toyline, the movie also features product placement for other companies, such as Apple, Yahoo, Burger King, Nokia, Panasonic, eBay and Hewlett-Packard. The machines given life by the Allspark include an Xbox 360 (including the original startup sound) and a [[Dispensor|Mountain Dew soda vending machine]]. In addition, the movie also features other Hasbro brands, such as ''My Little Pony'' and ''Furby'' (the latter being a property of Hasbro's subsidiary Tiger Electronics). Furthermore, all Autobots, with the exception of Optimus Prime, have vehicles provided by subsidiaries of General Motors as their [[alternate mode]]s, which saved Michael Bay $3 million of his budget.<ref name="bayew" />

Many of these cooperations were mutual: Burger King offered the obligatory Kids Meal toys based on the movie characters for the movie's theatrical launch, and General Motors and Mountain Dew ran TV ads under the titles "Transform Your Ride" and "Transform Your Summer", respectively. According to producers Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, some of these brands, such as [[eBay]], were not originally included as part of a sponsoring deal, but had been part of the script from the beginning for story purposes on the writers' behalf.<ref name="lorenzoiesb" /> For the DVD release of the movie, meanwhile, ''additional'' "Cisco" logos were added into the movie that had not been there yet in the theatrical version.<ref name="dvdprod">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38792 Allspark thread featuring comparison stills of the theatrical and DVD versions of the movie.]</ref>

===Special effects===
* Three quarters of the CG effects were done by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. The other quarter was done by [[Digital Domain]], a company [[Michael Bay]] bought shortly before signing up to the ''Transformers'' movie.
* As seen in the bonus material for the Movie DVD, at least some of the ILM designers are actually Transformers fans. One of the animators, [[Charles Alleneck]], has his entire office decorated in more ''Transformers'' toys than a lot of "regular" fans might own.
* Physical props and set pieces were built for several of the Transformers' robot modes. Full body props for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (the 2009 Camaro body) and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] were used for scenes that involved direct interaction with the human cast. The Bumblebee prop (with detached legs) was also used for the scene where he was strapped to a [[Longarm (Movie)|tow truck]]. A set featuring the frozen lower half of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] body was also built. The rest is assorted bits and pieces, such as [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok's]] head and tail, a part of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s leg (including a wheel) and an unpainted, entirely blue version of his head plus a small part of the upper chest, and various semi-random chunks meant to represent the remains of the destroyed Decepticons dumped into the ocean (some of the parts meant to represent pieces of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] even feature markings found on a real-life MH-53 Pave Low helicopter).

===Changes before, during and after production===
A lot of details about the movie changed during the pre-production phase (and even still during production and post-production):

* The script was originally supposed to center around the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but because the studio wanted to avoid association with the ''Matrix'' movie trilogy, it had to be renamed. For the longest time, the working name was "[[Energon]] Cube", which neither the fans nor producer [[Don Murphy]] were really happy with.<ref name="murphytfcon" /> Ultimately, it was renamed into the [[AllSpark]] for the final movie; however, the name "Energon Cube" is still used in [[Alan Dean Foster]]'s [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie, and was also used by [[Shia LaBeouf]] in a CBS interview immediately before the movie's official theatrical launch.<ref name="shiacbs">[http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3004937n?source=search_video CBS interview with Shia LaBeouf.]</ref>
* One of the Autobot characters in the early Kurtzman/Orci drafts was [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], who would have turned into a motorcycle. Even though Hasbro developed a toy based on the designs for the character, Arcee was dropped from the script and replaced with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]: Kurtzman and Orci didn't want to spend time explaining the purpose of "female" Autobots,<ref name="orciign">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/02/exclusive-interview-robert-orci?page=3 IGN interview with Roberto Orci.]</ref> and Michael Bay considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="orciwizard">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070714214451/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> Despite what fans commonly assume, however, the scene during the final battle in [[Mission City]] where [[William Lennox|Lennox]] uses an abandoned motorcycle for his assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] wasn't added to the script until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script; however, had she ''not'' been dropped, she ''would'' have probably been that motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/2288318-post539.html Orci once again clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* Other Autobot characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman were [[Hot Rod]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].<ref name="orcichara">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388609&postcount=280 Roberto Orci confirming various characters originally intended for the movie.]</ref> The last was eventually dropped because Orci and Kurtzman preferred the idea of "a Decepticon in disguise as a police vehicle".<ref name="orciprowl">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=365508&postcount=4411 Orci explaining why Prowl is not in the movie]</ref>
* Kurtzman and Orci tried ''twice'' to include [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in the movie. The first attempt was supposed to turn into a helicopter,<ref name="orciswave">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=351304&postcount=4161 Roberto Orci confirming that Blackout was originally intended to be Soundwave.]</ref> but Hasbro rejected that notion and insisted that Soundwave's [[alternate mode]] should have something to do with music.<ref name="murphyswave">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=97507&postcount=23 Post by Don Murphy at his message board.]</ref> The "helicopter" character was then renamed multiple times, among those names being "Grimlock",<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref> "Vortex",<ref name="orcisample">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1120447&postcount=2360 Unformatted script sample from first draft posted by Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's message board]</ref> "Devastator"<ref name="procterdevas">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_32.html "Devastator" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Incinerator".<ref name="procterinc">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_34.html "Incinerator" pre-production render at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> The character eventually ended up as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].
* The second attempt would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape and tracked down [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]].<ref name="early" /> The "vehicle" part was later turned into a separate character, who was then given a different alternate mode (as a police cruiser) and eventually ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. Meanwhile, the "portable stereo" character also went through several changes, because Kurtzman and Orci eventually decided that the character didn't really do Soundwave justice, so they decided to change his name and save Soundwave for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]].<ref name="webcast">[http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2701721/20070418/2048/2701721-300-wmv-s.35907855-,2701721-300-flash-s.35907881-,2701721-100-wmv-s.35907849-,2701721-100-flash-s.35907874-,2701721-1000-wmv-s.35907866-,2701721-1000-flash-s.35907894-,2701721-700-flash-s.35907887-,2701721-700-wmv-s.35907861- Yahoo webcast with Kurtzman and Orci, revealing the final names of the movie characters.]</ref> The character went through some other working names such as "Boombot"<ref name="procterboom">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_45.html "Boombot" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Soundbyte"<ref name="proctersbyte">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_54.html "Soundbyte" head study at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and eventually ended up as [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]].
* Other Decepticon characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman, aside from Soundwave, were [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].<ref name="orcichara" /> The latter was originally supposed to be a minion of helicopter Soundwave, who would have chased [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew through the jungle after the attack on their base. However, when the scene was changed from the jungle to the desert (and Soundwave was no longer Soundwave), Ravage was replaced by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]].<ref name="orciravage">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirming that Scorponok replaced Ravage].</ref>
* Because of the long production run of the toys, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew" /> As a result, many of the Decepticon characters in particular were chosen somewhat hastily, and aren't really based on established Transformers characters aside from their names. The tank used for [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] (aka "Devastator") was a recycled prop originally built for the movie ''xXx: State of the Union'', while the mine protected vehicle used for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] caught the filmmakers' attention because of a giant photoshopped fork depicted on the manufacturer's website.<ref name="enewsi">[http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11213 Entertainment News International article on the making of the movie.]</ref>
* Other Decepticon characters featured in an early draft, aside from "Grimlock" (helicopter) and "Soundwave" (portable stereo/Humvee), were Brawl as a Jeep, Frenzy as a Piranha III mortar artillery vehicle, Onslaught as a mobile missile launcher, Octane as a tanker truck, and three jets named Blitzwing, Starscream and Devastator (a cargo plane, a 747 jet and F-16 fighter; the script doesn't say which is which). Instead of having been hiding on Earth for a while, they would have arrived there during the movie after having been summoned by Soundwave.<ref name="early" /> It's possible that the Piranha III later evolved into Stryker/[[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].
* The "evil police car Decepticon" that replaced Prowl took over the "vehicle" portion of the second character originally conceived as Soundwave (which eventually became [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]). His vehicle form was originally supposed to be a Ford Crown Victoria, while his working name was "Brawl".<ref name="policebrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour].</ref> Eventually the character ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], with the vehicle mode being changed into a Saleen S281 "Extreme" Mustang, because Ford didn't want one of their cars used as a "villain". Therefore, Barricade sports no "Ford" logos in the movie.<ref name="edmundsveh" />
* Another Decepticon character intended to be in the movie had the working name "Stryker", named after his vehicle mode, a M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle.<ref name="stryker">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=262 Unused design for "Stryker", revealed at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref> It's possible that he had evolved from a character named "Frenzy" featured in an early script draft, who would have turned into a Piranha III. The character ultimately never made it into the movie, but Hasbro later turned the design into a toy regardless, named [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].<ref name="tfwtour" />
* Michael Bay also considered having a Transformers character turn into an aircraft carrier, but eventually scrapped that idea for cost reasons.<ref name="ignround">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/13/transformers-roundtable-with-michael-bay?page=2 IGN roundtable with Michael Bay from the Australian press conference.]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman included the character in one of their drafts of the script,<ref name="orciaircraft">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=387736&postcount=210 Roberto Orci confirming that the aircraft carrier was in one of the drafts.]</ref> and artist Tim Flattery created concept art.<ref name="flattery">Tim Flattery's concept art for the unused aircraft carrier Transformer: [http://timflattery.com/transformers/4.html Image 1], [http://timflattery.com/transformers/5.html image 2].</ref>
* Working names for the tank Decepticon were "Demolisher"<ref name="hasbrodemolisher">[http://www.hasbro.com/objects/content/wallpaper.cfm?img=wp_transformers651_1280.jpg&brand_id=496&lang_id=1 Wallpaper at Hasbro's website calling Brawl/Devastator "Demolisher".]</ref> and "Devastator", the latter of which had also been a working name for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] at one point. Even though [[Michael Bay]] confirmed in May 2006 that this was not the final name,<ref name="baysecret">[http://michaelbay.com/2006/05/12/a-little-secret-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay claiming that the Transformers' names circulating were "aliases".]</ref> screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman confirmed the final name to be "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in April 2006,<ref name="webcast" /> and Hasbro used that name for all their toys based on the movie character, he identifies himself as "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie itself. According to a fan who attended the Australian press conference, Bay had decided to use that name regardless,<ref name="griffin">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1360922&postcount=122 Australian fan griffin-of-oz reporting from the Australian press conference].</ref> while Hasbro considered the name in the movie a "continuity error",<ref name="hasbrofuture">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139268 Hasbro Transformers Future Product Unveiling panel at BotCon 2007.]</ref> and Orci even claimed that he and Kurtzman had pointed out said "error" in the editing room twice.<ref name="orcidevastator">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=368555&postcount=4479 Orci confirming the name "Devastator" to be an "error".]</ref>
* Michael Bay decided to have [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] not turn into a Volkswagen Beetle because he wanted to avoid similarities with Disney's ''[[Wikipedia:Herbie|Herbie, the Love Bug]]''.<ref name="bayew" /> Production Designer Jeff Mann originally suggested using a Dodge Super Bee as Bumblebee's alternate mode,<ref name="edmunds1976">[Edmun Edmunds.com article on the classic Bumblebee Camaro.]</ref> but eventually Bay signed a deal with General Motors that saved him $3 million of his budget, which is why Bumblebee turns into a Chevrolet Camaro in the movie.<ref name="bayew" />
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was originally intended to transform into a fire truck rather than a Search & Rescue Hummer. After being changed into a Hummer, he initially still retained a red and white deco, which later served as the inspiration for Hasbro's "Rescue Ratchet" redecos of the movie toys.<ref name="ratchettour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=285 Early designs for Ratchet shown at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref>
* After designs of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had leaked on the internet, his head design was slightly revised following massive fan complaints.<ref name="murphysunday">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=764141&postcount=1 Don Murphy confirming that Megatron's head design was changed due to fan complaints.]</ref>
* The studio had originally preferred the Transformers not to talk ''at all'' throughout the movie, a notion Hasbro heavily contested.<ref name="tfwtour" /> Bumblebee still ended up being mute throughout most of the movie, which, according to Orci and Kurtzman, was inspired by Spielberg's ''E.T.'' and is supposed to signify that his friendship with Sam transcends words.<ref name="mtv" />
* Most drafts of the script started the movie with [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s discovery of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. In the actual movie, this scene was moved to a later point, shown as a flashback (actually at two points, split into two parts). [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Movie Adaptation issue 1|comic adaptation]] of the movie still has this as the opening scene.
* Also in one of the early drafts, the original reason for Mikaela's falling out with [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]] was not because he wouldn't let his "little bunny" drive his car, but because she refused to let him drive after having drunk beer. [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Anvilicious Anvilicious] much?
* In an early draft, [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew would have defeated [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] with a simple grenade, which would have "dissolved him at a molecular level". The air strike would have never happened, and Lennox wouldn't have established contact with the Pentagon until around the time when [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] were apprehended by [[Sector Seven]].<ref name="early" />
* In the same draft, Sam had left his grandfather's glasses at school. The Autobots would have distracted a security guard while Sam and Mikaela would have broken into their school. It would have been there that Sam would have learned about Mikaela's criminal past, and the scene would have ended with their arrest by Sector Seven.<ref name="early" />
* In some earlier drafts of the script, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was supposed to kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] too after he had finished off [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. That scene never made it into the final movie, and Barricade simply disappears with no explanation after Bonecrusher transforms; however, the scene still made it into Alan Dean Foster's [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie and IDW's [[Movie Adaptation issue 4|comic adaptation]].
* Also in earlier drafts of the script, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was supposed to kill [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] by consuming his [[Spark]]. Again, this is only explicitly confirmed in the novelization and IDW's comic adaptation of the movie, but not in the movie itself.
* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee (see also "[[#Errors|errors]]" above), Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#XMODS Evolution Transformers|''XMODS Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit]].

==Notes==
* The Autobot computer generated models consisted of 35,592 total pieces, 7,435,478 polygons, 95,247 rig nodes, and 20,258 texture maps. If laid end to end, the pieces would stretch 3.11 miles.
* For all the robots combined, there are 60,217 pieces of geometry, 123,509,502 polygons, 144,341 rigging nodes, and 34,215 texture maps.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12–17.</ref>
* The events of the movie span 4–5 days.
* Within the movie, neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons are referred to as "Transformers".
* As confirmed in the audio commentary on the movie DVD, director [[Michael Bay]] has a brief cameo as an innocent bystander getting flicked against a taxi cab by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].
* The "<tt>[322] days without a safety breach</tt>" sign behind Agent Simmons before they bring the [[Nokia-bot|cell phone]] to life relates to a piece of backstory that was cut from the final film. A researcher named [[James Farr (Movie)|James Farr]] was killed when a [[AX9-8946-09SU-1|robot they brought to life]] ran amok, causing the damage Glen comments on. The [[Sector Seven (game)|viral marketing campaign]] gives a date for Farr's death; [[March 16]], [[2006]]. This would chronologically place the primary events of the film as occurring over a 3-day period, [[January 30]]–[[February 1]], [[2007]].
*The two guard dogs that Sam encounters are played by a Belgian Malinois named Ammo and a Rottweiler named Nadine.
* In an interesting showing of unified marketing, the Japanese dub of the movie uses the English-market character and factions names (e.g., Autobot, Decepticon, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee) rather than the terms previously established in Japanese Transformers continuity (e.g., Cybertron, Destron, Convoy, Bumble). This has subsequently influenced Takara's subsequent dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', where (for the most part) they retain the English-market names and factions.
* In a bit of a shocker, [[Simon Furman]] has said he personally isn't a fan of the films, though he believes they're great for what he inaccurately (and worryingly) described as "the intended audience" of young kids.<ref>[http://mindlessones.com/2009/07/20/transformers-terminators-and-the-rest11-questions-with-simon-furman/ Interview at Mindless Ones blog]</ref>
* In an unexpected celebrity-related moment, famed multi award-winning British actress Helen Mirren, a Dame Commander of the British Empire, was one of the guests at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of ''Transformers''. One wonders what she thought of it.<ref>[http://movies.about.com/od/transformers/ig/Transformers-Premiere-Photos/transformersprem34.htm Helen Mirren at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles premiere of ''Transformers'';Rebecca Murray, Movies.About.com Guide]</ref>
* ''Transformers'' (ahem) "inspired" a [[Knockoff|direct-to-video movie]] called [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers|''Transmorphers'']]. It got a [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers: Fall of Man|prequel]] in 2009, starring [[Wikipedia:Bruce Boxleitner|Bruce Boxleitner]], of all people. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
* Somewhat less embarrassing, ''Transformers'' also inspired the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|2008 ''Knight Rider'' television movie]] and the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|short-lived revival/sequel series]] that followed it.<ref name="varietykr">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972829?refCatId=14 Variety article about the then-upcoming 2008 ''Knight Rider'' revival]</ref> Furthermore, the special effects<ref name="madeatl">[http://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2008/iron_man_production_details.htm ''Iron Man'' Full Production Notes]</ref> and the marketing campaign<ref name="imtie-ins">[http://www.brandweek.com/bw/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692165 Brandweek article about the ''Iron Man'' marketing campaign.]</ref> both served as inspirations for the 2008 [[Wikipedia:Iron Man (film)|''Iron Man'' movie]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers''''' (トランスフォーマー ''Toransufōmā'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛, "Transformers"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng''''' (China, 变形金刚, "Transformers")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery''''' (Трансформеры, "Transformers")

==External links==
* [http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR&ID=421174 June 11, 2003 Press Release announcing the movie.]
* [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Transformersmovie.com]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/ ''Transformers'' at IMDB.com]
* [http://www.transformersalbum.com/ ''Transformers The Album'']
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_%28film%29 ''Transformers'' 2007 film on Wikipedia]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/PROJPAGE_Trans_01.html Ben Procter], [http://www.jamesclyne.com/projects.php?gallery_id=297 James Clyne], [http://timflattery.com/main.html Tim Flattery], [http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4150 Alex Jaeger] (at CG Society), [http://2d2cg.com/# Jeremy Cook]
* [http://www.capalert.com/capreports/transformers.htm ''Transformers'' CAPalert.com review]

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

[[Category:Movie| ]]
[[Category:Movie media]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers (film)

2016-05-26T09:43:29Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{disambig2|the 2007 movie|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}

{{nav-movie}}

:''Transformers is an [[Sector Seven (game)|elaborate cover up]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination!]]

'''''Transformers''''' is a live-action movie released by [[DreamWorks]] in 2007, with Executive Producer [[Steven Spielberg]] and Director [[Michael Bay]]. The story follows the Transformers' arrival on modern-day Earth and their interactions with the human race, as they search for the life-giving [[AllSpark]] and continue their ages-old civil war. The movie is a new imagining of the [[Transformers brand]], drawing on past Transformers fiction but also distinct in its own right.

''Transformers'' features [[Sam Witwicky]], a plucky teenager who just wants a cool car, but gets more than he bargained for. The beater he and his father take home is actually [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], an alien robot from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], who plants Sam down in the middle of a civil war between Bumblebee's benevolent [[Autobot]] comrades and the evil [[Decepticon]]s who threaten the galaxy's peace. Both sides are after the AllSpark, a mysterious artifact that landed on Earth ten thousand years ago. The approaching robot-against-robot battle is a coming-of-age moment for Sam, who learns the meaning of his family's motto, "No sacrifice, no victory."

The principal cast members were [[Shia LaBeouf]], [[Jon Voight]], and [[Megan Fox]], with [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Hugo Weaving]] as the voices of the Transformers' iconic leaders. About 75 percent of the film's character designs and visual effects were created by [[Industrial Light & Magic]], the effects-wizards behind the [[Star Wars (film)|''Star Wars'' films]]. The remaining 25 percent were done by Michael Bay's company, [[Digital Domain]].

Originally slated to release in the summer of 2006, the film arrived in US theaters on [[July 3]], 2007, and hit UK theaters on [[July 27]] and French theaters on [[July 25]]. It premiered in Australia on [[June 12]], 2007, and was released there and in a number of Asian countries on [[June 28]], 2007. An extended cut of the film featuring footage not in the original was released to IMAX theatres on [[September 21]], 2007.

{{bigquote|Sam Witwicky, you hold the key to Earth's survival.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] on the basic plot}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Allspark movie.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|With this, I shall make you my slave!]]
Many years ago, Cybertron is destroyed at the hands of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], during his quest to obtain the AllSpark. Megatron discovers the AllSpark on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the Arctic Circle, becoming frozen in the ice. Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in the late 19th century. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and [[Glasses#Movie|Archibald's eyeglasses]] are imprinted with the coordinates to the AllSpark's location. [[Sector Seven]], a secret organization of the United States government, independently discovers the AllSpark and builds the [[Hoover Dam]] around it to mask its energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is reverse engineered to further advance [[human]] technology.

[[File:Movie Blackout SOCCENT.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|Let the slaughter begin!]]
In the present day, the other Decepticons — [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] — have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles. Blackout and Scorponok attack the U.S. [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]] in an effort to use the military database to discover the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors under Captain [[William Lennox]] wander through the desert and are followed by Scorponok. The Autonomous Robotic Organism (shortened to "Autobot") known as Bumblebee is also on Earth, disguised as a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. He finds Sam at a used car lot where the boy is looking to purchase a car. Bumblebee covertly sabotages all of the other cars in the lot, leaving him as Sam's only option. Sam buys Bumblebee and the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and woo his crush, [[Mikaela Banes]]. Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until one night when the Autobot drives off without him. Sam chases Bumblebee on a bike to a factory area, calling the police in the process, and witnesses Bumblebee transform into robot mode and send a signal to the Autobots in space. The police soon arrive and Sam is arrested.

[[File:Movie Scorponok leapsout.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Run, Blaster! Save yourself!]]
At the [[Pentagon]], Defense Secretary [[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] oversees the investigation into the attack in Qatar. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates Air Force One and attempts to download all information relating to "Project Iceman". However, [[Maggie Madsen]], one of the technicians studying the Decepticon infiltration signal, detects Frenzy hacking into the files and convinces the Pentagon to take down the Defense Network, halting Frenzy's download. When [[Air Force One]] makes an emergency landing, Frenzy slips into Barricade, and discusses his discovery of Archibald Witwicky, who has seen [[Cybertronian language|their language]]. Using an internet search, they discover that Sam's glasses will lead the Decepticons to the AllSpark. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's location. Back in Qatar, the Army Rangers are attacked by Scorponok, and take refuge in a nearby village. Calling the Pentagon and getting air support, they discover that the Decepticons are vulnerable to high heat weaponry such as sabot rounds. Using this information, the soldiers inform the Pentagon that they now have a weapon.

[[File:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] say find friends today.]]
Sam having been bailed out of jail by his father, gets the impression that Bumblebee is stalking him. A freaked out Sam flees from Bumblebee (who is in car mode) on his mother's bike. Bumblebee then proceeds to pursue him. Mikaela sees Sam on the run and follows him on her motor scooter. After Sam evades Bumblebee, he is confronted by Barricade who demands Archibald's glasses. Mikaela arrives as Sam is running away from Barricade. Bumblebee, still in car mode, then finds them and has them get in. Barricade chases Bumblebee to a power plant where Bumblebee transforms and battles the Decepticon robot-to-robot. Meanwhile, Frenzy chases Sam but gets his head decapitated by Mikaela, however his head still functions and takes the form of Mikaela's phone to hide in her purse. Bumblebee, who has defeated Barricade, properly introduces himself to Sam and Mikaela. He then takes them to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. They all meet in a dark, secluded alley, transform in front of the two amazed humans, introduce themselves and tell of the reasons they had to come to Earth to Sam and Mikaela. Meanwhile, Maggie, unable to convince John Keller and his officers of the Decepticon virus's complexity, makes a copy of the intrusion signal and shows it to her friend [[Glen Whitmann]], who discovers a message with the signal about Sector Seven, Captain Witwicky, and [[Project Iceman]]. However, the FBI arrest Glen and Maggie, who desperately tries to convince them not to go to war with the wrong country.

[[File:Movie Autobots Sector Seven.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'll use the universal greeting.]]
Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. However, agents from [[Sector Seven]] arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. As Sam and Mikaela are taken away in one of their vehicles, [[Seymour Simmons]], the agency's director, reveals that Mikaela has a criminal record and threatens Sam with life imprisonment, at which point the Autobots disable the convoy and rescue the teens. Mikaela then explains to Sam that the only reason she has a record is her refusal to turn her father in for the crimes he committed, prompting her to ask him what he has ever sacrificed in his "perfect little life." Reinforcements arrive at the scene and the Autobots retreat. However Sam and Mikaela are recaptured and Bumblebee is also captured despite Sam's pleas to let him go. Prime orders the other Autobots to let Bumblebee be taken, unwilling to use deadly force against the humans. At the Pentagon, a virus Frenzy uploaded during the Air Force One hack causes a global communications blackout, while Keller is finally informed of the Transformers by [[Tom Banachek]]. After Bumblebee's capture, Optimus uses the glasses to locate the AllSpark at Hoover Dam, and declares that if they cannot defeat the Decepticons, he will merge the Cube with his spark, even though it will kill him.

[[File:Movie Optimus Megatron.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|One shall stand. One shall fall.]]
Sam, Mikaela, Keller, Maggie, Glen, and Lennox's unit are brought to Hoover Dam, where they are shown by Simmons and Banachek the frozen Megatron and the AllSpark, while Frenzy slips away. Sam explains the Decepticons' plan to use the AllSpark to transform human machines to conquer the universe. Locating the AllSpark, Frenzy regenerates the rest of his body and sends out an alert to Starscream, who mobilizes the rest of the Decepticons. Due to Starscream's attack and Frenzy's sabotage, Megatron begins to thaw, and Sam, Lennox, and Keller convince Banachek and Simmons to release Bumblebee so that he can get the AllSpark to Optimus Prime. Bumblebee converts the AllSpark into a smaller state for transportation to [[Mission City]].

Glen, Maggie, Keller, and Simmons manage to contact the Air Force and direct F22s to Mission City. Frenzy tries to stop them but is killed. As Bumblebee, Sam, Mikeala, and Lennox's unit drive to Mission City, they come in contact with the other Autobots, who join the convoy. Barricade, Devastator, and Bonecrusher, in vehicle modes, pursue them and Bonecrusher transforms into robot mode. Optimus transforms to stay behind and stop their pursuers. He fights Bonecrusher and eventually kills him. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots and the soldiers reach Mission City and come under attack by Starscream, Devastator, Blackout and Megatron. Bumblebee is crippled by Starscream while Jazz is killed by Megatron. Mikaela hijacks a tow truck to carry Bumblebee to safety while Lennox tasks Sam with taking the AllSpark to a building where it will be taken by military helicopters. Ironhide and Ratchet cover Sam as he makes his run to the building, protecting him from Blackout before being wounded by Starscream, leaving Sam to get to the building on his own.

[[File:Megatron allspark merge.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Now, light our darkest hour!]]
Optimus Prime finally arrives in the area and confronts Megatron. The two battle one-on-one before Megatron knocks Prime out and chases Sam. As Sam get to the roof of the building and is about to hand the AllSpark off to one of the helicopters, it is shot down by Starscream. Megatron destroys the portion of the roof the Sam is standing on when he refuses to hand over the AllSpark. However, Optimus catches Sam and he and Megatron resume their duel with Megatron once again gaining the upper hand. Meanwhile, Mikaela drives the tow truck in reverse to allow Bumblebee to fire on Devastator, who has Lennox and his men pinned down. Bumblebee kills Devastator and a full air strike is called in on Blackout and Megatron. As Blackout attempts to assist Megatron, he is killed by Lennox and the Air Force before he can engage. Starscream hides among a raptor squadron, destroying three fighters before being chased away. The Air Force and Lennox's rangers attack Megatron, inflicting serious damage upon him, but he is still functional, and heading toward the Cube. Finally, with both Prime and Megatron weakened, Prime beckons Sam to shove the AllSpark into his chest, destroying them both, but Sam instead takes the riskier action of shoving the AllSpark into Megatron's chest, destroying it, and killing Megatron instead.

{{note|For an extensive synopsis of the battle, see separate article [[Mission City]].}}

[[File:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Optimus thanks Sam for his courage and for saving his life, while Bumblebee, who has temporarily regained his voice, asks permission to remain with Sam, which is granted. In an attempt to cover up the existence of the Transformers, Sector Seven is disbanded, while the remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. Though Megatron is dead, the AllSpark's destruction leaves the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. With no other home to go to, the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream retreats from Earth.
{{-}}

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Darius McCrary]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
**[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]'''''' / Devastator
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
**[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] ([[Jon Voight]])
*[[Maggie Madsen]] ([[Rachael Taylor]])
*[[Glen Whitmann]] ([[Anthony Anderson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Tom Banachek]] ([[Michael O'Neill]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Bobby Bolivia]] ([[Bernie Mac]])
*[[Trent DeMarco]] ([[Travis Van Winkle]])
*[[Archibald Witwicky]] ([[William Morgan Sheppard]])
*[[Patrick Donnelly]] ([[Zack Ward]])
*[[Jorge Figueroa]] ([[Amaury Nolasco]])
*[[Miles Lancaster]] ([[John Robinson]])
*[[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])

|c4=
*[[Mojo]] ([[Chester the Chihuahua]])
[[AllSpark Mutation]]s
*[[Nokia-bot]]
*[[Dispensor]]
*[[Steering wheel robot|Steering wheel]]
*[[Xbox 360 robot|Xbox 360]]
|nonumbering=true
}}
'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''' - Brawl is named "Devastator" in the film itself, but "Brawl" in the toyline and most of the supporting media. Plot summaries and such will reflect whichever name is relevant to that being described.

==Quotes==
"Before time began, there was the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That was how our race was born. For a time, we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good, others for evil. And so began the war - a war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death, and the Cube was lost to the far reaches of space. We scattered across the galaxy, hoping to find it and rebuild our home, searching every star, every world. And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called... Earth. But we were already too late."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' opening narration

"Look, can you do me a favor—can you look out the window for a second? See my father? He's the guy in the green car? Let me tell you about a dream, a boy's dream, and a man's promise to that boy. He looked him in the eye and said "Son, I'm gonna buy you a car, but I want you to bring me two-thousand dollars and three A's." OK, I got the two thousand and two A's. OK, here's the dream. Your B minus? Pfff! Dream gone. Kaputt. Sir, just ask yourself... what would [[Jesus]] do?"
:—'''Sam Witwicky''' negotiates a better mark for his Family Genealogy project

'''Bobby Bolivia:''' What with the semi-classic nature of the vehicle, slick wheels and custom paint job— 
'''Sam:''' The paint's faded! 
'''Bobby:''' Y-yeah, but it's custom. 
'''Sam:''' It's custom faded? 
'''Bobby:''' Well, it's your first car, I wouldn't expect you to understand. ''[turns to Ron]'' Five grand. 
'''Ron:''' No, not paying over four. Sorry. 
'''Bobby:''' ''[turns back to Sam]'' Kid, c'mon, get out, get out of the car. 
'''Sam:''' No, no, no, you said cars pick their drivers! 
'''Bobby:''' Well, sometimes they pick a driver with a cheap-ass father—out of the car. 
:—Negotiations over [[Bumblebee (Movie)|the car]] at [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo]]

''[Sam's car leaves in a huge puff of black smoke]'' 
"Wow... you are so cheap." 
"It's his first car... supposed to be like that."
:—'''Judy Witwicky''' comments on the car's condition to '''Ron'''

'''Capt. Lennox:''' I need a credit card! Epps, where's your wallet? 
'''Sgt. Epps:''' Pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' Which pocket?" 
'''Epps:''' My ''back'' pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' You got ten back pockets! 
'''Epps:''' Left cheek! Left cheek! ''Left cheek!'' 
:—Calling the Pentagon from Qatar gets complicated.

"Ready, heat's coming!" 
"What, BRING IT!" 
:—'''Lennox''' and '''Epps''' giving the green light for Strike Package Bravo to attack

'''Optimus Prime''': Are you Samuel James Witwicky, descendant of Archibald Witwicky? 
'''Mikaela Banes''': They know your name! 
'''Sam''': Uh... Yeah? 
'''Optimus Prime''': My name is Optimus Prime. 
:—Admit it, you stood up and cheered and/or wept from joy after this exchange.

"The parents are... irritating. Can I take them out?"
:—'''Ironhide''' meets the family

'''Jazz''': What about Bumblebee? We can't just leave him to die! And become some human experiment! 
'''Optimus Prime''': He'll die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission. Bumblebee is a brave soldier. This is what he would want. 
'''Ironhide:''' Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive and violent race. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' Were we so different? They are a young species. They have much to learn... but I've seen goodness in them. [[Make Prime Speak|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings]]... You all know there is only one way to end this war: We must destroy the Cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest. 
'''Ratchet:''' That's suicide! The Cube is raw power—it could destroy you both. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet... We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out! 
'''Jazz''': We rollin'! 
:—The Autobots discuss their next move.

"Do you want a piece of me?! Do you want a piece-" 
"NO! I want TWO!"''[rips Jazz in two]'' 
:—'''Jazz''', showing no fear and '''Megatron''', showing cruelty and cleverness

"Humans don't deserve to live." 
"They deserve to choose for themselves!" 
"Then you will die with them! Join them in extinction!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' have some mid-battle banter, Transformers style

"Give me the AllSpark, and you may live to be my ''pet''." 
"I'm never giving you this AllSpark!" 
"Oh, ''so'' unwise..."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Sam Witwicky''' have a tense moment on a Mission City rooftop.

"With the AllSpark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call... home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight... but watching over them in secret... waiting... protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here... we are waiting."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' closing narration

==Errors==
* Sunset occurs roughly every fifteen minutes. Possibly indicative of time passage, but a little too much to not warrant mention in the actual movie. Specific instances:
**When the radar operator at SOCCENT base first spots Blackout, he reports him as an "inbound unidentified infiltrator, ten miles out". [[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] dispatches two F-22s, which intercept Blackout still in broad daylight. When Blackout lands at the base, it's suddenly sunset. As the soldiers round him up, it rapidly turns dark within what appears to be seconds. Once Blackout transforms, it's already night.
**When Mikaela walks home from the lake, the sun is still shining. Sam tells Miles that she "lives ten miles from here". After he picked her up, Bumblebee feigns an engine problem. By the time Sam gets him running again, the sky is still in an early stage of pre-sunset. By the time Sam drops Mikaela at her home, it's night again.
**Barricade assaults Sam in the middle of the day. Bumblebee intervenes and drives off with Sam and Mikaela still in broad daylight. During the ensuing car chase, sunset abruptly occurs once Bumblebee has left the warehouse, and it promptly turns night between shots. (The chase scene was actually intended to be longer; see "[[#Changes before, during and after production|changes before, during and after production]]" below.)
* The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) used by the US Air Force to investigate Scorponok's attack on Captain Lennox is modeled after the [[wikipedia:MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]], but is identified as the [[wikipedia:MQ-1 Predator|MQ-1 Predator]]. Also, neither of these UAVs use jet engines.
[[File:MovieTaxis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|These shots were ''shown in sequence'', believe it or not.]]
* After Maggie copies the signal to take to Glen, she hails a black and white cab, but she's dropped off at Glen's house by an all-white cab. (The "cab hailing" footage originally came from a deleted scene near the beginning of the movie when Maggie was late for work.), and are two different models of the Crown Victoria taxicab.
* When Sam's car breaks down and Mikaela gets out to look at the engine, she leaves the passenger door open. When the car restarts and Sam leaves to close the hood, the passenger side door is now shut. But hey, maybe that was Bumblebee.
* Mikaela identifies Bumblebee's engine as having a "high-rise, double-pump carburetor" but the engine shown has no such carburetor.
* After Bumblebee backs into a corner of the power plant to evade Barricade, there is a close up shot of him spinning his wheels to make his getaway. However, the shot of the wheels spinning is at a different location: the empty warehouse that Bumblebee and Barricade had raced through moments earlier.
* Possibly an error, or possibly just a confusing shot setup, but when Bumblebee makes his escape, Barricade appears to change positions multiple times as camera angles change. Bumblebee guns his engines as Barricade is just starting to cross in front of him, but as Bumblebee speeds backwards, Barricade has backtracked well out of the way.
* After scanning his new Concept Camaro alt-form, Bumblebee's robot body displays either battle-worn parts or brand new parts at random times for the duration of the film.
[[File:MovieJazzBarricadeLicensePlates.jpg|thumb|Barricade has the plate before Jazz even comes to Earth, so it's not a trophy or anything...]]
* As long as Bumblebee transforms into a 1976 Camaro, his license plate consistently reads "489 PCE" both in vehicle and robot mode. After scanning his modern Camaro alternate mode, the license plate changes too... which isn't actually an error. What ''is'' an error, though, is that the new license plate keeps changing from "900 STRA" in vehicle mode to "4NZZ454" in robot mode.
*Jazz's license plate is equally inconsistent: On his robot mode chest it's "1-4027E", but during his transformation before his fight with [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], he sports the license plate "664 NLZO" in vehicle mode. What's worse, "1-4027E" is also ''Barricade's'' license plate in vehicle mode, as can be seen when he slows down and then accelerates again after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee.
* During the scene where Optimus Prime scans a truck for his new body, the passing truck has what appears to be an Autobot sigil on its grill, but the actual truck that Prime turns into at the end of the scene has a much wider, flatter symbol on the grill, quite possibly a Peterbilt logo.
* When Simmons replays Sam's "last words" recorded onto his cell phone, it doesn't match what he said in the scene where he actually recorded them.
* When the Autobots arrive to rescue Sam and Mikaela from Agent Simmons, Ironhide is the first Autobot to reach the damaged SUV and the other Sector Seven agents. Behind him, Ratchet is making his way towards the SUV, while Jazz and Bumblebee have their respective weapons drawn. However, in the very next shot, Ratchet's gun is suddenly in front of Ironhide, who is now making two short steps towards the SUV, while Jazz's gun has been replaced by his hand (which he uses to pull Sector Seven's guns away magnetically). In the shot after that, Jazz is just standing around sans Sector Seven guns, while Bumblebee wanders up and draws his gun...again.
[[File:Movie2007 Keller OBVIOUSVISUALAID.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Yer days're numbered now, Decepti-creeps.]]
* When Banachek shows Keller photographs of the Decepticon that destroyed the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] [[Beagle 2 Rover]], and supposedly a photo of Blackout taken by Epps during the attack on SOCCENT Qatar, "Blackout's photo" is clearly taken during the day, complete with the sun behind the Decepticon as a major light source, whereas the attack on SOCCENT took place in the evening. This was either a continuity error or a ham-handed attempt to make the audience realise the attackers in both photos are one and the same by making the photos look similar.
** Not to mention that the actual Beagle 2 was a '''''European''''' Space Agency '''''lander''''', not a [[NASA]] Rover.
* During the montage where Bumblebee's frozen body is being transported inside Hoover Dam via a moving platform whilst the Autobots discuss his fate, in one of the shots the physical Bumblebee prop is missing its distinctive car doors.
* During the first half of the movie, Maggie is wearing a slim striped skirt, but she is suddenly dressed in 3/4 jeans in the scene when they arrive at Hoover Dam.
*This may not be an error, but Barricade seems to disappear after being driven off the road during the highway scene, as he is never shown again in the movie or the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]]. [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] later pulls the same trick in said sequel.
* When Ironhide transforms and performs a somersault to dodge Brawl's missiles, he is seen rising first, then falling. At that moment, he is already almost at the ground, low enough to touch the ground if he stretched his arms. However, on the next scene, he has gone much higher up, high enough to fire both the cannons on his arms then perform a midair somersault.
* When Lennox arrives as Sam and Mikaela are supposedly strapping Bumblebee with the tow truck's chains, Bumblebee is not actually there. When the shot changes angles to the other side of the truck, Bumblebee is sitting right beside the truck while Sam directs Mikaela to wrap Bumblebee in the chains. When Lennox tells Sam to evacuate the Cube, subsequent camera angles from this side of the truck are actually where Bumblebee was moments earlier, but he's not there again (it is unlikely the angle was meant to be from Bumblebee's perspective). When Sam starts to run off and Mikaela calls him back, Bumblebee is once again clearly not sitting beside the truck. In fact, the space he once occupied has the beige van he crawled out of, earlier in the battle. What makes this all the more bizarre is that the life-sized Bumblebee prop was actually used for some of the scenes that depict Bumblebee strapped to the tow truck.
[[File:MovieTowTruckNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mike changed phone numbers while giant robots were fighting in the city.]]
* After Optimus Prime and Megatron land in the city streets after flying through the office tower, Megatron throws the Autobot leader a short distance away, causing him to land on a parked car. After Megatron forms his fusion cannon, Optimus Prime has suddenly moved further down the street and the car he crushed, along with the other abandoned cars, have vanished. Also, in this shot, Optimus' feet don't make craters or any visible mark on the concrete. Yet, when Optimus is running from the Sector Seven Agents, he's making huge craters while he is side-stepping cars. (This comes with weighing over four tons and running 40 miles an hour.) Additionally, Optimus stops at the intersection just in front of Megatron to pull out his Ion blaster in this shot, but when it cuts to a shot to the left-front of Optimus, he is only mid-way up the street, and there is a parked yellow cab at the curb which was empty seconds earlier. Funnily enough, this curb was where the crushed car was parked.
* During the fight towards the end of the film between Megatron and Optimus, it is shown that Optimus is about the same size as Megatron in robot mode. Yet, in vehicle mode, Megatron is a great deal larger than Optimus is. Similarly, Starscream seems to be smaller than Megatron in robot form, leading to the logical conclusion that he is smaller than Optimus as well. Yet in vehicle mode, he is nearly four to five times larger, seeing as an F-22 Raptor is a great deal larger than a Peterbilt 379 tractor cab. And they say they don't have [[scale]] problems.
* For the battle in Mission City, see [[Mission City#Notes]].
*The phone number on the doors of the tow truck is "800-555-0199" when Mikaela is driving it, but when she gets out, the number changes to "800-555-MIKE". The font is slightly different, too.
* In the battle at Mission City, Brawl very clearly fires 3 missiles out of his shoulder-mounted missile launcher, but before he dies, all 4 missiles are in his missile launcher. Then again, this could just be a sort of 'auto-reload' thing the Transformers have going on, as they probably wouldn't get very far in battle if they were only limited to 4 missiles each.
* When Keller is meeting with the other officials, he says they're going to dump the bodies of the Decepticons into the Laurentian Abyss, the deepest place on the planet. The deepest place on the planet is the Mariana Trench.

===Explicable discrepancies===
* Sam and Mikaela, as well as Maggie and Glen arrive at Hoover Dam on the same helicopter despite being from opposite ends of the country. Occasionally cited as an error, it is actually a narrative oversight, as it is likely that Sam and Mikaela were held in custody at a U.S. Air Base while waiting for Maggie and Glen to arrive with Secretary Keller's party by plane, then they all left for Hoover Dam together on the helicopters.

* There are some problems with Simmons's statement about various technologies being reverse-engineered from Megatron. Cars came about in one shape or form at about the turn of the century, and spaceflight technology was pioneered by German and Soviet scientists. (This is possibly what [[Sector Seven|they]] ''want'' you to think.) Then again, [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] also thinks that [[Nokia]] is a Japanese company...

* Most people mistakenly confuse the date of Megatron's discovery with the date the Hoover Dam was built. Based on the various dates given by Banachek, it's clear that Megatron was ''left in the Arctic'' for many years before being moved to Hoover Dam, making his discovery easily pre-date cars.

==Transformer references==
The movie contains a number of nods and winks to previous iterations of ''Transformers'', primarily from ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''. Some of these were included in direct response to urgings of the fans; others originated with the production crew.

* The basic story set-up is similar to many iterations of the ''Generation 1'' story — two warring factions, the noble Autobots and the power-hungry Decepticons, arrive on Earth, having left their devastated home planet, the war-torn mechanical world of Cybertron.
* Many of the featured Transformers are re-imagined versions of characters from ''Generation 1''. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in particular are similar in physical form and characterization to their movie incarnations. The Movie versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] differ in appearance but fulfill story roles similar to their original versions.
* Though the characters are new, "[[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]", "[[Scorponok (disambiguation)|Scorponok]]", "[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]/[[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]", "[[Blackout (disambiguation)|Blackout]]", "[[Barricade (disambiguation)|Barricade]]", and "[[Bonecrusher (disambiguation)|Bonecrusher]]" are all names that have been used on Transformer characters before.
* Blackout's symbiotic relationship with Scorponok originated as an interpretation of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his cassette troops. Frenzy's transformation into a portable stereo is likewise a homage to Soundwave's cassette deck alternate form.
* Sam shares his last name with the [[Witwicky#Generation 1 continuity family|main human allies]] of the Autobots in the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]. Like Spike before him, he's closest to Bumblebee.
* The Autobot faction symbol seen on Bumblebee and others is basically unchanged from its ''Generation 1'' appearance.
* The AllSpark takes its name from [[Allspark|a concept]] originally introduced in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* The original G1 [[transformation]] sound pops up several times during the course of the film, such as Blackout's first conversion sequence (though truth be told it sounds more like it's being broadcast from a loudspeaker.)
[[File:Movie BoliviasFinestQualityUsedCars 2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.]]
* In his first appearance, Bumblebee parks next to a yellow Volkswagen Beetle — the alternate form of [[Bumblebee (G1)|G1 Bumblebee]].
* When instructing the Autobots to escape Sector Seven and when they later head for Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime delivers his catchphrase from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, ordering them to [[Roll out|"Roll out!"]]
* Sam's surmise that the Transformers come from Japan is [[TakaraTomy|not entirely inaccurate]].
* Prime references "the spark in my chest". [[Spark]]s — the life-force that makes Transformers alive — have been an integral part of Transformers fiction since ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.
* Although the Transformers' primary energy supply, [[Energon]], does not make an established physical appearance in the film, its name appears on the license plate of an SUV thrown through the air during Megatron's rampage in [[Mission City]].
* Optimus Prime's line "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" is the quote from his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|original 1984 toy's]] [[bio]]. At least one of the reasons for the inclusion of this line was because it won in an online contest conducted by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] in late 2006, named "[[Make Prime Speak]]".
* Prime's line "...one shall stand; one shall fall" comes from the 1986 animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* The scene in which Jazz yanks aside Devastator's tank barrel is a direct homage to a similar sequence from TF:TM involving [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* Ironhide's complaint that [[Mojo]] "leaked lubricant" on his foot references a [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|favorite]] [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|exclamation]] [[Power Play!|of his]] ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|counterpart]], "Leakin' lubricant!" The phrase originated with his [[The Transformers Universe|original character outline]], stating that "he [refers to] excessive talking as 'leaking lubricant.'"
* Sam telling Mikaela that there's "more than meets the eye... with you" quotes the slogan used in the toy line, also included in the G1 series [[theme song]].
*Megatron wields a flail in the Mission City battle, just as he did in his fight with Optimus Prime in the second-ever G1 episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

==Other editions==
The 2007 Transformers film has more than one "cut."

* The worldwide theatrical release was essentially identical all around the world with a few minor exceptions.
* The film board of Malaysia required [[Judy Witwicky]]'s masturbation reference be removed{{fact}}. However, no such change has been made and her lines were not omitted from the film.
*Glen's line, "that killer robot is really distracting", was cut from DVD releases. However, it is featured in the official novelization of the movie and at least one trailer.
* The [[wikipedia:IMAX|IMAX]] edition of the movie features two minutes of additional footage in the form of slightly extended scenes and very brief new scenes. Added material includes the following:
**Before heading to the lake party, Sam is shown picking Miles up at his house. Miles derides Sam's choice of car colors.
**After Sam is questioned by the sheriff at the police station, he is given an anti-drug bumper sticker and shown the "[[wikipedia:This is Your Brain on Drugs|This is Your Brain on Drugs]]" [[Public service announcement|PSA]] starring [[wikipedia:Rachel Leigh Cook|Rachel Leigh Cook]].
**After abducting Sam and Mikaela, Agent Simmons uses a device to monitor Sam's pupil dilation while interrogating him in the truck. He also remarks that he has "been there" when it comes to women with criminal records.
**Upon arriving at Hoover Dam, Simmons remarks colorfully that it is "Area 50". A few minutes later, he lists the nicknames of all the U.S. Presidents to have toured the facility.
**In Mission City, Lennox acquires short-range radios from a gun-toting, but easily flattered, pawn shop owner.

==Prequel material==
* ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]''
: A novel about the truth behind humankind's first venture into space and how that event is related to the Transformers' presence on Earth, both past and present.

* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel]]''
: A four issue limited series comic book from [[IDW Publishing]], released before the movie's debut. It chronicles the events which bring the Transformers to [[Earth]].

* "[[Interlude]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A short comic book by IDW, produced in cooperation with [[Target]], available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) at BotCon and in theaters, following Bumblebee's early search for clues on Earth.

* "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A mini-comic by IDW, produced in cooperation with Target, available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) as a Target exclusive bonus pack-in with the Movie DVD, showing the Decepticons' arrival on Earth.

* The ''[[Movie Prequel Special]]''
: A mass retail release that contains reprints of both "Planetfall" and "Interlude" (now with individual story titles) in collected form.

* ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]''
: A not-really-animated animatic version of IDW's ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' comics, voiced by some of the actors from the movie, the game and a bunch of other people. Included on a [[Walmart]] exclusive bonus DVD available with the Movie DVD.

* ''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers]]''
: A monthly comic published in the UK by [[Titan Books]], featuring new adventures set before the movie in its initial six issues (in addition to reprints of stories originally published by IDW). They were reprinted by IDW in the ''[[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark]]'' mini-series.

Some dialog in the film contradicts the prequel material, specifically pertaining to the years in which the frozen Megatron was moved from the Arctic to Hoover Dam, and exactly when the Decepticons arrived on Earth. Some of the prequel material contradicts the ''other'' prequel material... at least till [[John Barber]] fixed some of them on his [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|''Dark of the Moon'' tie in comics]].

==Adaptations==
* A novelization of the film by [[Alan Dean Foster]] was published under the title ''[[Transformers (novel)|Transformers]]''.
* IDW Publishing released a comic adaptation of the film under the title ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]''.

==Sequels==
{{main|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}
Three sequels to this film have been produced and released worldwide.

[[IDW Publishing]] also released the comic sequel to the film, titled ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Transformers: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
[[File:2007Movie 2-disc DVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
{{main|Transformers (film)/home video}}
* '''US:''' [http://tformers.com/US-To-Get-Transformers-DVD-HD-DVD-October-16th/8350/news.html October 16th, 2007] (DVD, HD-DVD), [http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1175/transformers2007.html September 2nd, 2008] (Blu-ray)
* '''Australia:''' November 1, 2007 (DVD)
* '''United Kingdom:''' December 3, 2007 (DVD, HD-DVD), September 8th, 2008 (Blu-ray)

There are nearly a dozen store [[exclusive]] [http://tformers.com/Transformers-DVD-Exclusives-Who-Gets-What/8534/news.html versions and sales premiums of the DVD.] They include:

* [[Target]] and HMV UK: transforming Optimus Prime display case.
* Best Buy: [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] and battle-damaged Optimus Prime.
* [[Walmart]]: [[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]] "animated" prequel material.
* Borders: "Making Of" book.
* Circuit City: password unlocking 15 minutes of exclusive online behind-the-scenes featurettes, covering the voice recording sessions, prop construction, stunt work, and early CG tests and animatics.
{{-}}

==Theatrical posters==
{{picsneeded|Any other official posters not depicted here}}
<center><gallery perrow="4">
File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
File:Movie2007 Autobot promo poster.jpg|Autobot promo poster
File:Movie2007 Decepticon promo poster.jpg|Decepticon promo poster
File:Prime-Sam-Mikaela-poster.jpg|Promotional poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron onesheet.jpg|Megatron one sheet
File:Movie2007 Prime onesheet.jpg|Optimus Prime one sheet
File:Movie2007_final_standee.jpg|Standee, also used as a poster
File:Movie2007 humans internationalposter.jpg|International "Humans" poster/US theatrical poster
File:Movie2007 Sphere internationalposter.jpg|International "Sphere" poster
File:Movie2007 Bumblebee internationalposter.jpg|International Bumblebee poster
File:Movie2007 Prime internationalposter.jpg|International Optimus Prime poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron internationalposter.jpg|International Megatron poster
File:Movie2007_Korean_poster.jpg|South Korean theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007 Japanese Aprilpromo poster.jpg|Japanese April 2007 promotional poster
File:Movie2007_Japanese_release_poster.jpg|Japanese theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_poster.jpg|IMAX promotional poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_releaseposter.jpg|IMAX release poster
File:Movie2007 handsmashy ver7 poster.jpg|Used as a prominent skyscraper advert
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
The movie set multiple records when it opened, including biggest opening week gross for a non-sequel ($155.4 million), biggest Tuesday release gross ($27.4 million), biggest July 4 gross ($29 million), and the biggest film opening in mainland China ($3 million) [http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/217368.htm].

The movie closed domestically on [[November 8]], [[2007]], during which time it took in $319,246,193. (Domestic gross accounted for $310,578,372 before the IMAX version's release.) It has earned a ''worldwide'' gross of $708,272,592. It currently sits at spot #20 in the "most domestic gross" list of movies, though this listing is ''not'' adjusted for inflation. When taking inflation into account, ''Transformers'' currently sits at #102. [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers06.htm 2]

{{quote|I didn't sleep through it the way I Novocained my way through the awful ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', but by the time it ended, I thought I might have vertigo or whiplash, or both, and I certainly lost more than a few of my remaining I.Q. points|[http://www.observer.com/2007/bay-bombs-again Rex Reed]}}

{{quote|It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset.|Roger Ebert}}

{{quote|But it's tough to really care about questions like, "Why did that happen?" or even "What's going on?" when you’re constantly interrupted by "Oh my goodness! Giant robots! Weeee!"|Peter Suderman|[http://tinyurl.com/373rps The National Review]}}

Critical reception was hit-and-miss, [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/ more positive than negative but not by a lot], though it's sometimes hard to tell how many negative reviewers were more interested in criticizing [[Michael Bay]] in general over the movie itself. Otherwise, the most common negatives involved it being a generally think-free "spectacle"-style movie; even those who rated the movie positively noted it was a pure "popcorn" movie meant to wow its audience with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] and explosions rather than make them think (Richard Roper noted in his "thumbs up" review "it has no nutritional value"). Whether one considers that a good or bad thing for a movie and if the movie was enough fun to overcome that is, of course, highly debatable. The other main culprit, again noted by many of the positive reviews, was its long running time, particularly the overly-chaotic, often hard-to-follow final big-bang extended ending action sequence. ([http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/REVIEWS/70620006/1023 Roger Ebert] noted that this sequence was what made him give the movie three out of four stars rather than the full four.)

From the fan and general audience point of view, Transformers was generally favored. However, there have been division over the amount of human stories at the expense of the robots.

Transformers was nominated for three Oscars, in the fields of Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Achievement in Visual Effects. The sound awards went to ''The Bourne Ultimatum'', and the visual effects award went to ''The Golden Compass''.

Three sequels have been produced to date: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' was released worldwide on [[June 24]] [[2009]], ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' was released on [[June 28]], [[2011]], and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

According to a 2011 survey, the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie is the third most-pirated movie of all time.<ref><tt>The usual suspects were there, with "Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors, and "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" at 19 million downloads apiece.</tt>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/showbiz/movies/top-pirated-movies-ew/index.html Top 10 most pirated movies], October 14, 2011</ref>

==Technical details==
'''Length:''' 144 min (original theatrical)<ref>The movie had some content cuts to meet the standards of some <s>oppressive regimes</s> quaint "developing world" rating boards.</ref> 
'''Aspect Ratio:''' 2.35:1 
'''Audio:''' Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDS 
'''Content Rating:'''
{{collist|4|
* PG-13 (USA/MPAA)
* ? (Japan)
* 12A (United Kingdom)
* PG (Canada; British Columbia)<ref>''Transformers'' received a "14A" rating in British Columbia, but an appeal by the studio successfully reduced it to PG.</ref>
* G (Canada; Quebec)
* PG (Canada; Alberta/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario)
* PG (Canada; Canadian Home Video Rating System)
* PG (Taiwan)
* IIA (China; Hong Kong)
* PG (Singapore)
* G (Philippines/MTRCB)
* U (France)
* U (Malaysia)
* M (Australia)
* M (New Zealand)
* TE (Chile)
* 10 (Brazil)
* 10M (South Africa)
* 11 (Denmark)
* K-11 (Finland)
* 11 (Norway)
* 11 (Sweden)
* 12 (Germany)
* 12A (Ireland)
* 12 (Netherlands)
* M/12 (Portugal)
* 12 (South Korea)
* 12 (Switzerland)
* 13 (Argentina)
* 14 (Peru)
* 12 (Poland)
* B (Mexico)
* 12+ (Russia)}}

==Production staff==
[[File:Movie Castandcrew2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Megatron? Is that you?!]]
* Executive Producer: [[Steven Spielberg]]
* Executive Producer: [[Brian Goldner]]
* Director: [[Michael Bay]]
* Producers: [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]], [[Ian Bryce]], [[Tom DeSanto]], [[Don Murphy]]
* Story by: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]] and [[John Rogers]],
* Screenwriters: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]]
* Music by: [[Steve Jablonsky]]

====Visual Effects====
* Visual Effects by: [[Industrial Light & Magic]], [[Digital Domain]], [[Asylum VFX]]
* Production Designer: [[Jeff Mann]]
* Lead Robot Illustrator: [[Ben Procter]]
* Illustrators: [[James Clyne]], [[Tim Flattery]]
* ILM Visual Effects Supervisior: [[Scott Farrar]]
* Art Director: [[Alex Jaeger]]
* Animation Supervisors: [[Scott Benza]], [[Dan Taylor (ILM)|Dan Taylor]]
* Animators: [[Charles Alleneck]], [[C. Michael Easton]], [[Keiji Yamaguchi]]

====Locations Department====
(winners of the California On Location Award [http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/] for "Production Company / Location Team of the Year for Feature Films")

* Supervising Location Manager: '''Ilt Jones'''
* Location Managers: '''Michael J. Burmeister''', '''Fermín Dávalos''', and '''Emre Sonmez'''
* Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Michael Wesley Aycock''', '''Leann Emmert''', '''Perri Fichtner''', '''Ronald M. Haynes''', '''Jonathan Hook''', '''Kathy McCurdy''', '''Manny Padilla''', '''Lisa Patton''', '''Rob Swenson''', '''Marta Tomkiw''', and '''Scott Trimble'''
* Additional Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Brooks Bonstin''', '''Alexandre Chen''', '''Michael Chickey''', '''Martin J. Cummins'''
* Assistant Location Managers: '''Ces Hardy''' and '''Amanda Harrington'''
* Location Scouts: '''Stuart Raven Barter''', '''Richard Klotz''', '''James Lin''', and '''Keith Nakata'''
{{-}}
==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
In 2000, director Joseph Kahn pitched his treatment for a live-action Transformers film to [[Sony]], but they eventually lost interest in a film. In 2003, producer [[Don Murphy]] had intended to produce a movie based on another [[Hasbro]] property, [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. However, following the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, a movie entitled "G.I. Joe" was no longer considered viable, so Carol Monroe, who was in charge of Hasbro's movie department at that time, suggested doing a ''Transformers'' movie instead.<ref name="murphylatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/on-set-interview-producer-don-murphy-on-transformers-1502 Latino Review interview with producer Don Murphy.]</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] joined the project as a second producer and wrote a treatment that he and Murphy tried to shop around for a while. (The treatment would eventually remain entirely unused, but DeSanto would try to get a writing credit regardless, even though none of the screenwriters had ever actually ''seen'' his treatment.<ref name="bayspat">[http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-hollywood-deal/2007/07/05/michael-bays-spat-with-his-transformer-producers Rant by Michael Bay, deleted from his own blog, still mirrored on other sites]</ref>) The movie was officially announced for the first time in June 2003.<ref name="comingsoon">[http://web.archive.org/web/20030611151443/http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=238 Coming Soon announcing the movie.]</ref>

In 2004, after [[DreamWorks]] won a bidding war with New Line Cinema over the rights to the film, [[Steven Spielberg]] signed up as executive producer, while [[John Rogers]] was confirmed as screenwriter in November of the same year.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/03/rogers-writing-transformers IGN confirming Rogers as screenwriter.]</ref> In February 2005, Rogers was replaced by [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]],<ref name="ignkurtzorc">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/18/exclusive-new-transformers-writers IGN confirming Kurtzman and Orci as new screenwriters.]</ref> who drastically reworked Rogers' original script.<ref name="rogerscred">[http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/07/proper-credits-for-transformers.html John Rogers confirming that Kurtzman and Orci drastically rewrote his script]</ref> Spielberg tried to convince [[Michael Bay]] to direct the movie in late July 2005, but Bay initially declined, having no interest in a "toy movie". He later changed his mind after attending "Transformers school" at Hasbro, but decided to make the movie "realistic" and accessible for adult viewers.<ref name="audio">Michael Bay's audio commentary on the ''Transformers'' DVD.</ref>

A few days after a list of names of the human cast had been leaked on the internet, [[Shia LaBeouf]] was confirmed as the first cast member.<ref name="ignshia">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/28/from-i-robot-to-transformers IGN confirming Shia LaBeouf.]</ref> Producer Don Murphy,<ref name="murphytfcon">[http://www.transformerscon.com/videos.php Don Murphy at the Canadian TransformersCon.]</ref> Hasbro<ref name="tfwtour">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/139273-botcon-2007-botcon-2007-hasbro-tour-updated-friday-12-45pm.html Hasbro tour report.]</ref> and the screenwriters<ref name="mtv">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1554426/20070312/story.jhtml MTV.com interview with Kurtzman and Orci.]</ref> all favored [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Frank Welker]] as voice actors for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Bay had both audition, but only hired Cullen, while preferring [[Hugo Weaving]] as Megatron.<ref name="cgirobot">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070810172643/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/004974570.cfm Wizard Universe article about the production of the movie.]</ref> However, Welker still got to voice Megatron (alongside Cullen as Prime) in the video game adaption of the movie, ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', as well as in ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]'', an animated (sort of) version of [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|prequel comic mini-series]] that was available on a Wal*Mart exclusive bonus disc included with the movie DVD.

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
In addition to acting as a licensor, Hasbro also actively participated in the development of the movie, starting with an introduction into the world of the Transformers, called the "Transformers School", for everyone involved, including [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="paramountbotcon">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=8001 "Hasbro and Paramount Partnership Panel" at BotCon 2007.]</ref> Hasbro also had a say in the depiction of the Transformers in the movie, the selection of the voice actors,<ref name="tfwtour" /> naming the characters, working on the robot designs<ref name="lorenzoiesb">[http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2724&Itemid=99 IESB interview with Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.]</ref> and the inclusion of "easter eggs", but no veto rights.<ref name="paramountbotcon" /> According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], Hasbro was more interested in an adequate adaption of the ''Transformers'' concept rather than ''only'' marketing the toyline.<ref name="orcihasbro">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2200611&postcount=239 Roberto Orci discussing Hasbro's involvement.]</ref> Nevertheless, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms because of the long production run of the toys, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew">[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20044598_3,00.html Entertainment Weekly interview with Michael Bay.]</ref> Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] then created the [[Movie (toyline)|toys]] based on the designs developed by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. Aside from this, Takara wasn't involved in the creation of the movie at all.<ref name="murphytformers">[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=3945 TFormers interview with Don Murphy.]</ref>

Unlike other ''Transformers'' toylines (except for ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]''), Hasbro and Takara don't share the full rights to the movie toys: Paramount and ILM hold the rights to the robot designs, while the vehicle modes were licensed by companies such as General Motors ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]), Saleen ([[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]), Force Protection Industries ([[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]), the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation ([[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]). Only [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] didn't require a license, since his vehicle mode in the movie was heavily genericized, and all manufacturer logos were removed.<ref name="edmundsveh">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070809065140/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424 Edmunds.com article on the vehicles featured in the movie.]</ref> TakaraTomy even identifies the Leader Class toy as a Kenworth W900 instead of a Peterbilt 379.<ref name="takaraprime">[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie/ma-01.html TakaraTomy product page for Leader Class Optimus Prime.]</ref>

Even though Hasbro didn't directly profit from the box office revenue, owning the ''Transformers'' brand allowed them to profit more from the toys than from licensed brands such as ''[[Spider-Man]]'' or ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. In addition, Hasbro was able to give out over 240 licenses to third party companies.<ref name="hasbrofall">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6912693.stm BBC reporting on Hasbro quarterly earnings for July 2007.]</ref> In the USA alone, Hasbro had sold more than three million toys from the movie line as early as July 2007,<ref name="cnnmoney">[http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/23/news/companies/hasbro/index.htm?section=money_topstories CNN Money story on Hasbro sales.]</ref> while Wal-Mart had earned more than five million $USD with the movie Transformers at the same time.<ref name="walmartmillion">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=143983 Wal-Mart employee Steevy Maximus reporting on sales figures for movie toys.]</ref> A lot of the movie toys were frequently sold out at many stores ("drought") due to a mix of popularity, stores underestimating said popularity (and thus not ordering enough toys), shipping problems in China and [[Toy scalping|scalpers]].

====US Military====
The [[United States military]] (via [[Philip Strub]] and the Defense Department's Film and Television Liaison Office) supported the movie by providing vehicles and soldiers. The vehicles included an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout)]], several F-22 Raptors (one of them serving as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s alternate mode), two A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets, an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane, an AC-130 Spectre gunship and two V-22 Ospreys. Many other airplanes are seen in the background like a few UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, several F-117 Nighthawks, and several cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster and the C-130 Hercules. Therefore, ''Transformers'' is the first movie to feature real, non-CG F-22s.<ref name="afmil">[http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123061917 Air Force Space Command article on the movie.]</ref> Real soldiers trained with the actors who played military personnel<ref name="tyreselatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=2260 Latino Review interview with Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel.]</ref> and were also featured as extras in the movie. Michael Bay even allowed them to improvise lines to make their military dialogue sound as "realistic" as possible.<ref name="nabbtfw">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=115126 First Lieutenant Micheal McNabb reporting his experience of working on the movie.]</ref> In return for their cooperation, Bay gave the military a say in their own depiction in the movie.<ref name="wired">[http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-07/trans_movie?currentPage=all Wired.com article on the movie.]</ref> The military, in turn, views the movie as a new form of recruitment.<ref name="aflink">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123021491 Air Force Link article about the movie.]</ref>

====Product Placement====
Aside from advertising the ''Transformers'' toyline, the movie also features product placement for other companies, such as Apple, Yahoo, Burger King, Nokia, Panasonic, eBay and Hewlett-Packard. The machines given life by the Allspark include an Xbox 360 (including the original startup sound) and a [[Dispensor|Mountain Dew soda vending machine]]. In addition, the movie also features other Hasbro brands, such as ''My Little Pony'' and ''Furby'' (the latter being a property of Hasbro's subsidiary Tiger Electronics). Furthermore, all Autobots, with the exception of Optimus Prime, have vehicles provided by subsidiaries of General Motors as their [[alternate mode]]s, which saved Michael Bay $3 million of his budget.<ref name="bayew" />

Many of these cooperations were mutual: Burger King offered the obligatory Kids Meal toys based on the movie characters for the movie's theatrical launch, and General Motors and Mountain Dew ran TV ads under the titles "Transform Your Ride" and "Transform Your Summer", respectively. According to producers Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, some of these brands, such as [[eBay]], were not originally included as part of a sponsoring deal, but had been part of the script from the beginning for story purposes on the writers' behalf.<ref name="lorenzoiesb" /> For the DVD release of the movie, meanwhile, ''additional'' "Cisco" logos were added into the movie that had not been there yet in the theatrical version.<ref name="dvdprod">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38792 Allspark thread featuring comparison stills of the theatrical and DVD versions of the movie.]</ref>

===Special effects===
* Three quarters of the CG effects were done by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. The other quarter was done by [[Digital Domain]], a company [[Michael Bay]] bought shortly before signing up to the ''Transformers'' movie.
* As seen in the bonus material for the Movie DVD, at least some of the ILM designers are actually Transformers fans. One of the animators, [[Charles Alleneck]], has his entire office decorated in more ''Transformers'' toys than a lot of "regular" fans might own.
* Physical props and set pieces were built for several of the Transformers' robot modes. Full body props for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (the 2009 Camaro body) and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] were used for scenes that involved direct interaction with the human cast. The Bumblebee prop (with detached legs) was also used for the scene where he was strapped to a [[Longarm (Movie)|tow truck]]. A set featuring the frozen lower half of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] body was also built. The rest is assorted bits and pieces, such as [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok's]] head and tail, a part of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s leg (including a wheel) and an unpainted, entirely blue version of his head plus a small part of the upper chest, and various semi-random chunks meant to represent the remains of the destroyed Decepticons dumped into the ocean (some of the parts meant to represent pieces of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] even feature markings found on a real-life MH-53 Pave Low helicopter).

===Changes before, during and after production===
A lot of details about the movie changed during the pre-production phase (and even still during production and post-production):

* The script was originally supposed to center around the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but because the studio wanted to avoid association with the ''Matrix'' movie trilogy, it had to be renamed. For the longest time, the working name was "[[Energon]] Cube", which neither the fans nor producer [[Don Murphy]] were really happy with.<ref name="murphytfcon" /> Ultimately, it was renamed into the [[AllSpark]] for the final movie; however, the name "Energon Cube" is still used in [[Alan Dean Foster]]'s [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie, and was also used by [[Shia LaBeouf]] in a CBS interview immediately before the movie's official theatrical launch.<ref name="shiacbs">[http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3004937n?source=search_video CBS interview with Shia LaBeouf.]</ref>
* One of the Autobot characters in the early Kurtzman/Orci drafts was [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], who would have turned into a motorcycle. Even though Hasbro developed a toy based on the designs for the character, Arcee was dropped from the script and replaced with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]: Kurtzman and Orci didn't want to spend time explaining the purpose of "female" Autobots,<ref name="orciign">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/02/exclusive-interview-robert-orci?page=3 IGN interview with Roberto Orci.]</ref> and Michael Bay considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="orciwizard">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070714214451/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> Despite what fans commonly assume, however, the scene during the final battle in [[Mission City]] where [[William Lennox|Lennox]] uses an abandoned motorcycle for his assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] wasn't added to the script until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script; however, had she ''not'' been dropped, she ''would'' have probably been that motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/2288318-post539.html Orci once again clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* Other Autobot characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman were [[Hot Rod]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].<ref name="orcichara">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388609&postcount=280 Roberto Orci confirming various characters originally intended for the movie.]</ref> The last was eventually dropped because Orci and Kurtzman preferred the idea of "a Decepticon in disguise as a police vehicle".<ref name="orciprowl">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=365508&postcount=4411 Orci explaining why Prowl is not in the movie]</ref>
* Kurtzman and Orci tried ''twice'' to include [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in the movie. The first attempt was supposed to turn into a helicopter,<ref name="orciswave">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=351304&postcount=4161 Roberto Orci confirming that Blackout was originally intended to be Soundwave.]</ref> but Hasbro rejected that notion and insisted that Soundwave's [[alternate mode]] should have something to do with music.<ref name="murphyswave">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=97507&postcount=23 Post by Don Murphy at his message board.]</ref> The "helicopter" character was then renamed multiple times, among those names being "Grimlock",<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref> "Vortex",<ref name="orcisample">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1120447&postcount=2360 Unformatted script sample from first draft posted by Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's message board]</ref> "Devastator"<ref name="procterdevas">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_32.html "Devastator" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Incinerator".<ref name="procterinc">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_34.html "Incinerator" pre-production render at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> The character eventually ended up as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].
* The second attempt would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape and tracked down [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]].<ref name="early" /> The "vehicle" part was later turned into a separate character, who was then given a different alternate mode (as a police cruiser) and eventually ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. Meanwhile, the "portable stereo" character also went through several changes, because Kurtzman and Orci eventually decided that the character didn't really do Soundwave justice, so they decided to change his name and save Soundwave for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]].<ref name="webcast">[http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2701721/20070418/2048/2701721-300-wmv-s.35907855-,2701721-300-flash-s.35907881-,2701721-100-wmv-s.35907849-,2701721-100-flash-s.35907874-,2701721-1000-wmv-s.35907866-,2701721-1000-flash-s.35907894-,2701721-700-flash-s.35907887-,2701721-700-wmv-s.35907861- Yahoo webcast with Kurtzman and Orci, revealing the final names of the movie characters.]</ref> The character went through some other working names such as "Boombot"<ref name="procterboom">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_45.html "Boombot" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Soundbyte"<ref name="proctersbyte">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_54.html "Soundbyte" head study at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and eventually ended up as [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]].
* Other Decepticon characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman, aside from Soundwave, were [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].<ref name="orcichara" /> The latter was originally supposed to be a minion of helicopter Soundwave, who would have chased [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew through the jungle after the attack on their base. However, when the scene was changed from the jungle to the desert (and Soundwave was no longer Soundwave), Ravage was replaced by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]].<ref name="orciravage">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirming that Scorponok replaced Ravage].</ref>
* Because of the long production run of the toys, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew" /> As a result, many of the Decepticon characters in particular were chosen somewhat hastily, and aren't really based on established Transformers characters aside from their names. The tank used for [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] (aka "Devastator") was a recycled prop originally built for the movie ''xXx: State of the Union'', while the mine protected vehicle used for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] caught the filmmakers' attention because of a giant photoshopped fork depicted on the manufacturer's website.<ref name="enewsi">[http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11213 Entertainment News International article on the making of the movie.]</ref>
* Other Decepticon characters featured in an early draft, aside from "Grimlock" (helicopter) and "Soundwave" (portable stereo/Humvee), were Brawl as a Jeep, Frenzy as a Piranha III mortar artillery vehicle, Onslaught as a mobile missile launcher, Octane as a tanker truck, and three jets named Blitzwing, Starscream and Devastator (a cargo plane, a 747 jet and F-16 fighter; the script doesn't say which is which). Instead of having been hiding on Earth for a while, they would have arrived there during the movie after having been summoned by Soundwave.<ref name="early" /> It's possible that the Piranha III later evolved into Stryker/[[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].
* The "evil police car Decepticon" that replaced Prowl took over the "vehicle" portion of the second character originally conceived as Soundwave (which eventually became [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]). His vehicle form was originally supposed to be a Ford Crown Victoria, while his working name was "Brawl".<ref name="policebrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour].</ref> Eventually the character ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], with the vehicle mode being changed into a Saleen S281 "Extreme" Mustang, because Ford didn't want one of their cars used as a "villain". Therefore, Barricade sports no "Ford" logos in the movie.<ref name="edmundsveh" />
* Another Decepticon character intended to be in the movie had the working name "Stryker", named after his vehicle mode, a M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle.<ref name="stryker">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=262 Unused design for "Stryker", revealed at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref> It's possible that he had evolved from a character named "Frenzy" featured in an early script draft, who would have turned into a Piranha III. The character ultimately never made it into the movie, but Hasbro later turned the design into a toy regardless, named [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].<ref name="tfwtour" />
* Michael Bay also considered having a Transformers character turn into an aircraft carrier, but eventually scrapped that idea for cost reasons.<ref name="ignround">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/13/transformers-roundtable-with-michael-bay?page=2 IGN roundtable with Michael Bay from the Australian press conference.]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman included the character in one of their drafts of the script,<ref name="orciaircraft">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=387736&postcount=210 Roberto Orci confirming that the aircraft carrier was in one of the drafts.]</ref> and artist Tim Flattery created concept art.<ref name="flattery">Tim Flattery's concept art for the unused aircraft carrier Transformer: [http://timflattery.com/transformers/4.html Image 1], [http://timflattery.com/transformers/5.html image 2].</ref>
* Working names for the tank Decepticon were "Demolisher"<ref name="hasbrodemolisher">[http://www.hasbro.com/objects/content/wallpaper.cfm?img=wp_transformers651_1280.jpg&brand_id=496&lang_id=1 Wallpaper at Hasbro's website calling Brawl/Devastator "Demolisher".]</ref> and "Devastator", the latter of which had also been a working name for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] at one point. Even though [[Michael Bay]] confirmed in May 2006 that this was not the final name,<ref name="baysecret">[http://michaelbay.com/2006/05/12/a-little-secret-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay claiming that the Transformers' names circulating were "aliases".]</ref> screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman confirmed the final name to be "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in April 2006,<ref name="webcast" /> and Hasbro used that name for all their toys based on the movie character, he identifies himself as "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie itself. According to a fan who attended the Australian press conference, Bay had decided to use that name regardless,<ref name="griffin">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1360922&postcount=122 Australian fan griffin-of-oz reporting from the Australian press conference].</ref> while Hasbro considered the name in the movie a "continuity error",<ref name="hasbrofuture">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139268 Hasbro Transformers Future Product Unveiling panel at BotCon 2007.]</ref> and Orci even claimed that he and Kurtzman had pointed out said "error" in the editing room twice.<ref name="orcidevastator">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=368555&postcount=4479 Orci confirming the name "Devastator" to be an "error".]</ref>
* Michael Bay decided to have [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] not turn into a Volkswagen Beetle because he wanted to avoid similarities with Disney's ''[[Wikipedia:Herbie|Herbie, the Love Bug]]''.<ref name="bayew" /> Production Designer Jeff Mann originally suggested using a Dodge Super Bee as Bumblebee's alternate mode,<ref name="edmunds1976">[Edmun Edmunds.com article on the classic Bumblebee Camaro.]</ref> but eventually Bay signed a deal with General Motors that saved him $3 million of his budget, which is why Bumblebee turns into a Chevrolet Camaro in the movie.<ref name="bayew" />
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was originally intended to transform into a fire truck rather than a Search & Rescue Hummer. After being changed into a Hummer, he initially still retained a red and white deco, which later served as the inspiration for Hasbro's "Rescue Ratchet" redecos of the movie toys.<ref name="ratchettour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=285 Early designs for Ratchet shown at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref>
* After designs of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had leaked on the internet, his head design was slightly revised following massive fan complaints.<ref name="murphysunday">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=764141&postcount=1 Don Murphy confirming that Megatron's head design was changed due to fan complaints.]</ref>
* The studio had originally preferred the Transformers not to talk ''at all'' throughout the movie, a notion Hasbro heavily contested.<ref name="tfwtour" /> Bumblebee still ended up being mute throughout most of the movie, which, according to Orci and Kurtzman, was inspired by Spielberg's ''E.T.'' and is supposed to signify that his friendship with Sam transcends words.<ref name="mtv" />
* Most drafts of the script started the movie with [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s discovery of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. In the actual movie, this scene was moved to a later point, shown as a flashback (actually at two points, split into two parts). [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Movie Adaptation issue 1|comic adaptation]] of the movie still has this as the opening scene.
* Also in one of the early drafts, the original reason for Mikaela's falling out with [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]] was not because he wouldn't let his "little bunny" drive his car, but because she refused to let him drive after having drunk beer. [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Anvilicious Anvilicious] much?
* In an early draft, [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew would have defeated [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] with a simple grenade, which would have "dissolved him at a molecular level". The air strike would have never happened, and Lennox wouldn't have established contact with the Pentagon until around the time when [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] were apprehended by [[Sector Seven]].<ref name="early" />
* In the same draft, Sam had left his grandfather's glasses at school. The Autobots would have distracted a security guard while Sam and Mikaela would have broken into their school. It would have been there that Sam would have learned about Mikaela's criminal past, and the scene would have ended with their arrest by Sector Seven.<ref name="early" />
* In some earlier drafts of the script, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was supposed to kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] too after he had finished off [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. That scene never made it into the final movie, and Barricade simply disappears with no explanation after Bonecrusher transforms; however, the scene still made it into Alan Dean Foster's [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie and IDW's [[Movie Adaptation issue 4|comic adaptation]].
* Also in earlier drafts of the script, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was supposed to kill [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] by consuming his [[Spark]]. Again, this is only explicitly confirmed in the novelization and IDW's comic adaptation of the movie, but not in the movie itself.
* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee (see also "[[#Errors|errors]]" above), Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#XMODS Evolution Transformers|''XMODS Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit]].

==Notes==
* The Autobot computer generated models consisted of 35,592 total pieces, 7,435,478 polygons, 95,247 rig nodes, and 20,258 texture maps. If laid end to end, the pieces would stretch 3.11 miles.
* For all the robots combined, there are 60,217 pieces of geometry, 123,509,502 polygons, 144,341 rigging nodes, and 34,215 texture maps.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12–17.</ref>
* The events of the movie span 4–5 days.
* Within the movie, neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons are referred to as "Transformers".
* As confirmed in the audio commentary on the movie DVD, director [[Michael Bay]] has a brief cameo as an innocent bystander getting flicked against a taxi cab by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].
* The "<tt>[322] days without a safety breach</tt>" sign behind Agent Simmons before they bring the [[Nokia-bot|cell phone]] to life relates to a piece of backstory that was cut from the final film. A researcher named [[James Farr (Movie)|James Farr]] was killed when a [[AX9-8946-09SU-1|robot they brought to life]] ran amok, causing the damage Glen comments on. The [[Sector Seven (game)|viral marketing campaign]] gives a date for Farr's death; [[March 16]], [[2006]]. This would chronologically place the primary events of the film as occurring over a 3-day period, [[January 30]]–[[February 1]], [[2007]].
*The two guard dogs that Sam encounters are played by a Belgian Malinois named Ammo and a Rottweiler named Nadine.
* In an interesting showing of unified marketing, the Japanese dub of the movie uses the English-market character and factions names (e.g., Autobot, Decepticon, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee) rather than the terms previously established in Japanese Transformers continuity (e.g., Cybertron, Destron, Convoy, Bumble). This has subsequently influenced Takara's subsequent dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', where (for the most part) they retain the English-market names and factions.
* In a bit of a shocker, [[Simon Furman]] has said he personally isn't a fan of the films, though he believes they're great for what he inaccurately (and worryingly) described as "the intended audience" of young kids.<ref>[http://mindlessones.com/2009/07/20/transformers-terminators-and-the-rest11-questions-with-simon-furman/ Interview at Mindless Ones blog]</ref>
* In an unexpected celebrity-related moment, famed multi award-winning British actress Helen Mirren, a Dame Commander of the British Empire, was one of the guests at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of ''Transformers''. One wonders what she thought of it.<ref>[http://movies.about.com/od/transformers/ig/Transformers-Premiere-Photos/transformersprem34.htm Helen Mirren at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles premiere of ''Transformers'';Rebecca Murray, Movies.About.com Guide]</ref>
* ''Transformers'' (ahem) "inspired" a [[Knockoff|direct-to-video movie]] called [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers|''Transmorphers'']]. It got a [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers: Fall of Man|prequel]] in 2009, starring [[Wikipedia:Bruce Boxleitner|Bruce Boxleitner]], of all people. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
* Somewhat less embarrassing, ''Transformers'' also inspired the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|2008 ''Knight Rider'' television movie]] and the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|short-lived revival/sequel series]] that followed it.<ref name="varietykr">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972829?refCatId=14 Variety article about the then-upcoming 2008 ''Knight Rider'' revival]</ref> Furthermore, the special effects<ref name="madeatl">[http://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2008/iron_man_production_details.htm ''Iron Man'' Full Production Notes]</ref> and the marketing campaign<ref name="imtie-ins">[http://www.brandweek.com/bw/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692165 Brandweek article about the ''Iron Man'' marketing campaign.]</ref> both served as inspirations for the 2008 [[Wikipedia:Iron Man (film)|''Iron Man'' movie]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers''''' (トランスフォーマー ''Toransufōmā'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛, "Transformers"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng''''' (China, 变形金刚, "Transformers")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery''''' (Трансформеры, "Transformers")

==External links==
* [http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR&ID=421174 June 11, 2003 Press Release announcing the movie.]
* [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Transformersmovie.com]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/ ''Transformers'' at IMDB.com]
* [http://www.transformersalbum.com/ ''Transformers The Album'']
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_%28film%29 ''Transformers'' 2007 film on Wikipedia]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/PROJPAGE_Trans_01.html Ben Procter], [http://www.jamesclyne.com/projects.php?gallery_id=297 James Clyne], [http://timflattery.com/main.html Tim Flattery], [http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4150 Alex Jaeger] (at CG Society), [http://2d2cg.com/# Jeremy Cook]
* [http://www.capalert.com/capreports/transformers.htm ''Transformers'' CAPalert.com review]

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

[[Category:Movie| ]]
[[Category:Movie media]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers (film)

2016-05-26T09:42:26Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{disambig2|the 2007 movie|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}

{{nav-movie}}

:''Transformers is an [[Sector Seven (game)|elaborate cover up]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination!]]

'''''Transformers''''' is a live-action movie released by [[DreamWorks]] in 2007, with Executive Producer [[Steven Spielberg]] and Director [[Michael Bay]]. The story follows the Transformers' arrival on modern-day Earth and their interactions with the human race, as they search for the life-giving [[AllSpark]] and continue their ages-old civil war. The movie is a new imagining of the [[Transformers brand]], drawing on past Transformers fiction but also distinct in its own right.

''Transformers'' features [[Sam Witwicky]], a plucky teenager who just wants a cool car, but gets more than he bargained for. The beater he and his father take home is actually [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], an alien robot from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], who plants Sam down in the middle of a civil war between Bumblebee's benevolent [[Autobot]] comrades and the evil [[Decepticon]]s who threaten the galaxy's peace. Both sides are after the AllSpark, a mysterious artifact that landed on Earth ten thousand years ago. The approaching robot-against-robot battle is a coming-of-age moment for Sam, who learns the meaning of his family's motto, "No sacrifice, no victory."

The principal cast members were [[Shia LaBeouf]], [[Jon Voight]], and [[Megan Fox]], with [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Hugo Weaving]] as the voices of the Transformers' iconic leaders. About 75 percent of the film's character designs and visual effects were created by [[Industrial Light & Magic]], the effects-wizards behind the [[Star Wars (film)|''Star Wars'' films]]. The remaining 25 percent were done by Michael Bay's company, [[Digital Domain]].

Originally slated to release in the summer of 2006, the film arrived in US theaters on [[July 3]], 2007, and hit UK theaters on [[July 27]] and French theaters on [[July 25]]. It premiered in Australia on [[June 12]], 2007, and was released there and in a number of Asian countries on [[June 28]], 2007. An extended cut of the film featuring footage not in the original was released to IMAX theatres on [[September 21]], 2007.

{{bigquote|Sam Witwicky, you hold the key to Earth's survival.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] on the basic plot}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Allspark movie.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|With this, I shall make you my slave!]]
Many years ago, Cybertron is destroyed at the hands of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], during his quest to obtain the AllSpark. Megatron discovers the AllSpark on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the Arctic Circle, becoming frozen in the ice. Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in the late 19th century. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and [[Glasses#Movie|Archibald's eyeglasses]] are imprinted with the coordinates to the AllSpark's location. [[Sector Seven]], a secret organization of the United States government, independently discovers the AllSpark and builds the [[Hoover Dam]] around it to mask its energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is reverse engineered to further advance [[human]] technology.

[[File:Movie Blackout SOCCENT.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|Let the slaughter begin!]]
In the present day, the other Decepticons — [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] — have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles. Blackout and Scorponok attack the U.S. [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]] in an effort to use the military database to discover the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors under Captain [[William Lennox]] wander through the desert and are followed by Scorponok. The Autonomous Robotic Organism (shortened to "Autobot") known as Bumblebee is also on Earth, disguised as a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. He finds Sam at a used car lot where the boy is looking to purchase a car. Bumblebee covertly sabotages all of the other cars in the lot, leaving him as Sam's only option. Sam buys Bumblebee and the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and woo his crush, [[Mikaela Banes]]. Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until one night when the Autobot drives off without him. Sam chases Bumblebee on a bike to a factory area, calling the police in the process, and witnesses Bumblebee transform into robot mode and send a signal to the Autobots in space. The police soon arrive and Sam is arrested.

[[File:Movie Scorponok leapsout.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Run, Blaster! Save yourself!]]
At the [[Pentagon]], Defense Secretary [[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] oversees the investigation into the attack in Qatar. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates Air Force One and attempts to download all information relating to "Project Iceman". However, [[Maggie Madsen]], one of the technicians studying the Decepticon infiltration signal, detects Frenzy hacking into the files and convinces the Pentagon to take down the Defense Network, halting Frenzy's download. When [[Air Force One]] makes an emergency landing, Frenzy slips into Barricade, and discusses his discovery of Archibald Witwicky, who has seen [[Cybertronian language|their language]]. Using an internet search, they discover that Sam's glasses will lead the Decepticons to the AllSpark. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's location. Back in Qatar, the Army Rangers are attacked by Scorponok, and take refuge in a nearby village. Calling the Pentagon and getting air support, they discover that the Decepticons are vulnerable to high heat weaponry such as sabot rounds. Using this information, the soldiers inform the Pentagon that they now have a weapon.

[[File:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] say find friends today.]]
Sam having been bailed out of jail by his father, gets the impression that Bumblebee is stalking him. A freaked out Sam flees from Bumblebee (who is in car mode) on his mother's bike. Bumblebee then proceeds to pursue him. Mikaela sees Sam on the run and follows him on her motor scooter. After Sam evades Bumblebee, he is confronted by Barricade who demands Archibald's glasses. Mikaela arrives as Sam is running away from Barricade. Bumblebee, still in car mode, then finds them and has them get in. Barricade chases Bumblebee to a power plant where Bumblebee transforms and battles the Decepticon robot-to-robot. Meanwhile, Frenzy chases Sam but gets his head decapitated by Mikaela, however his head still functions and takes the form of Mikaela's phone to hide in her purse. Bumblebee, who has defeated Barricade, properly introduces himself to Sam and Mikaela. He then takes them to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. They all meet in a dark, secluded alley, transform in front of the two amazed humans, introduce themselves and tell of the reasons they had to come to Earth to Sam and Mikaela. Meanwhile, Maggie, unable to convince John Keller and his officers of the Decepticon virus's complexity, makes a copy of the intrusion signal and shows it to her friend [[Glen Whitmann]], who discovers a message with the signal about Sector Seven, Captain Witwicky, and [[Project Iceman]]. However, the FBI arrest Glen and Maggie, who desperately tries to convince them not to go to war with the wrong country.

[[File:Movie Autobots Sector Seven.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'll use the universal greeting.]]
Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. However, agents from [[Sector Seven]] arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. As Sam and Mikaela are taken away in one of their vehicles, [[Seymour Simmons]], the agency's director, reveals that Mikaela has a criminal record and threatens Sam with life imprisonment, at which point the Autobots disable the convoy and rescue the teens. Mikaela then explains to Sam that the only reason she has a record is her refusal to turn her father in for the crimes he committed, prompting her to ask him what he has ever sacrificed in his "perfect little life." Reinforcements arrive at the scene and the Autobots retreat. However Sam and Mikaela are recaptured and Bumblebee is also captured despite Sam's pleas to let him go. Prime orders the other Autobots to let Bumblebee be taken, unwilling to use deadly force against the humans. At the Pentagon, a virus Frenzy uploaded during the Air Force One hack causes a global communications blackout, while Keller is finally informed of the Transformers by [[Tom Banachek]]. After Bumblebee's capture, Optimus uses the glasses to locate the AllSpark at Hoover Dam, and declares that if they cannot defeat the Decepticons, he will merge the Cube with his spark, even though it will kill him.

[[File:Movie Optimus Megatron.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|One shall stand. One shall fall.]]
Sam, Mikaela, Keller, Maggie, Glen, and Lennox's unit are brought to Hoover Dam, where they are shown by Simmons and Banachek the frozen Megatron and the AllSpark, while Frenzy slips away. Sam explains the Decepticons' plan to use the AllSpark to transform human machines to conquer the universe. Locating the AllSpark, Frenzy regenerates the rest of his body and sends out an alert to Starscream, who mobilizes the rest of the Decepticons. Due to Starscream's attack and Frenzy's sabotage, Megatron begins to thaw, and Sam, Lennox, and Keller convince Banachek and Simmons to release Bumblebee so that he can get the AllSpark to Optimus Prime. Bumblebee converts the AllSpark into a smaller state for transportation to [[Mission City]].

Glen, Maggie, Keller, and Simmons manage to contact the Air Force and direct F22s to Mission City. Frenzy tries to stop them but is killed. As Bumblebee, Sam, Mikeala, and Lennox's unit drive to Mission City, they come in contact with the other Autobots, who join the convoy. Barricade, Devastator, and Bonecrusher, in vehicle modes, pursue them and Bonecrusher transforms into robot mode. Optimus transforms to stay behind and stop their pursuers. He fights Bonecrusher and eventually kills him. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots and the soldiers reach Mission City and come under attack by Starscream, Devastator, Blackout and Megatron. Bumblebee is crippled by Starscream while Jazz is killed by Megatron. Mikaela hijacks a tow truck to carry Bumblebee to safety while Lennox tasks Sam with taking the AllSpark to a building where it will be taken by military helicopters. Ironhide and Ratchet cover Sam as he makes his run to the building, protecting him from Blackout before being wounded by Starscream, leaving Sam to get to the building on his own.

[[File:Megatron allspark merge.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Now, light our darkest hour!]]
Optimus Prime finally arrives in the area and confronts Megatron. The two battle one-on-one before Megatron knocks Prime out and chases Sam. As Sam get to the roof of the building and is about to hand the AllSpark off to one of the helicopters, it is shot down by Starscream. Megatron destroys the portion of the roof the Sam is standing on when he refuses to hand over the AllSpark. However, Optimus catches Sam and he and Megatron resume their duel with Megatron once again gaining the upper hand. Meanwhile, Mikaela drives the tow truck in reverse to allow Bumblebee to fire on Devastator, who has Lennox and his men pinned down. Bumblebee kills Devastator and a full air strike is called in on Blackout and Megatron. As Blackout attempts to assist Megatron, he is killed by Lennox and the Air Force before he can engage. Starscream hides among a raptor squadron, destroying three fighters before being chased away. The Air Force and Lennox's rangers attack Megatron, inflicting serious damage upon him, but he is still functional, and heading toward the Cube. Finally, with both Prime and Megatron weakened, Prime beckons Sam to shove the AllSpark into his chest, destroying them both, but Sam instead takes the riskier action of shoving the AllSpark into Megatron's chest, destroying it, and killing Megatron instead.

{{note|For an extensive synopsis of the battle, see separate article [[Mission City]].}}

[[File:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Optimus thanks Sam for his courage and for saving his life, while Bumblebee, who has temporarily regained his voice, asks permission to remain with Sam, which is granted. In an attempt to cover up the existence of the Transformers, Sector Seven is disbanded, while the remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. Though Megatron is dead, the AllSpark's destruction leaves the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. With no other home to go to, the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream retreats from Earth.
{{-}}

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Darius McCrary]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
**[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]'''*''' / Devastator
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
**[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] ([[Jon Voight]])
*[[Maggie Madsen]] ([[Rachael Taylor]])
*[[Glen Whitmann]] ([[Anthony Anderson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Tom Banachek]] ([[Michael O'Neill]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Bobby Bolivia]] ([[Bernie Mac]])
*[[Trent DeMarco]] ([[Travis Van Winkle]])
*[[Archibald Witwicky]] ([[William Morgan Sheppard]])
*[[Patrick Donnelly]] ([[Zack Ward]])
*[[Jorge Figueroa]] ([[Amaury Nolasco]])
*[[Miles Lancaster]] ([[John Robinson]])
*[[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])

|c4=
*[[Mojo]] ([[Chester the Chihuahua]])
[[AllSpark Mutation]]s
*[[Nokia-bot]]
*[[Dispensor]]
*[[Steering wheel robot|Steering wheel]]
*[[Xbox 360 robot|Xbox 360]]
|nonumbering=true
}}
'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''' - Brawl is named "Devastator" in the film itself, but "Brawl" in the toyline and most of the supporting media. Plot summaries and such will reflect whichever name is relevant to that being described.

==Quotes==
"Before time began, there was the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That was how our race was born. For a time, we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good, others for evil. And so began the war - a war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death, and the Cube was lost to the far reaches of space. We scattered across the galaxy, hoping to find it and rebuild our home, searching every star, every world. And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called... Earth. But we were already too late."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' opening narration

"Look, can you do me a favor—can you look out the window for a second? See my father? He's the guy in the green car? Let me tell you about a dream, a boy's dream, and a man's promise to that boy. He looked him in the eye and said "Son, I'm gonna buy you a car, but I want you to bring me two-thousand dollars and three A's." OK, I got the two thousand and two A's. OK, here's the dream. Your B minus? Pfff! Dream gone. Kaputt. Sir, just ask yourself... what would [[Jesus]] do?"
:—'''Sam Witwicky''' negotiates a better mark for his Family Genealogy project

'''Bobby Bolivia:''' What with the semi-classic nature of the vehicle, slick wheels and custom paint job— 
'''Sam:''' The paint's faded! 
'''Bobby:''' Y-yeah, but it's custom. 
'''Sam:''' It's custom faded? 
'''Bobby:''' Well, it's your first car, I wouldn't expect you to understand. ''[turns to Ron]'' Five grand. 
'''Ron:''' No, not paying over four. Sorry. 
'''Bobby:''' ''[turns back to Sam]'' Kid, c'mon, get out, get out of the car. 
'''Sam:''' No, no, no, you said cars pick their drivers! 
'''Bobby:''' Well, sometimes they pick a driver with a cheap-ass father—out of the car. 
:—Negotiations over [[Bumblebee (Movie)|the car]] at [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo]]

''[Sam's car leaves in a huge puff of black smoke]'' 
"Wow... you are so cheap." 
"It's his first car... supposed to be like that."
:—'''Judy Witwicky''' comments on the car's condition to '''Ron'''

'''Capt. Lennox:''' I need a credit card! Epps, where's your wallet? 
'''Sgt. Epps:''' Pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' Which pocket?" 
'''Epps:''' My ''back'' pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' You got ten back pockets! 
'''Epps:''' Left cheek! Left cheek! ''Left cheek!'' 
:—Calling the Pentagon from Qatar gets complicated.

"Ready, heat's coming!" 
"What, BRING IT!" 
:—'''Lennox''' and '''Epps''' giving the green light for Strike Package Bravo to attack

'''Optimus Prime''': Are you Samuel James Witwicky, descendant of Archibald Witwicky? 
'''Mikaela Banes''': They know your name! 
'''Sam''': Uh... Yeah? 
'''Optimus Prime''': My name is Optimus Prime. 
:—Admit it, you stood up and cheered and/or wept from joy after this exchange.

"The parents are... irritating. Can I take them out?"
:—'''Ironhide''' meets the family

'''Jazz''': What about Bumblebee? We can't just leave him to die! And become some human experiment! 
'''Optimus Prime''': He'll die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission. Bumblebee is a brave soldier. This is what he would want. 
'''Ironhide:''' Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive and violent race. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' Were we so different? They are a young species. They have much to learn... but I've seen goodness in them. [[Make Prime Speak|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings]]... You all know there is only one way to end this war: We must destroy the Cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest. 
'''Ratchet:''' That's suicide! The Cube is raw power—it could destroy you both. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet... We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out! 
'''Jazz''': We rollin'! 
:—The Autobots discuss their next move.

"Do you want a piece of me?! Do you want a piece-" 
"NO! I want TWO!"''[rips Jazz in two]'' 
:—'''Jazz''', showing no fear and '''Megatron''', showing cruelty and cleverness

"Humans don't deserve to live." 
"They deserve to choose for themselves!" 
"Then you will die with them! Join them in extinction!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' have some mid-battle banter, Transformers style

"Give me the AllSpark, and you may live to be my ''pet''." 
"I'm never giving you this AllSpark!" 
"Oh, ''so'' unwise..."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Sam Witwicky''' have a tense moment on a Mission City rooftop.

"With the AllSpark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call... home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight... but watching over them in secret... waiting... protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here... we are waiting."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' closing narration

==Errors==
* Sunset occurs roughly every fifteen minutes. Possibly indicative of time passage, but a little too much to not warrant mention in the actual movie. Specific instances:
**When the radar operator at SOCCENT base first spots Blackout, he reports him as an "inbound unidentified infiltrator, ten miles out". [[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] dispatches two F-22s, which intercept Blackout still in broad daylight. When Blackout lands at the base, it's suddenly sunset. As the soldiers round him up, it rapidly turns dark within what appears to be seconds. Once Blackout transforms, it's already night.
**When Mikaela walks home from the lake, the sun is still shining. Sam tells Miles that she "lives ten miles from here". After he picked her up, Bumblebee feigns an engine problem. By the time Sam gets him running again, the sky is still in an early stage of pre-sunset. By the time Sam drops Mikaela at her home, it's night again.
**Barricade assaults Sam in the middle of the day. Bumblebee intervenes and drives off with Sam and Mikaela still in broad daylight. During the ensuing car chase, sunset abruptly occurs once Bumblebee has left the warehouse, and it promptly turns night between shots. (The chase scene was actually intended to be longer; see "[[#Changes before, during and after production|changes before, during and after production]]" below.)
* The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) used by the US Air Force to investigate Scorponok's attack on Captain Lennox is modeled after the [[wikipedia:MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]], but is identified as the [[wikipedia:MQ-1 Predator|MQ-1 Predator]]. Also, neither of these UAVs use jet engines.
[[File:MovieTaxis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|These shots were ''shown in sequence'', believe it or not.]]
* After Maggie copies the signal to take to Glen, she hails a black and white cab, but she's dropped off at Glen's house by an all-white cab. (The "cab hailing" footage originally came from a deleted scene near the beginning of the movie when Maggie was late for work.), and are two different models of the Crown Victoria taxicab.
* When Sam's car breaks down and Mikaela gets out to look at the engine, she leaves the passenger door open. When the car restarts and Sam leaves to close the hood, the passenger side door is now shut. But hey, maybe that was Bumblebee.
* Mikaela identifies Bumblebee's engine as having a "high-rise, double-pump carburetor" but the engine shown has no such carburetor.
* After Bumblebee backs into a corner of the power plant to evade Barricade, there is a close up shot of him spinning his wheels to make his getaway. However, the shot of the wheels spinning is at a different location: the empty warehouse that Bumblebee and Barricade had raced through moments earlier.
* Possibly an error, or possibly just a confusing shot setup, but when Bumblebee makes his escape, Barricade appears to change positions multiple times as camera angles change. Bumblebee guns his engines as Barricade is just starting to cross in front of him, but as Bumblebee speeds backwards, Barricade has backtracked well out of the way.
* After scanning his new Concept Camaro alt-form, Bumblebee's robot body displays either battle-worn parts or brand new parts at random times for the duration of the film.
[[File:MovieJazzBarricadeLicensePlates.jpg|thumb|Barricade has the plate before Jazz even comes to Earth, so it's not a trophy or anything...]]
* As long as Bumblebee transforms into a 1976 Camaro, his license plate consistently reads "489 PCE" both in vehicle and robot mode. After scanning his modern Camaro alternate mode, the license plate changes too... which isn't actually an error. What ''is'' an error, though, is that the new license plate keeps changing from "900 STRA" in vehicle mode to "4NZZ454" in robot mode.
*Jazz's license plate is equally inconsistent: On his robot mode chest it's "1-4027E", but during his transformation before his fight with [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], he sports the license plate "664 NLZO" in vehicle mode. What's worse, "1-4027E" is also ''Barricade's'' license plate in vehicle mode, as can be seen when he slows down and then accelerates again after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee.
* During the scene where Optimus Prime scans a truck for his new body, the passing truck has what appears to be an Autobot sigil on its grill, but the actual truck that Prime turns into at the end of the scene has a much wider, flatter symbol on the grill, quite possibly a Peterbilt logo.
* When Simmons replays Sam's "last words" recorded onto his cell phone, it doesn't match what he said in the scene where he actually recorded them.
* When the Autobots arrive to rescue Sam and Mikaela from Agent Simmons, Ironhide is the first Autobot to reach the damaged SUV and the other Sector Seven agents. Behind him, Ratchet is making his way towards the SUV, while Jazz and Bumblebee have their respective weapons drawn. However, in the very next shot, Ratchet's gun is suddenly in front of Ironhide, who is now making two short steps towards the SUV, while Jazz's gun has been replaced by his hand (which he uses to pull Sector Seven's guns away magnetically). In the shot after that, Jazz is just standing around sans Sector Seven guns, while Bumblebee wanders up and draws his gun...again.
[[File:Movie2007 Keller OBVIOUSVISUALAID.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Yer days're numbered now, Decepti-creeps.]]
* When Banachek shows Keller photographs of the Decepticon that destroyed the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] [[Beagle 2 Rover]], and supposedly a photo of Blackout taken by Epps during the attack on SOCCENT Qatar, "Blackout's photo" is clearly taken during the day, complete with the sun behind the Decepticon as a major light source, whereas the attack on SOCCENT took place in the evening. This was either a continuity error or a ham-handed attempt to make the audience realise the attackers in both photos are one and the same by making the photos look similar.
** Not to mention that the actual Beagle 2 was a '''''European''''' Space Agency '''''lander''''', not a [[NASA]] Rover.
* During the montage where Bumblebee's frozen body is being transported inside Hoover Dam via a moving platform whilst the Autobots discuss his fate, in one of the shots the physical Bumblebee prop is missing its distinctive car doors.
* During the first half of the movie, Maggie is wearing a slim striped skirt, but she is suddenly dressed in 3/4 jeans in the scene when they arrive at Hoover Dam.
*This may not be an error, but Barricade seems to disappear after being driven off the road during the highway scene, as he is never shown again in the movie or the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]]. [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] later pulls the same trick in said sequel.
* When Ironhide transforms and performs a somersault to dodge Brawl's missiles, he is seen rising first, then falling. At that moment, he is already almost at the ground, low enough to touch the ground if he stretched his arms. However, on the next scene, he has gone much higher up, high enough to fire both the cannons on his arms then perform a midair somersault.
* When Lennox arrives as Sam and Mikaela are supposedly strapping Bumblebee with the tow truck's chains, Bumblebee is not actually there. When the shot changes angles to the other side of the truck, Bumblebee is sitting right beside the truck while Sam directs Mikaela to wrap Bumblebee in the chains. When Lennox tells Sam to evacuate the Cube, subsequent camera angles from this side of the truck are actually where Bumblebee was moments earlier, but he's not there again (it is unlikely the angle was meant to be from Bumblebee's perspective). When Sam starts to run off and Mikaela calls him back, Bumblebee is once again clearly not sitting beside the truck. In fact, the space he once occupied has the beige van he crawled out of, earlier in the battle. What makes this all the more bizarre is that the life-sized Bumblebee prop was actually used for some of the scenes that depict Bumblebee strapped to the tow truck.
[[File:MovieTowTruckNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mike changed phone numbers while giant robots were fighting in the city.]]
* After Optimus Prime and Megatron land in the city streets after flying through the office tower, Megatron throws the Autobot leader a short distance away, causing him to land on a parked car. After Megatron forms his fusion cannon, Optimus Prime has suddenly moved further down the street and the car he crushed, along with the other abandoned cars, have vanished. Also, in this shot, Optimus' feet don't make craters or any visible mark on the concrete. Yet, when Optimus is running from the Sector Seven Agents, he's making huge craters while he is side-stepping cars. (This comes with weighing over four tons and running 40 miles an hour.) Additionally, Optimus stops at the intersection just in front of Megatron to pull out his Ion blaster in this shot, but when it cuts to a shot to the left-front of Optimus, he is only mid-way up the street, and there is a parked yellow cab at the curb which was empty seconds earlier. Funnily enough, this curb was where the crushed car was parked.
* During the fight towards the end of the film between Megatron and Optimus, it is shown that Optimus is about the same size as Megatron in robot mode. Yet, in vehicle mode, Megatron is a great deal larger than Optimus is. Similarly, Starscream seems to be smaller than Megatron in robot form, leading to the logical conclusion that he is smaller than Optimus as well. Yet in vehicle mode, he is nearly four to five times larger, seeing as an F-22 Raptor is a great deal larger than a Peterbilt 379 tractor cab. And they say they don't have [[scale]] problems.
* For the battle in Mission City, see [[Mission City#Notes]].
*The phone number on the doors of the tow truck is "800-555-0199" when Mikaela is driving it, but when she gets out, the number changes to "800-555-MIKE". The font is slightly different, too.
* In the battle at Mission City, Brawl very clearly fires 3 missiles out of his shoulder-mounted missile launcher, but before he dies, all 4 missiles are in his missile launcher. Then again, this could just be a sort of 'auto-reload' thing the Transformers have going on, as they probably wouldn't get very far in battle if they were only limited to 4 missiles each.
* When Keller is meeting with the other officials, he says they're going to dump the bodies of the Decepticons into the Laurentian Abyss, the deepest place on the planet. The deepest place on the planet is the Mariana Trench.

===Explicable discrepancies===
* Sam and Mikaela, as well as Maggie and Glen arrive at Hoover Dam on the same helicopter despite being from opposite ends of the country. Occasionally cited as an error, it is actually a narrative oversight, as it is likely that Sam and Mikaela were held in custody at a U.S. Air Base while waiting for Maggie and Glen to arrive with Secretary Keller's party by plane, then they all left for Hoover Dam together on the helicopters.

* There are some problems with Simmons's statement about various technologies being reverse-engineered from Megatron. Cars came about in one shape or form at about the turn of the century, and spaceflight technology was pioneered by German and Soviet scientists. (This is possibly what [[Sector Seven|they]] ''want'' you to think.) Then again, [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] also thinks that [[Nokia]] is a Japanese company...

* Most people mistakenly confuse the date of Megatron's discovery with the date the Hoover Dam was built. Based on the various dates given by Banachek, it's clear that Megatron was ''left in the Arctic'' for many years before being moved to Hoover Dam, making his discovery easily pre-date cars.

==Transformer references==
The movie contains a number of nods and winks to previous iterations of ''Transformers'', primarily from ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''. Some of these were included in direct response to urgings of the fans; others originated with the production crew.

* The basic story set-up is similar to many iterations of the ''Generation 1'' story — two warring factions, the noble Autobots and the power-hungry Decepticons, arrive on Earth, having left their devastated home planet, the war-torn mechanical world of Cybertron.
* Many of the featured Transformers are re-imagined versions of characters from ''Generation 1''. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in particular are similar in physical form and characterization to their movie incarnations. The Movie versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] differ in appearance but fulfill story roles similar to their original versions.
* Though the characters are new, "[[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]", "[[Scorponok (disambiguation)|Scorponok]]", "[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]/[[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]", "[[Blackout (disambiguation)|Blackout]]", "[[Barricade (disambiguation)|Barricade]]", and "[[Bonecrusher (disambiguation)|Bonecrusher]]" are all names that have been used on Transformer characters before.
* Blackout's symbiotic relationship with Scorponok originated as an interpretation of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his cassette troops. Frenzy's transformation into a portable stereo is likewise a homage to Soundwave's cassette deck alternate form.
* Sam shares his last name with the [[Witwicky#Generation 1 continuity family|main human allies]] of the Autobots in the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]. Like Spike before him, he's closest to Bumblebee.
* The Autobot faction symbol seen on Bumblebee and others is basically unchanged from its ''Generation 1'' appearance.
* The AllSpark takes its name from [[Allspark|a concept]] originally introduced in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* The original G1 [[transformation]] sound pops up several times during the course of the film, such as Blackout's first conversion sequence (though truth be told it sounds more like it's being broadcast from a loudspeaker.)
[[File:Movie BoliviasFinestQualityUsedCars 2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.]]
* In his first appearance, Bumblebee parks next to a yellow Volkswagen Beetle — the alternate form of [[Bumblebee (G1)|G1 Bumblebee]].
* When instructing the Autobots to escape Sector Seven and when they later head for Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime delivers his catchphrase from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, ordering them to [[Roll out|"Roll out!"]]
* Sam's surmise that the Transformers come from Japan is [[TakaraTomy|not entirely inaccurate]].
* Prime references "the spark in my chest". [[Spark]]s — the life-force that makes Transformers alive — have been an integral part of Transformers fiction since ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.
* Although the Transformers' primary energy supply, [[Energon]], does not make an established physical appearance in the film, its name appears on the license plate of an SUV thrown through the air during Megatron's rampage in [[Mission City]].
* Optimus Prime's line "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" is the quote from his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|original 1984 toy's]] [[bio]]. At least one of the reasons for the inclusion of this line was because it won in an online contest conducted by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] in late 2006, named "[[Make Prime Speak]]".
* Prime's line "...one shall stand; one shall fall" comes from the 1986 animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* The scene in which Jazz yanks aside Devastator's tank barrel is a direct homage to a similar sequence from TF:TM involving [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* Ironhide's complaint that [[Mojo]] "leaked lubricant" on his foot references a [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|favorite]] [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|exclamation]] [[Power Play!|of his]] ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|counterpart]], "Leakin' lubricant!" The phrase originated with his [[The Transformers Universe|original character outline]], stating that "he [refers to] excessive talking as 'leaking lubricant.'"
* Sam telling Mikaela that there's "more than meets the eye... with you" quotes the slogan used in the toy line, also included in the G1 series [[theme song]].
*Megatron wields a flail in the Mission City battle, just as he did in his fight with Optimus Prime in the second-ever G1 episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

==Other editions==
The 2007 Transformers film has more than one "cut."

* The worldwide theatrical release was essentially identical all around the world with a few minor exceptions.
* The film board of Malaysia required [[Judy Witwicky]]'s masturbation reference be removed{{fact}}. However, no such change has been made and her lines were not omitted from the film.
*Glen's line, "that killer robot is really distracting", was cut from DVD releases. However, it is featured in the official novelization of the movie and at least one trailer.
* The [[wikipedia:IMAX|IMAX]] edition of the movie features two minutes of additional footage in the form of slightly extended scenes and very brief new scenes. Added material includes the following:
**Before heading to the lake party, Sam is shown picking Miles up at his house. Miles derides Sam's choice of car colors.
**After Sam is questioned by the sheriff at the police station, he is given an anti-drug bumper sticker and shown the "[[wikipedia:This is Your Brain on Drugs|This is Your Brain on Drugs]]" [[Public service announcement|PSA]] starring [[wikipedia:Rachel Leigh Cook|Rachel Leigh Cook]].
**After abducting Sam and Mikaela, Agent Simmons uses a device to monitor Sam's pupil dilation while interrogating him in the truck. He also remarks that he has "been there" when it comes to women with criminal records.
**Upon arriving at Hoover Dam, Simmons remarks colorfully that it is "Area 50". A few minutes later, he lists the nicknames of all the U.S. Presidents to have toured the facility.
**In Mission City, Lennox acquires short-range radios from a gun-toting, but easily flattered, pawn shop owner.

==Prequel material==
* ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]''
: A novel about the truth behind humankind's first venture into space and how that event is related to the Transformers' presence on Earth, both past and present.

* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel]]''
: A four issue limited series comic book from [[IDW Publishing]], released before the movie's debut. It chronicles the events which bring the Transformers to [[Earth]].

* "[[Interlude]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A short comic book by IDW, produced in cooperation with [[Target]], available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) at BotCon and in theaters, following Bumblebee's early search for clues on Earth.

* "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A mini-comic by IDW, produced in cooperation with Target, available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) as a Target exclusive bonus pack-in with the Movie DVD, showing the Decepticons' arrival on Earth.

* The ''[[Movie Prequel Special]]''
: A mass retail release that contains reprints of both "Planetfall" and "Interlude" (now with individual story titles) in collected form.

* ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]''
: A not-really-animated animatic version of IDW's ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' comics, voiced by some of the actors from the movie, the game and a bunch of other people. Included on a [[Walmart]] exclusive bonus DVD available with the Movie DVD.

* ''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers]]''
: A monthly comic published in the UK by [[Titan Books]], featuring new adventures set before the movie in its initial six issues (in addition to reprints of stories originally published by IDW). They were reprinted by IDW in the ''[[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark]]'' mini-series.

Some dialog in the film contradicts the prequel material, specifically pertaining to the years in which the frozen Megatron was moved from the Arctic to Hoover Dam, and exactly when the Decepticons arrived on Earth. Some of the prequel material contradicts the ''other'' prequel material... at least till [[John Barber]] fixed some of them on his [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|''Dark of the Moon'' tie in comics]].

==Adaptations==
* A novelization of the film by [[Alan Dean Foster]] was published under the title ''[[Transformers (novel)|Transformers]]''.
* IDW Publishing released a comic adaptation of the film under the title ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]''.

==Sequels==
{{main|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}
Three sequels to this film have been produced and released worldwide.

[[IDW Publishing]] also released the comic sequel to the film, titled ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Transformers: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
[[File:2007Movie 2-disc DVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
{{main|Transformers (film)/home video}}
* '''US:''' [http://tformers.com/US-To-Get-Transformers-DVD-HD-DVD-October-16th/8350/news.html October 16th, 2007] (DVD, HD-DVD), [http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1175/transformers2007.html September 2nd, 2008] (Blu-ray)
* '''Australia:''' November 1, 2007 (DVD)
* '''United Kingdom:''' December 3, 2007 (DVD, HD-DVD), September 8th, 2008 (Blu-ray)

There are nearly a dozen store [[exclusive]] [http://tformers.com/Transformers-DVD-Exclusives-Who-Gets-What/8534/news.html versions and sales premiums of the DVD.] They include:

* [[Target]] and HMV UK: transforming Optimus Prime display case.
* Best Buy: [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] and battle-damaged Optimus Prime.
* [[Walmart]]: [[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]] "animated" prequel material.
* Borders: "Making Of" book.
* Circuit City: password unlocking 15 minutes of exclusive online behind-the-scenes featurettes, covering the voice recording sessions, prop construction, stunt work, and early CG tests and animatics.
{{-}}

==Theatrical posters==
{{picsneeded|Any other official posters not depicted here}}
<center><gallery perrow="4">
File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
File:Movie2007 Autobot promo poster.jpg|Autobot promo poster
File:Movie2007 Decepticon promo poster.jpg|Decepticon promo poster
File:Prime-Sam-Mikaela-poster.jpg|Promotional poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron onesheet.jpg|Megatron one sheet
File:Movie2007 Prime onesheet.jpg|Optimus Prime one sheet
File:Movie2007_final_standee.jpg|Standee, also used as a poster
File:Movie2007 humans internationalposter.jpg|International "Humans" poster/US theatrical poster
File:Movie2007 Sphere internationalposter.jpg|International "Sphere" poster
File:Movie2007 Bumblebee internationalposter.jpg|International Bumblebee poster
File:Movie2007 Prime internationalposter.jpg|International Optimus Prime poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron internationalposter.jpg|International Megatron poster
File:Movie2007_Korean_poster.jpg|South Korean theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007 Japanese Aprilpromo poster.jpg|Japanese April 2007 promotional poster
File:Movie2007_Japanese_release_poster.jpg|Japanese theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_poster.jpg|IMAX promotional poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_releaseposter.jpg|IMAX release poster
File:Movie2007 handsmashy ver7 poster.jpg|Used as a prominent skyscraper advert
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
The movie set multiple records when it opened, including biggest opening week gross for a non-sequel ($155.4 million), biggest Tuesday release gross ($27.4 million), biggest July 4 gross ($29 million), and the biggest film opening in mainland China ($3 million) [http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/217368.htm].

The movie closed domestically on [[November 8]], [[2007]], during which time it took in $319,246,193. (Domestic gross accounted for $310,578,372 before the IMAX version's release.) It has earned a ''worldwide'' gross of $708,272,592. It currently sits at spot #20 in the "most domestic gross" list of movies, though this listing is ''not'' adjusted for inflation. When taking inflation into account, ''Transformers'' currently sits at #102. [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers06.htm 2]

{{quote|I didn't sleep through it the way I Novocained my way through the awful ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', but by the time it ended, I thought I might have vertigo or whiplash, or both, and I certainly lost more than a few of my remaining I.Q. points|[http://www.observer.com/2007/bay-bombs-again Rex Reed]}}

{{quote|It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset.|Roger Ebert}}

{{quote|But it's tough to really care about questions like, "Why did that happen?" or even "What's going on?" when you’re constantly interrupted by "Oh my goodness! Giant robots! Weeee!"|Peter Suderman|[http://tinyurl.com/373rps The National Review]}}

Critical reception was hit-and-miss, [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/ more positive than negative but not by a lot], though it's sometimes hard to tell how many negative reviewers were more interested in criticizing [[Michael Bay]] in general over the movie itself. Otherwise, the most common negatives involved it being a generally think-free "spectacle"-style movie; even those who rated the movie positively noted it was a pure "popcorn" movie meant to wow its audience with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] and explosions rather than make them think (Richard Roper noted in his "thumbs up" review "it has no nutritional value"). Whether one considers that a good or bad thing for a movie and if the movie was enough fun to overcome that is, of course, highly debatable. The other main culprit, again noted by many of the positive reviews, was its long running time, particularly the overly-chaotic, often hard-to-follow final big-bang extended ending action sequence. ([http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/REVIEWS/70620006/1023 Roger Ebert] noted that this sequence was what made him give the movie three out of four stars rather than the full four.)

From the fan and general audience point of view, Transformers was generally favored. However, there have been division over the amount of human stories at the expense of the robots.

Transformers was nominated for three Oscars, in the fields of Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Achievement in Visual Effects. The sound awards went to ''The Bourne Ultimatum'', and the visual effects award went to ''The Golden Compass''.

Three sequels have been produced to date: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' was released worldwide on [[June 24]] [[2009]], ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' was released on [[June 28]], [[2011]], and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

According to a 2011 survey, the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie is the third most-pirated movie of all time.<ref><tt>The usual suspects were there, with "Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors, and "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" at 19 million downloads apiece.</tt>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/showbiz/movies/top-pirated-movies-ew/index.html Top 10 most pirated movies], October 14, 2011</ref>

==Technical details==
'''Length:''' 144 min (original theatrical)<ref>The movie had some content cuts to meet the standards of some <s>oppressive regimes</s> quaint "developing world" rating boards.</ref> 
'''Aspect Ratio:''' 2.35:1 
'''Audio:''' Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDS 
'''Content Rating:'''
{{collist|4|
* PG-13 (USA/MPAA)
* ? (Japan)
* 12A (United Kingdom)
* PG (Canada; British Columbia)<ref>''Transformers'' received a "14A" rating in British Columbia, but an appeal by the studio successfully reduced it to PG.</ref>
* G (Canada; Quebec)
* PG (Canada; Alberta/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario)
* PG (Canada; Canadian Home Video Rating System)
* PG (Taiwan)
* IIA (China; Hong Kong)
* PG (Singapore)
* G (Philippines/MTRCB)
* U (France)
* U (Malaysia)
* M (Australia)
* M (New Zealand)
* TE (Chile)
* 10 (Brazil)
* 10M (South Africa)
* 11 (Denmark)
* K-11 (Finland)
* 11 (Norway)
* 11 (Sweden)
* 12 (Germany)
* 12A (Ireland)
* 12 (Netherlands)
* M/12 (Portugal)
* 12 (South Korea)
* 12 (Switzerland)
* 13 (Argentina)
* 14 (Peru)
* 12 (Poland)
* B (Mexico)
* 12+ (Russia)}}

==Production staff==
[[File:Movie Castandcrew2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Megatron? Is that you?!]]
* Executive Producer: [[Steven Spielberg]]
* Executive Producer: [[Brian Goldner]]
* Director: [[Michael Bay]]
* Producers: [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]], [[Ian Bryce]], [[Tom DeSanto]], [[Don Murphy]]
* Story by: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]] and [[John Rogers]],
* Screenwriters: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]]
* Music by: [[Steve Jablonsky]]

====Visual Effects====
* Visual Effects by: [[Industrial Light & Magic]], [[Digital Domain]], [[Asylum VFX]]
* Production Designer: [[Jeff Mann]]
* Lead Robot Illustrator: [[Ben Procter]]
* Illustrators: [[James Clyne]], [[Tim Flattery]]
* ILM Visual Effects Supervisior: [[Scott Farrar]]
* Art Director: [[Alex Jaeger]]
* Animation Supervisors: [[Scott Benza]], [[Dan Taylor (ILM)|Dan Taylor]]
* Animators: [[Charles Alleneck]], [[C. Michael Easton]], [[Keiji Yamaguchi]]

====Locations Department====
(winners of the California On Location Award [http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/] for "Production Company / Location Team of the Year for Feature Films")

* Supervising Location Manager: '''Ilt Jones'''
* Location Managers: '''Michael J. Burmeister''', '''Fermín Dávalos''', and '''Emre Sonmez'''
* Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Michael Wesley Aycock''', '''Leann Emmert''', '''Perri Fichtner''', '''Ronald M. Haynes''', '''Jonathan Hook''', '''Kathy McCurdy''', '''Manny Padilla''', '''Lisa Patton''', '''Rob Swenson''', '''Marta Tomkiw''', and '''Scott Trimble'''
* Additional Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Brooks Bonstin''', '''Alexandre Chen''', '''Michael Chickey''', '''Martin J. Cummins'''
* Assistant Location Managers: '''Ces Hardy''' and '''Amanda Harrington'''
* Location Scouts: '''Stuart Raven Barter''', '''Richard Klotz''', '''James Lin''', and '''Keith Nakata'''
{{-}}
==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
In 2000, director Joseph Kahn pitched his treatment for a live-action Transformers film to [[Sony]], but they eventually lost interest in a film. In 2003, producer [[Don Murphy]] had intended to produce a movie based on another [[Hasbro]] property, [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. However, following the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, a movie entitled "G.I. Joe" was no longer considered viable, so Carol Monroe, who was in charge of Hasbro's movie department at that time, suggested doing a ''Transformers'' movie instead.<ref name="murphylatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/on-set-interview-producer-don-murphy-on-transformers-1502 Latino Review interview with producer Don Murphy.]</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] joined the project as a second producer and wrote a treatment that he and Murphy tried to shop around for a while. (The treatment would eventually remain entirely unused, but DeSanto would try to get a writing credit regardless, even though none of the screenwriters had ever actually ''seen'' his treatment.<ref name="bayspat">[http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-hollywood-deal/2007/07/05/michael-bays-spat-with-his-transformer-producers Rant by Michael Bay, deleted from his own blog, still mirrored on other sites]</ref>) The movie was officially announced for the first time in June 2003.<ref name="comingsoon">[http://web.archive.org/web/20030611151443/http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=238 Coming Soon announcing the movie.]</ref>

In 2004, after [[DreamWorks]] won a bidding war with New Line Cinema over the rights to the film, [[Steven Spielberg]] signed up as executive producer, while [[John Rogers]] was confirmed as screenwriter in November of the same year.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/03/rogers-writing-transformers IGN confirming Rogers as screenwriter.]</ref> In February 2005, Rogers was replaced by [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]],<ref name="ignkurtzorc">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/18/exclusive-new-transformers-writers IGN confirming Kurtzman and Orci as new screenwriters.]</ref> who drastically reworked Rogers' original script.<ref name="rogerscred">[http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/07/proper-credits-for-transformers.html John Rogers confirming that Kurtzman and Orci drastically rewrote his script]</ref> Spielberg tried to convince [[Michael Bay]] to direct the movie in late July 2005, but Bay initially declined, having no interest in a "toy movie". He later changed his mind after attending "Transformers school" at Hasbro, but decided to make the movie "realistic" and accessible for adult viewers.<ref name="audio">Michael Bay's audio commentary on the ''Transformers'' DVD.</ref>

A few days after a list of names of the human cast had been leaked on the internet, [[Shia LaBeouf]] was confirmed as the first cast member.<ref name="ignshia">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/28/from-i-robot-to-transformers IGN confirming Shia LaBeouf.]</ref> Producer Don Murphy,<ref name="murphytfcon">[http://www.transformerscon.com/videos.php Don Murphy at the Canadian TransformersCon.]</ref> Hasbro<ref name="tfwtour">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/139273-botcon-2007-botcon-2007-hasbro-tour-updated-friday-12-45pm.html Hasbro tour report.]</ref> and the screenwriters<ref name="mtv">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1554426/20070312/story.jhtml MTV.com interview with Kurtzman and Orci.]</ref> all favored [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Frank Welker]] as voice actors for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Bay had both audition, but only hired Cullen, while preferring [[Hugo Weaving]] as Megatron.<ref name="cgirobot">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070810172643/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/004974570.cfm Wizard Universe article about the production of the movie.]</ref> However, Welker still got to voice Megatron (alongside Cullen as Prime) in the video game adaption of the movie, ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', as well as in ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]'', an animated (sort of) version of [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|prequel comic mini-series]] that was available on a Wal*Mart exclusive bonus disc included with the movie DVD.

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
In addition to acting as a licensor, Hasbro also actively participated in the development of the movie, starting with an introduction into the world of the Transformers, called the "Transformers School", for everyone involved, including [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="paramountbotcon">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=8001 "Hasbro and Paramount Partnership Panel" at BotCon 2007.]</ref> Hasbro also had a say in the depiction of the Transformers in the movie, the selection of the voice actors,<ref name="tfwtour" /> naming the characters, working on the robot designs<ref name="lorenzoiesb">[http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2724&Itemid=99 IESB interview with Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.]</ref> and the inclusion of "easter eggs", but no veto rights.<ref name="paramountbotcon" /> According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], Hasbro was more interested in an adequate adaption of the ''Transformers'' concept rather than ''only'' marketing the toyline.<ref name="orcihasbro">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2200611&postcount=239 Roberto Orci discussing Hasbro's involvement.]</ref> Nevertheless, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms because of the long production run of the toys, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew">[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20044598_3,00.html Entertainment Weekly interview with Michael Bay.]</ref> Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] then created the [[Movie (toyline)|toys]] based on the designs developed by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. Aside from this, Takara wasn't involved in the creation of the movie at all.<ref name="murphytformers">[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=3945 TFormers interview with Don Murphy.]</ref>

Unlike other ''Transformers'' toylines (except for ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]''), Hasbro and Takara don't share the full rights to the movie toys: Paramount and ILM hold the rights to the robot designs, while the vehicle modes were licensed by companies such as General Motors ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]), Saleen ([[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]), Force Protection Industries ([[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]), the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation ([[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]). Only [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] didn't require a license, since his vehicle mode in the movie was heavily genericized, and all manufacturer logos were removed.<ref name="edmundsveh">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070809065140/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424 Edmunds.com article on the vehicles featured in the movie.]</ref> TakaraTomy even identifies the Leader Class toy as a Kenworth W900 instead of a Peterbilt 379.<ref name="takaraprime">[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie/ma-01.html TakaraTomy product page for Leader Class Optimus Prime.]</ref>

Even though Hasbro didn't directly profit from the box office revenue, owning the ''Transformers'' brand allowed them to profit more from the toys than from licensed brands such as ''[[Spider-Man]]'' or ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. In addition, Hasbro was able to give out over 240 licenses to third party companies.<ref name="hasbrofall">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6912693.stm BBC reporting on Hasbro quarterly earnings for July 2007.]</ref> In the USA alone, Hasbro had sold more than three million toys from the movie line as early as July 2007,<ref name="cnnmoney">[http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/23/news/companies/hasbro/index.htm?section=money_topstories CNN Money story on Hasbro sales.]</ref> while Wal-Mart had earned more than five million $USD with the movie Transformers at the same time.<ref name="walmartmillion">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=143983 Wal-Mart employee Steevy Maximus reporting on sales figures for movie toys.]</ref> A lot of the movie toys were frequently sold out at many stores ("drought") due to a mix of popularity, stores underestimating said popularity (and thus not ordering enough toys), shipping problems in China and [[Toy scalping|scalpers]].

====US Military====
The [[United States military]] (via [[Philip Strub]] and the Defense Department's Film and Television Liaison Office) supported the movie by providing vehicles and soldiers. The vehicles included an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout)]], several F-22 Raptors (one of them serving as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s alternate mode), two A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets, an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane, an AC-130 Spectre gunship and two V-22 Ospreys. Many other airplanes are seen in the background like a few UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, several F-117 Nighthawks, and several cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster and the C-130 Hercules. Therefore, ''Transformers'' is the first movie to feature real, non-CG F-22s.<ref name="afmil">[http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123061917 Air Force Space Command article on the movie.]</ref> Real soldiers trained with the actors who played military personnel<ref name="tyreselatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=2260 Latino Review interview with Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel.]</ref> and were also featured as extras in the movie. Michael Bay even allowed them to improvise lines to make their military dialogue sound as "realistic" as possible.<ref name="nabbtfw">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=115126 First Lieutenant Micheal McNabb reporting his experience of working on the movie.]</ref> In return for their cooperation, Bay gave the military a say in their own depiction in the movie.<ref name="wired">[http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-07/trans_movie?currentPage=all Wired.com article on the movie.]</ref> The military, in turn, views the movie as a new form of recruitment.<ref name="aflink">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123021491 Air Force Link article about the movie.]</ref>

====Product Placement====
Aside from advertising the ''Transformers'' toyline, the movie also features product placement for other companies, such as Apple, Yahoo, Burger King, Nokia, Panasonic, eBay and Hewlett-Packard. The machines given life by the Allspark include an Xbox 360 (including the original startup sound) and a [[Dispensor|Mountain Dew soda vending machine]]. In addition, the movie also features other Hasbro brands, such as ''My Little Pony'' and ''Furby'' (the latter being a property of Hasbro's subsidiary Tiger Electronics). Furthermore, all Autobots, with the exception of Optimus Prime, have vehicles provided by subsidiaries of General Motors as their [[alternate mode]]s, which saved Michael Bay $3 million of his budget.<ref name="bayew" />

Many of these cooperations were mutual: Burger King offered the obligatory Kids Meal toys based on the movie characters for the movie's theatrical launch, and General Motors and Mountain Dew ran TV ads under the titles "Transform Your Ride" and "Transform Your Summer", respectively. According to producers Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, some of these brands, such as [[eBay]], were not originally included as part of a sponsoring deal, but had been part of the script from the beginning for story purposes on the writers' behalf.<ref name="lorenzoiesb" /> For the DVD release of the movie, meanwhile, ''additional'' "Cisco" logos were added into the movie that had not been there yet in the theatrical version.<ref name="dvdprod">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38792 Allspark thread featuring comparison stills of the theatrical and DVD versions of the movie.]</ref>

===Special effects===
* Three quarters of the CG effects were done by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. The other quarter was done by [[Digital Domain]], a company [[Michael Bay]] bought shortly before signing up to the ''Transformers'' movie.
* As seen in the bonus material for the Movie DVD, at least some of the ILM designers are actually Transformers fans. One of the animators, [[Charles Alleneck]], has his entire office decorated in more ''Transformers'' toys than a lot of "regular" fans might own.
* Physical props and set pieces were built for several of the Transformers' robot modes. Full body props for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (the 2009 Camaro body) and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] were used for scenes that involved direct interaction with the human cast. The Bumblebee prop (with detached legs) was also used for the scene where he was strapped to a [[Longarm (Movie)|tow truck]]. A set featuring the frozen lower half of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] body was also built. The rest is assorted bits and pieces, such as [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok's]] head and tail, a part of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s leg (including a wheel) and an unpainted, entirely blue version of his head plus a small part of the upper chest, and various semi-random chunks meant to represent the remains of the destroyed Decepticons dumped into the ocean (some of the parts meant to represent pieces of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] even feature markings found on a real-life MH-53 Pave Low helicopter).

===Changes before, during and after production===
A lot of details about the movie changed during the pre-production phase (and even still during production and post-production):

* The script was originally supposed to center around the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but because the studio wanted to avoid association with the ''Matrix'' movie trilogy, it had to be renamed. For the longest time, the working name was "[[Energon]] Cube", which neither the fans nor producer [[Don Murphy]] were really happy with.<ref name="murphytfcon" /> Ultimately, it was renamed into the [[AllSpark]] for the final movie; however, the name "Energon Cube" is still used in [[Alan Dean Foster]]'s [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie, and was also used by [[Shia LaBeouf]] in a CBS interview immediately before the movie's official theatrical launch.<ref name="shiacbs">[http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3004937n?source=search_video CBS interview with Shia LaBeouf.]</ref>
* One of the Autobot characters in the early Kurtzman/Orci drafts was [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], who would have turned into a motorcycle. Even though Hasbro developed a toy based on the designs for the character, Arcee was dropped from the script and replaced with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]: Kurtzman and Orci didn't want to spend time explaining the purpose of "female" Autobots,<ref name="orciign">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/02/exclusive-interview-robert-orci?page=3 IGN interview with Roberto Orci.]</ref> and Michael Bay considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="orciwizard">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070714214451/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> Despite what fans commonly assume, however, the scene during the final battle in [[Mission City]] where [[William Lennox|Lennox]] uses an abandoned motorcycle for his assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] wasn't added to the script until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script; however, had she ''not'' been dropped, she ''would'' have probably been that motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/2288318-post539.html Orci once again clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* Other Autobot characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman were [[Hot Rod]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].<ref name="orcichara">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388609&postcount=280 Roberto Orci confirming various characters originally intended for the movie.]</ref> The last was eventually dropped because Orci and Kurtzman preferred the idea of "a Decepticon in disguise as a police vehicle".<ref name="orciprowl">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=365508&postcount=4411 Orci explaining why Prowl is not in the movie]</ref>
* Kurtzman and Orci tried ''twice'' to include [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in the movie. The first attempt was supposed to turn into a helicopter,<ref name="orciswave">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=351304&postcount=4161 Roberto Orci confirming that Blackout was originally intended to be Soundwave.]</ref> but Hasbro rejected that notion and insisted that Soundwave's [[alternate mode]] should have something to do with music.<ref name="murphyswave">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=97507&postcount=23 Post by Don Murphy at his message board.]</ref> The "helicopter" character was then renamed multiple times, among those names being "Grimlock",<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref> "Vortex",<ref name="orcisample">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1120447&postcount=2360 Unformatted script sample from first draft posted by Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's message board]</ref> "Devastator"<ref name="procterdevas">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_32.html "Devastator" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Incinerator".<ref name="procterinc">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_34.html "Incinerator" pre-production render at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> The character eventually ended up as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].
* The second attempt would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape and tracked down [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]].<ref name="early" /> The "vehicle" part was later turned into a separate character, who was then given a different alternate mode (as a police cruiser) and eventually ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. Meanwhile, the "portable stereo" character also went through several changes, because Kurtzman and Orci eventually decided that the character didn't really do Soundwave justice, so they decided to change his name and save Soundwave for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]].<ref name="webcast">[http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2701721/20070418/2048/2701721-300-wmv-s.35907855-,2701721-300-flash-s.35907881-,2701721-100-wmv-s.35907849-,2701721-100-flash-s.35907874-,2701721-1000-wmv-s.35907866-,2701721-1000-flash-s.35907894-,2701721-700-flash-s.35907887-,2701721-700-wmv-s.35907861- Yahoo webcast with Kurtzman and Orci, revealing the final names of the movie characters.]</ref> The character went through some other working names such as "Boombot"<ref name="procterboom">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_45.html "Boombot" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Soundbyte"<ref name="proctersbyte">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_54.html "Soundbyte" head study at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and eventually ended up as [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]].
* Other Decepticon characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman, aside from Soundwave, were [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].<ref name="orcichara" /> The latter was originally supposed to be a minion of helicopter Soundwave, who would have chased [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew through the jungle after the attack on their base. However, when the scene was changed from the jungle to the desert (and Soundwave was no longer Soundwave), Ravage was replaced by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]].<ref name="orciravage">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirming that Scorponok replaced Ravage].</ref>
* Because of the long production run of the toys, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew" /> As a result, many of the Decepticon characters in particular were chosen somewhat hastily, and aren't really based on established Transformers characters aside from their names. The tank used for [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] (aka "Devastator") was a recycled prop originally built for the movie ''xXx: State of the Union'', while the mine protected vehicle used for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] caught the filmmakers' attention because of a giant photoshopped fork depicted on the manufacturer's website.<ref name="enewsi">[http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11213 Entertainment News International article on the making of the movie.]</ref>
* Other Decepticon characters featured in an early draft, aside from "Grimlock" (helicopter) and "Soundwave" (portable stereo/Humvee), were Brawl as a Jeep, Frenzy as a Piranha III mortar artillery vehicle, Onslaught as a mobile missile launcher, Octane as a tanker truck, and three jets named Blitzwing, Starscream and Devastator (a cargo plane, a 747 jet and F-16 fighter; the script doesn't say which is which). Instead of having been hiding on Earth for a while, they would have arrived there during the movie after having been summoned by Soundwave.<ref name="early" /> It's possible that the Piranha III later evolved into Stryker/[[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].
* The "evil police car Decepticon" that replaced Prowl took over the "vehicle" portion of the second character originally conceived as Soundwave (which eventually became [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]). His vehicle form was originally supposed to be a Ford Crown Victoria, while his working name was "Brawl".<ref name="policebrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour].</ref> Eventually the character ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], with the vehicle mode being changed into a Saleen S281 "Extreme" Mustang, because Ford didn't want one of their cars used as a "villain". Therefore, Barricade sports no "Ford" logos in the movie.<ref name="edmundsveh" />
* Another Decepticon character intended to be in the movie had the working name "Stryker", named after his vehicle mode, a M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle.<ref name="stryker">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=262 Unused design for "Stryker", revealed at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref> It's possible that he had evolved from a character named "Frenzy" featured in an early script draft, who would have turned into a Piranha III. The character ultimately never made it into the movie, but Hasbro later turned the design into a toy regardless, named [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].<ref name="tfwtour" />
* Michael Bay also considered having a Transformers character turn into an aircraft carrier, but eventually scrapped that idea for cost reasons.<ref name="ignround">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/13/transformers-roundtable-with-michael-bay?page=2 IGN roundtable with Michael Bay from the Australian press conference.]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman included the character in one of their drafts of the script,<ref name="orciaircraft">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=387736&postcount=210 Roberto Orci confirming that the aircraft carrier was in one of the drafts.]</ref> and artist Tim Flattery created concept art.<ref name="flattery">Tim Flattery's concept art for the unused aircraft carrier Transformer: [http://timflattery.com/transformers/4.html Image 1], [http://timflattery.com/transformers/5.html image 2].</ref>
* Working names for the tank Decepticon were "Demolisher"<ref name="hasbrodemolisher">[http://www.hasbro.com/objects/content/wallpaper.cfm?img=wp_transformers651_1280.jpg&brand_id=496&lang_id=1 Wallpaper at Hasbro's website calling Brawl/Devastator "Demolisher".]</ref> and "Devastator", the latter of which had also been a working name for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] at one point. Even though [[Michael Bay]] confirmed in May 2006 that this was not the final name,<ref name="baysecret">[http://michaelbay.com/2006/05/12/a-little-secret-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay claiming that the Transformers' names circulating were "aliases".]</ref> screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman confirmed the final name to be "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in April 2006,<ref name="webcast" /> and Hasbro used that name for all their toys based on the movie character, he identifies himself as "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie itself. According to a fan who attended the Australian press conference, Bay had decided to use that name regardless,<ref name="griffin">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1360922&postcount=122 Australian fan griffin-of-oz reporting from the Australian press conference].</ref> while Hasbro considered the name in the movie a "continuity error",<ref name="hasbrofuture">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139268 Hasbro Transformers Future Product Unveiling panel at BotCon 2007.]</ref> and Orci even claimed that he and Kurtzman had pointed out said "error" in the editing room twice.<ref name="orcidevastator">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=368555&postcount=4479 Orci confirming the name "Devastator" to be an "error".]</ref>
* Michael Bay decided to have [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] not turn into a Volkswagen Beetle because he wanted to avoid similarities with Disney's ''[[Wikipedia:Herbie|Herbie, the Love Bug]]''.<ref name="bayew" /> Production Designer Jeff Mann originally suggested using a Dodge Super Bee as Bumblebee's alternate mode,<ref name="edmunds1976">[Edmun Edmunds.com article on the classic Bumblebee Camaro.]</ref> but eventually Bay signed a deal with General Motors that saved him $3 million of his budget, which is why Bumblebee turns into a Chevrolet Camaro in the movie.<ref name="bayew" />
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was originally intended to transform into a fire truck rather than a Search & Rescue Hummer. After being changed into a Hummer, he initially still retained a red and white deco, which later served as the inspiration for Hasbro's "Rescue Ratchet" redecos of the movie toys.<ref name="ratchettour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=285 Early designs for Ratchet shown at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref>
* After designs of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had leaked on the internet, his head design was slightly revised following massive fan complaints.<ref name="murphysunday">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=764141&postcount=1 Don Murphy confirming that Megatron's head design was changed due to fan complaints.]</ref>
* The studio had originally preferred the Transformers not to talk ''at all'' throughout the movie, a notion Hasbro heavily contested.<ref name="tfwtour" /> Bumblebee still ended up being mute throughout most of the movie, which, according to Orci and Kurtzman, was inspired by Spielberg's ''E.T.'' and is supposed to signify that his friendship with Sam transcends words.<ref name="mtv" />
* Most drafts of the script started the movie with [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s discovery of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. In the actual movie, this scene was moved to a later point, shown as a flashback (actually at two points, split into two parts). [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Movie Adaptation issue 1|comic adaptation]] of the movie still has this as the opening scene.
* Also in one of the early drafts, the original reason for Mikaela's falling out with [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]] was not because he wouldn't let his "little bunny" drive his car, but because she refused to let him drive after having drunk beer. [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Anvilicious Anvilicious] much?
* In an early draft, [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew would have defeated [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] with a simple grenade, which would have "dissolved him at a molecular level". The air strike would have never happened, and Lennox wouldn't have established contact with the Pentagon until around the time when [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] were apprehended by [[Sector Seven]].<ref name="early" />
* In the same draft, Sam had left his grandfather's glasses at school. The Autobots would have distracted a security guard while Sam and Mikaela would have broken into their school. It would have been there that Sam would have learned about Mikaela's criminal past, and the scene would have ended with their arrest by Sector Seven.<ref name="early" />
* In some earlier drafts of the script, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was supposed to kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] too after he had finished off [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. That scene never made it into the final movie, and Barricade simply disappears with no explanation after Bonecrusher transforms; however, the scene still made it into Alan Dean Foster's [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie and IDW's [[Movie Adaptation issue 4|comic adaptation]].
* Also in earlier drafts of the script, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was supposed to kill [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] by consuming his [[Spark]]. Again, this is only explicitly confirmed in the novelization and IDW's comic adaptation of the movie, but not in the movie itself.
* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee (see also "[[#Errors|errors]]" above), Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#XMODS Evolution Transformers|''XMODS Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit]].

==Notes==
* The Autobot computer generated models consisted of 35,592 total pieces, 7,435,478 polygons, 95,247 rig nodes, and 20,258 texture maps. If laid end to end, the pieces would stretch 3.11 miles.
* For all the robots combined, there are 60,217 pieces of geometry, 123,509,502 polygons, 144,341 rigging nodes, and 34,215 texture maps.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12–17.</ref>
* The events of the movie span 4–5 days.
* Within the movie, neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons are referred to as "Transformers".
* As confirmed in the audio commentary on the movie DVD, director [[Michael Bay]] has a brief cameo as an innocent bystander getting flicked against a taxi cab by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].
* The "<tt>[322] days without a safety breach</tt>" sign behind Agent Simmons before they bring the [[Nokia-bot|cell phone]] to life relates to a piece of backstory that was cut from the final film. A researcher named [[James Farr (Movie)|James Farr]] was killed when a [[AX9-8946-09SU-1|robot they brought to life]] ran amok, causing the damage Glen comments on. The [[Sector Seven (game)|viral marketing campaign]] gives a date for Farr's death; [[March 16]], [[2006]]. This would chronologically place the primary events of the film as occurring over a 3-day period, [[January 30]]–[[February 1]], [[2007]].
*The two guard dogs that Sam encounters are played by a Belgian Malinois named Ammo and a Rottweiler named Nadine.
* In an interesting showing of unified marketing, the Japanese dub of the movie uses the English-market character and factions names (e.g., Autobot, Decepticon, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee) rather than the terms previously established in Japanese Transformers continuity (e.g., Cybertron, Destron, Convoy, Bumble). This has subsequently influenced Takara's subsequent dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', where (for the most part) they retain the English-market names and factions.
* In a bit of a shocker, [[Simon Furman]] has said he personally isn't a fan of the films, though he believes they're great for what he inaccurately (and worryingly) described as "the intended audience" of young kids.<ref>[http://mindlessones.com/2009/07/20/transformers-terminators-and-the-rest11-questions-with-simon-furman/ Interview at Mindless Ones blog]</ref>
* In an unexpected celebrity-related moment, famed multi award-winning British actress Helen Mirren, a Dame Commander of the British Empire, was one of the guests at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of ''Transformers''. One wonders what she thought of it.<ref>[http://movies.about.com/od/transformers/ig/Transformers-Premiere-Photos/transformersprem34.htm Helen Mirren at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles premiere of ''Transformers'';Rebecca Murray, Movies.About.com Guide]</ref>
* ''Transformers'' (ahem) "inspired" a [[Knockoff|direct-to-video movie]] called [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers|''Transmorphers'']]. It got a [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers: Fall of Man|prequel]] in 2009, starring [[Wikipedia:Bruce Boxleitner|Bruce Boxleitner]], of all people. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
* Somewhat less embarrassing, ''Transformers'' also inspired the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|2008 ''Knight Rider'' television movie]] and the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|short-lived revival/sequel series]] that followed it.<ref name="varietykr">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972829?refCatId=14 Variety article about the then-upcoming 2008 ''Knight Rider'' revival]</ref> Furthermore, the special effects<ref name="madeatl">[http://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2008/iron_man_production_details.htm ''Iron Man'' Full Production Notes]</ref> and the marketing campaign<ref name="imtie-ins">[http://www.brandweek.com/bw/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692165 Brandweek article about the ''Iron Man'' marketing campaign.]</ref> both served as inspirations for the 2008 [[Wikipedia:Iron Man (film)|''Iron Man'' movie]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers''''' (トランスフォーマー ''Toransufōmā'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛, "Transformers"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng''''' (China, 变形金刚, "Transformers")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery''''' (Трансформеры, "Transformers")

==External links==
* [http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR&ID=421174 June 11, 2003 Press Release announcing the movie.]
* [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Transformersmovie.com]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/ ''Transformers'' at IMDB.com]
* [http://www.transformersalbum.com/ ''Transformers The Album'']
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_%28film%29 ''Transformers'' 2007 film on Wikipedia]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/PROJPAGE_Trans_01.html Ben Procter], [http://www.jamesclyne.com/projects.php?gallery_id=297 James Clyne], [http://timflattery.com/main.html Tim Flattery], [http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4150 Alex Jaeger] (at CG Society), [http://2d2cg.com/# Jeremy Cook]
* [http://www.capalert.com/capreports/transformers.htm ''Transformers'' CAPalert.com review]

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

[[Category:Movie| ]]
[[Category:Movie media]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers (film)

2016-05-26T09:36:47Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{disambig2|the 2007 movie|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}

{{nav-movie}}

:''Transformers is an [[Sector Seven (game)|elaborate cover up]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination!]]

'''''Transformers''''' is a live-action movie released by [[DreamWorks]] in 2007, with Executive Producer [[Steven Spielberg]] and Director [[Michael Bay]]. The story follows the Transformers' arrival on modern-day Earth and their interactions with the human race, as they search for the life-giving [[AllSpark]] and continue their ages-old civil war. The movie is a new imagining of the [[Transformers brand]], drawing on past Transformers fiction but also distinct in its own right.

''Transformers'' features [[Sam Witwicky]], a plucky teenager who just wants a cool car, but gets more than he bargained for. The beater he and his father take home is actually [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], an alien robot from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], who plants Sam down in the middle of a civil war between Bumblebee's benevolent [[Autobot]] comrades and the evil [[Decepticon]]s who threaten the galaxy's peace. Both sides are after the AllSpark, a mysterious artifact that landed on Earth ten thousand years ago. The approaching robot-against-robot battle is a coming-of-age moment for Sam, who learns the meaning of his family's motto, "No sacrifice, no victory."

The principal cast members were [[Shia LaBeouf]], [[Jon Voight]], and [[Megan Fox]], with [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Hugo Weaving]] as the voices of the Transformers' iconic leaders. About 75 percent of the film's character designs and visual effects were created by [[Industrial Light & Magic]], the effects-wizards behind the [[Star Wars (film)|''Star Wars'' films]]. The remaining 25 percent were done by Michael Bay's company, [[Digital Domain]].

Originally slated to release in the summer of 2006, the film arrived in US theaters on [[July 3]], 2007, and hit UK theaters on [[July 27]] and French theaters on [[July 25]]. It premiered in Australia on [[June 12]], 2007, and was released there and in a number of Asian countries on [[June 28]], 2007. An extended cut of the film featuring footage not in the original was released to IMAX theatres on [[September 21]], 2007.

{{bigquote|Sam Witwicky, you hold the key to Earth's survival.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] on the basic plot}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Allspark movie.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|With this, I shall make you my slave!]]
Many years ago, Cybertron is destroyed at the hands of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], during his quest to obtain the AllSpark. Megatron discovers the AllSpark on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the Arctic Circle, becoming frozen in the ice. Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in the late 19th century. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and [[Glasses#Movie|Archibald's eyeglasses]] are imprinted with the coordinates to the AllSpark's location. [[Sector Seven]], a secret organization of the United States government, independently discovers the AllSpark and builds the [[Hoover Dam]] around it to mask its energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is reverse engineered to further advance [[human]] technology.

[[File:Movie Blackout SOCCENT.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|Let the slaughter begin!]]
In the present day, the other Decepticons — [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] — have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles. Blackout and Scorponok attack the U.S. [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]] in an effort to use the military database to discover the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors under Captain [[William Lennox]] wander through the desert and are followed by Scorponok. The Autonomous Robotic Organism (shortened to "Autobot") known as Bumblebee is also on Earth, disguised as a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. He finds Sam at a used car lot where the boy is looking to purchase a car. Bumblebee covertly sabotages all of the other cars in the lot, leaving him as Sam's only option. Sam buys Bumblebee and the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and woo his crush, [[Mikaela Banes]]. Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until one night when the Autobot drives off without him. Sam chases Bumblebee on a bike to a factory area, calling the police in the process, and witnesses Bumblebee transform into robot mode and send a signal to the Autobots in space. The police soon arrive and Sam is arrested.

[[File:Movie Scorponok leapsout.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Run, Blaster! Save yourself!]]
At the [[Pentagon]], Defense Secretary [[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] oversees the investigation into the attack in Qatar. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates Air Force One and attempts to download all information relating to "Project Iceman". However, [[Maggie Madsen]], one of the technicians studying the Decepticon infiltration signal, detects Frenzy hacking into the files and convinces the Pentagon to take down the Defense Network, halting Frenzy's download. When [[Air Force One]] makes an emergency landing, Frenzy slips into Barricade, and discusses his discovery of Archibald Witwicky, who has seen [[Cybertronian language|their language]]. Using an internet search, they discover that Sam's glasses will lead the Decepticons to the AllSpark. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's location. Back in Qatar, the Army Rangers are attacked by Scorponok, and take refuge in a nearby village. Calling the Pentagon and getting air support, they discover that the Decepticons are vulnerable to high heat weaponry such as sabot rounds. Using this information, the soldiers inform the Pentagon that they now have a weapon.

[[File:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] say find friends today.]]
Sam having been bailed out of jail by his father, gets the impression that Bumblebee is stalking him. A freaked out Sam flees from Bumblebee (who is in car mode) on his mother's bike. Bumblebee then proceeds to pursue him. Mikaela sees Sam on the run and follows him on her motor scooter. After Sam evades Bumblebee, he is confronted by Barricade who demands Archibald's glasses. Mikaela arrives as Sam is running away from Barricade. Bumblebee, still in car mode, then finds them and has them get in. Barricade chases Bumblebee to a power plant where Bumblebee transforms and battles the Decepticon robot-to-robot. Meanwhile, Frenzy chases Sam but gets his head decapitated by Mikaela, however his head still functions and takes the form of Mikaela's phone to hide in her purse. Bumblebee, who has defeated Barricade, properly introduces himself to Sam and Mikaela. He then takes them to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. They all meet in a dark, secluded alley, transform in front of the two amazed humans, introduce themselves and tell of the reasons they had to come to Earth to Sam and Mikaela. Meanwhile, Maggie, unable to convince John Keller and his officers of the Decepticon virus's complexity, makes a copy of the intrusion signal and shows it to her friend [[Glen Whitmann]], who discovers a message with the signal about Sector Seven, Captain Witwicky, and [[Project Iceman]]. However, the FBI arrest Glen and Maggie, who desperately tries to convince them not to go to war with the wrong country.

[[File:Movie Autobots Sector Seven.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'll use the universal greeting.]]
Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. However, agents from [[Sector Seven]] arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. As Sam and Mikaela are taken away in one of their vehicles, [[Seymour Simmons]], the agency's director, reveals that Mikaela has a criminal record and threatens Sam with life imprisonment, at which point the Autobots disable the convoy and rescue the teens. Mikaela then explains to Sam that the only reason she has a record is her refusal to turn her father in for the crimes he committed, prompting her to ask him what he has ever sacrificed in his "perfect little life." Reinforcements arrive at the scene and the Autobots retreat. However Sam and Mikaela are recaptured and Bumblebee is also captured despite Sam's pleas to let him go. Prime orders the other Autobots to let Bumblebee be taken, unwilling to use deadly force against the humans. At the Pentagon, a virus Frenzy uploaded during the Air Force One hack causes a global communications blackout, while Keller is finally informed of the Transformers by [[Tom Banachek]]. After Bumblebee's capture, Optimus uses the glasses to locate the AllSpark at Hoover Dam, and declares that if they cannot defeat the Decepticons, he will merge the Cube with his spark, even though it will kill him.

[[File:Movie Optimus Megatron.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|One shall stand. One shall fall.]]
Sam, Mikaela, Keller, Maggie, Glen, and Lennox's unit are brought to Hoover Dam, where they are shown by Simmons and Banachek the frozen Megatron and the AllSpark, while Frenzy slips away. Sam explains the Decepticons' plan to use the AllSpark to transform human machines to conquer the universe. Locating the AllSpark, Frenzy regenerates the rest of his body and sends out an alert to Starscream, who mobilizes the rest of the Decepticons. Due to Starscream's attack and Frenzy's sabotage, Megatron begins to thaw, and Sam, Lennox, and Keller convince Banachek and Simmons to release Bumblebee so that he can get the AllSpark to Optimus Prime. Bumblebee converts the AllSpark into a smaller state for transportation to [[Mission City]].

Glen, Maggie, Keller, and Simmons manage to contact the Air Force and direct F22s to Mission City. Frenzy tries to stop them but is killed. As Bumblebee, Sam, Mikeala, and Lennox's unit drive to Mission City, they come in contact with the other Autobots, who join the convoy. Barricade, Devastator, and Bonecrusher, in vehicle modes, pursue them and Bonecrusher transforms into robot mode. Optimus transforms to stay behind and stop their pursuers. He fights Bonecrusher and eventually kills him. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots and the soldiers reach Mission City and come under attack by Starscream, Devastator, Blackout and Megatron. Bumblebee is crippled by Starscream while Jazz is killed by Megatron. Mikaela hijacks a tow truck to carry Bumblebee to safety while Lennox tasks Sam with taking the AllSpark to a building where it will be taken by military helicopters. Ironhide and Ratchet cover Sam as he makes his run to the building, protecting him from Blackout before being wounded by Starscream, leaving Sam to get to the building on his own.

[[File:Megatron allspark merge.JPG|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Now, light our darkest hour!]]
Optimus Prime finally arrives in the area and confronts Megatron. The two battle one-on-one before Megatron knocks Prime out and chases Sam. As Sam get to the roof of the building and is about to hand the AllSpark off to one of the helicopters, it is shot down by Starscream. Megatron destroys the portion of the roof the Sam is standing on when he refuses to hand over the AllSpark. However, Optimus catches Sam and he and Megatron resume their duel with Megatron once again gaining the upper hand. Meanwhile, Mikaela drives the tow truck in reverse to allow Bumblebee to fire on Devastator, who has Lennox and his men pinned down. Bumblebee kills Devastator and a full air strike is called in on Blackout and Megatron. As Blackout attempts to assist Megatron, he is killed by Lennox and the Air Force before he can engage. Starscream hides among a raptor squadron, destroying three fighters before being chased away. The Air Force and Lennox's rangers attack Megatron, inflicting serious damage upon him, but he is still functional, and heading toward the Cube. Finally, with both Prime and Megatron weakened, Prime beckons Sam to shove the AllSpark into his chest, destroying them both, but Sam instead takes the riskier action of shoving the AllSpark into Megatron's chest, destroying it, and killing Megatron instead.

{{note|For an extensive synopsis of the battle, see separate article [[Mission City]].}}

[[File:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Optimus thanks Sam for his courage and for saving his life, while Bumblebee, who has temporarily regained his voice, asks permission to remain with Sam, which is granted. In an attempt to cover up the existence of the Transformers, Sector Seven is disbanded, while the remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. Though Megatron is dead, the AllSpark's destruction leaves the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. With no other home to go to, the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream retreats from Earth.
{{-}}

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Darius McCrary]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
**[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]'''*''' / Devastator
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
**[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[John Keller (Movie)|John Keller]] ([[Jon Voight]])
*[[Maggie Madsen]] ([[Rachael Taylor]])
*[[Glen Whitmann]] ([[Anthony Anderson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Tom Banachek]] ([[Michael O'Neill]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Bobby Bolivia]] ([[Bernie Mac]])
*[[Trent DeMarco]] ([[Travis Van Winkle]])
*[[Archibald Witwicky]] ([[William Morgan Sheppard]])
*[[Patrick Donnelly]] ([[Zack Ward]])
*[[Jorge Figueroa]] ([[Amaury Nolasco]])
*[[Miles Lancaster]] ([[John Robinson]])
*[[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])

|c4=
*[[Mojo]] ([[Chester the Chihuahua]])
[[AllSpark Mutation]]s
*[[Nokia-bot]]
*[[Dispensor]]
*[[Steering wheel robot|Steering wheel]]
*[[Xbox 360 robot|Xbox 360]]
|nonumbering=true
}}
'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''' - Brawl is named "Devastator" in the film itself, but "Brawl" in the toyline and most of the supporting media. Plot summaries and such will reflect whichever name is relevant to that being described.

==Quotes==
"Before time began, there was the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That was how our race was born. For a time, we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good, others for evil. And so began the war - a war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death, and the Cube was lost to the far reaches of space. We scattered across the galaxy, hoping to find it and rebuild our home, searching every star, every world. And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called... Earth. But we were already too late."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' opening narration

"Look, can you do me a favor—can you look out the window for a second? See my father? He's the guy in the green car? Let me tell you about a dream, a boy's dream, and a man's promise to that boy. He looked him in the eye and said "Son, I'm gonna buy you a car, but I want you to bring me two-thousand dollars and three A's." OK, I got the two thousand and two A's. OK, here's the dream. Your B minus? Pfff! Dream gone. Kaputt. Sir, just ask yourself... what would [[Jesus]] do?"
:—'''Sam Witwicky''' negotiates a better mark for his Family Genealogy project

'''Bobby Bolivia:''' What with the semi-classic nature of the vehicle, slick wheels and custom paint job— 
'''Sam:''' The paint's faded! 
'''Bobby:''' Y-yeah, but it's custom. 
'''Sam:''' It's custom faded? 
'''Bobby:''' Well, it's your first car, I wouldn't expect you to understand. ''[turns to Ron]'' Five grand. 
'''Ron:''' No, not paying over four. Sorry. 
'''Bobby:''' ''[turns back to Sam]'' Kid, c'mon, get out, get out of the car. 
'''Sam:''' No, no, no, you said cars pick their drivers! 
'''Bobby:''' Well, sometimes they pick a driver with a cheap-ass father—out of the car. 
:—Negotiations over [[Bumblebee (Movie)|the car]] at [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo]]

''[Sam's car leaves in a huge puff of black smoke]'' 
"Wow... you are so cheap." 
"It's his first car... supposed to be like that."
:—'''Judy Witwicky''' comments on the car's condition to '''Ron'''

'''Capt. Lennox:''' I need a credit card! Epps, where's your wallet? 
'''Sgt. Epps:''' Pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' Which pocket?" 
'''Epps:''' My ''back'' pocket! ''[fires gun]'' 
'''Lennox:''' You got ten back pockets! 
'''Epps:''' Left cheek! Left cheek! ''Left cheek!'' 
:—Calling the Pentagon from Qatar gets complicated.

"Ready, heat's coming!" 
"What, BRING IT!" 
:—'''Lennox''' and '''Epps''' giving the green light for Strike Package Bravo to attack

'''Optimus Prime''': Are you Samuel James Witwicky, descendant of Archibald Witwicky? 
'''Mikaela Banes''': They know your name! 
'''Sam''': Uh... Yeah? 
'''Optimus Prime''': My name is Optimus Prime. 
:—Admit it, you stood up and cheered and/or wept from joy after this exchange.

"The parents are... irritating. Can I take them out?"
:—'''Ironhide''' meets the family

'''Jazz''': What about Bumblebee? We can't just leave him to die! And become some human experiment! 
'''Optimus Prime''': He'll die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission. Bumblebee is a brave soldier. This is what he would want. 
'''Ironhide:''' Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive and violent race. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' Were we so different? They are a young species. They have much to learn... but I've seen goodness in them. [[Make Prime Speak|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings]]... You all know there is only one way to end this war: We must destroy the Cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest. 
'''Ratchet:''' That's suicide! The Cube is raw power—it could destroy you both. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet... We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out! 
'''Jazz''': We rollin'! 
:—The Autobots discuss their next move.

"Do you want a piece of me?! Do you want a piece-" 
"NO! I want TWO!"''[rips Jazz in two]'' 
:—'''Jazz''', showing no fear and '''Megatron''', showing cruelty and cleverness

"Humans don't deserve to live." 
"They deserve to choose for themselves!" 
"Then you will die with them! Join them in extinction!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' have some mid-battle banter, Transformers style

"Give me the AllSpark, and you may live to be my ''pet''." 
"I'm never giving you this AllSpark!" 
"Oh, ''so'' unwise..."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Sam Witwicky''' have a tense moment on a Mission City rooftop.

"With the AllSpark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call... home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight... but watching over them in secret... waiting... protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here... we are waiting."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' closing narration

==Errors==
* Sunset occurs roughly every fifteen minutes. Possibly indicative of time passage, but a little too much to not warrant mention in the actual movie. Specific instances:
**When the radar operator at SOCCENT base first spots Blackout, he reports him as an "inbound unidentified infiltrator, ten miles out". [[Sharp|Colonel Sharp]] dispatches two F-22s, which intercept Blackout still in broad daylight. When Blackout lands at the base, it's suddenly sunset. As the soldiers round him up, it rapidly turns dark within what appears to be seconds. Once Blackout transforms, it's already night.
**When Mikaela walks home from the lake, the sun is still shining. Sam tells Miles that she "lives ten miles from here". After he picked her up, Bumblebee feigns an engine problem. By the time Sam gets him running again, the sky is still in an early stage of pre-sunset. By the time Sam drops Mikaela at her home, it's night again.
**Barricade assaults Sam in the middle of the day. Bumblebee intervenes and drives off with Sam and Mikaela still in broad daylight. During the ensuing car chase, sunset abruptly occurs once Bumblebee has left the warehouse, and it promptly turns night between shots. (The chase scene was actually intended to be longer; see "[[#Changes before, during and after production|changes before, during and after production]]" below.)
* The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) used by the US Air Force to investigate Scorponok's attack on Captain Lennox is modeled after the [[wikipedia:MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]], but is identified as the [[wikipedia:MQ-1 Predator|MQ-1 Predator]]. Also, neither of these UAVs use jet engines.
[[File:MovieTaxis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|These shots were ''shown in sequence'', believe it or not.]]
* After Maggie copies the signal to take to Glen, she hails a black and white cab, but she's dropped off at Glen's house by an all-white cab. (The "cab hailing" footage originally came from a deleted scene near the beginning of the movie when Maggie was late for work.), and are two different models of the Crown Victoria taxicab.
* When Sam's car breaks down and Mikaela gets out to look at the engine, she leaves the passenger door open. When the car restarts and Sam leaves to close the hood, the passenger side door is now shut. But hey, maybe that was Bumblebee.
* Mikaela identifies Bumblebee's engine as having a "high-rise, double-pump carburetor" but the engine shown has no such carburetor.
* After Bumblebee backs into a corner of the power plant to evade Barricade, there is a close up shot of him spinning his wheels to make his getaway. However, the shot of the wheels spinning is at a different location: the empty warehouse that Bumblebee and Barricade had raced through moments earlier.
* Possibly an error, or possibly just a confusing shot setup, but when Bumblebee makes his escape, Barricade appears to change positions multiple times as camera angles change. Bumblebee guns his engines as Barricade is just starting to cross in front of him, but as Bumblebee speeds backwards, Barricade has backtracked well out of the way.
* After scanning his new Concept Camaro alt-form, Bumblebee's robot body displays either battle-worn parts or brand new parts at random times for the duration of the film.
[[File:MovieJazzBarricadeLicensePlates.jpg|thumb|Barricade has the plate before Jazz even comes to Earth, so it's not a trophy or anything...]]
* As long as Bumblebee transforms into a 1976 Camaro, his license plate consistently reads "489 PCE" both in vehicle and robot mode. After scanning his modern Camaro alternate mode, the license plate changes too... which isn't actually an error. What ''is'' an error, though, is that the new license plate keeps changing from "900 STRA" in vehicle mode to "4NZZ454" in robot mode.
*Jazz's license plate is equally inconsistent: On his robot mode chest it's "1-4027E", but during his transformation before his fight with [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], he sports the license plate "664 NLZO" in vehicle mode. What's worse, "1-4027E" is also ''Barricade's'' license plate in vehicle mode, as can be seen when he slows down and then accelerates again after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee.
* During the scene where Optimus Prime scans a truck for his new body, the passing truck has what appears to be an Autobot sigil on its grill, but the actual truck that Prime turns into at the end of the scene has a much wider, flatter symbol on the grill, quite possibly a Peterbilt logo.
* When Simmons replays Sam's "last words" recorded onto his cell phone, it doesn't match what he said in the scene where he actually recorded them.
* When the Autobots arrive to rescue Sam and Mikaela from Agent Simmons, Ironhide is the first Autobot to reach the damaged SUV and the other Sector Seven agents. Behind him, Ratchet is making his way towards the SUV, while Jazz and Bumblebee have their respective weapons drawn. However, in the very next shot, Ratchet's gun is suddenly in front of Ironhide, who is now making two short steps towards the SUV, while Jazz's gun has been replaced by his hand (which he uses to pull Sector Seven's guns away magnetically). In the shot after that, Jazz is just standing around sans Sector Seven guns, while Bumblebee wanders up and draws his gun...again.
[[File:Movie2007 Keller OBVIOUSVISUALAID.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Yer days're numbered now, Decepti-creeps.]]
* When Banachek shows Keller photographs of the Decepticon that destroyed the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] [[Beagle 2 Rover]], and supposedly a photo of Blackout taken by Epps during the attack on SOCCENT Qatar, "Blackout's photo" is clearly taken during the day, complete with the sun behind the Decepticon as a major light source, whereas the attack on SOCCENT took place in the evening. This was either a continuity error or a ham-handed attempt to make the audience realise the attackers in both photos are one and the same by making the photos look similar.
** Not to mention that the actual Beagle 2 was a '''''European''''' Space Agency '''''lander''''', not a [[NASA]] Rover.
* During the montage where Bumblebee's frozen body is being transported inside Hoover Dam via a moving platform whilst the Autobots discuss his fate, in one of the shots the physical Bumblebee prop is missing its distinctive car doors.
* During the first half of the movie, Maggie is wearing a slim striped skirt, but she is suddenly dressed in 3/4 jeans in the scene when they arrive at Hoover Dam.
*This may not be an error, but Barricade seems to disappear after being driven off the road during the highway scene, as he is never shown again in the movie or the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]]. [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] later pulls the same trick in said sequel.
* When Ironhide transforms and performs a somersault to dodge Brawl's missiles, he is seen rising first, then falling. At that moment, he is already almost at the ground, low enough to touch the ground if he stretched his arms. However, on the next scene, he has gone much higher up, high enough to fire both the cannons on his arms then perform a midair somersault.
* When Lennox arrives as Sam and Mikaela are supposedly strapping Bumblebee with the tow truck's chains, Bumblebee is not actually there. When the shot changes angles to the other side of the truck, Bumblebee is sitting right beside the truck while Sam directs Mikaela to wrap Bumblebee in the chains. When Lennox tells Sam to evacuate the Cube, subsequent camera angles from this side of the truck are actually where Bumblebee was moments earlier, but he's not there again (it is unlikely the angle was meant to be from Bumblebee's perspective). When Sam starts to run off and Mikaela calls him back, Bumblebee is once again clearly not sitting beside the truck. In fact, the space he once occupied has the beige van he crawled out of, earlier in the battle. What makes this all the more bizarre is that the life-sized Bumblebee prop was actually used for some of the scenes that depict Bumblebee strapped to the tow truck.
[[File:MovieTowTruckNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mike changed phone numbers while giant robots were fighting in the city.]]
* After Optimus Prime and Megatron land in the city streets after flying through the office tower, Megatron throws the Autobot leader a short distance away, causing him to land on a parked car. After Megatron forms his fusion cannon, Optimus Prime has suddenly moved further down the street and the car he crushed, along with the other abandoned cars, have vanished. Also, in this shot, Optimus' feet don't make craters or any visible mark on the concrete. Yet, when Optimus is running from the Sector Seven Agents, he's making huge craters while he is side-stepping cars. (This comes with weighing over four tons and running 40 miles an hour.) Additionally, Optimus stops at the intersection just in front of Megatron to pull out his Ion blaster in this shot, but when it cuts to a shot to the left-front of Optimus, he is only mid-way up the street, and there is a parked yellow cab at the curb which was empty seconds earlier. Funnily enough, this curb was where the crushed car was parked.
* During the fight towards the end of the film between Megatron and Optimus, it is shown that Optimus is about the same size as Megatron in robot mode. Yet, in vehicle mode, Megatron is a great deal larger than Optimus is. Similarly, Starscream seems to be smaller than Megatron in robot form, leading to the logical conclusion that he is smaller than Optimus as well. Yet in vehicle mode, he is nearly four to five times larger, seeing as an F-22 Raptor is a great deal larger than a Peterbilt 379 tractor cab. And they say they don't have [[scale]] problems.
* For the battle in Mission City, see [[Mission City#Notes]].
*The phone number on the doors of the tow truck is "800-555-0199" when Mikaela is driving it, but when she gets out, the number changes to "800-555-MIKE". The font is slightly different, too.
* In the battle at Mission City, Brawl very clearly fires 3 missiles out of his shoulder-mounted missile launcher, but before he dies, all 4 missiles are in his missile launcher. Then again, this could just be a sort of 'auto-reload' thing the Transformers have going on, as they probably wouldn't get very far in battle if they were only limited to 4 missiles each.
* When Keller is meeting with the other officials, he says they're going to dump the bodies of the Decepticons into the Laurentian Abyss, the deepest place on the planet. The deepest place on the planet is the Mariana Trench.

===Explicable discrepancies===
* Sam and Mikaela, as well as Maggie and Glen arrive at Hoover Dam on the same helicopter despite being from opposite ends of the country. Occasionally cited as an error, it is actually a narrative oversight, as it is likely that Sam and Mikaela were held in custody at a U.S. Air Base while waiting for Maggie and Glen to arrive with Secretary Keller's party by plane, then they all left for Hoover Dam together on the helicopters.

* There are some problems with Simmons's statement about various technologies being reverse-engineered from Megatron. Cars came about in one shape or form at about the turn of the century, and spaceflight technology was pioneered by German and Soviet scientists. (This is possibly what [[Sector Seven|they]] ''want'' you to think.) Then again, [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] also thinks that [[Nokia]] is a Japanese company...

* Most people mistakenly confuse the date of Megatron's discovery with the date the Hoover Dam was built. Based on the various dates given by Banachek, it's clear that Megatron was ''left in the Arctic'' for many years before being moved to Hoover Dam, making his discovery easily pre-date cars.

==Transformer references==
The movie contains a number of nods and winks to previous iterations of ''Transformers'', primarily from ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''. Some of these were included in direct response to urgings of the fans; others originated with the production crew.

* The basic story set-up is similar to many iterations of the ''Generation 1'' story — two warring factions, the noble Autobots and the power-hungry Decepticons, arrive on Earth, having left their devastated home planet, the war-torn mechanical world of Cybertron.
* Many of the featured Transformers are re-imagined versions of characters from ''Generation 1''. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in particular are similar in physical form and characterization to their movie incarnations. The Movie versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] differ in appearance but fulfill story roles similar to their original versions.
* Though the characters are new, "[[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]", "[[Scorponok (disambiguation)|Scorponok]]", "[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]/[[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]", "[[Blackout (disambiguation)|Blackout]]", "[[Barricade (disambiguation)|Barricade]]", and "[[Bonecrusher (disambiguation)|Bonecrusher]]" are all names that have been used on Transformer characters before.
* Blackout's symbiotic relationship with Scorponok originated as an interpretation of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his cassette troops. Frenzy's transformation into a portable stereo is likewise a homage to Soundwave's cassette deck alternate form.
* Sam shares his last name with the [[Witwicky#Generation 1 continuity family|main human allies]] of the Autobots in the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]. Like Spike before him, he's closest to Bumblebee.
* The Autobot faction symbol seen on Bumblebee and others is basically unchanged from its ''Generation 1'' appearance.
* The AllSpark takes its name from [[Allspark|a concept]] originally introduced in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* The original G1 [[transformation]] sound pops up several times during the course of the film, such as Blackout's first conversion sequence (though truth be told it sounds more like it's being broadcast from a loudspeaker.)
[[File:Movie BoliviasFinestQualityUsedCars 2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.]]
* In his first appearance, Bumblebee parks next to a yellow Volkswagen Beetle — the alternate form of [[Bumblebee (G1)|G1 Bumblebee]].
* When instructing the Autobots to escape Sector Seven and when they later head for Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime delivers his catchphrase from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, ordering them to [[Roll out|"Roll out!"]]
* Sam's surmise that the Transformers come from Japan is [[TakaraTomy|not entirely inaccurate]].
* Prime references "the spark in my chest". [[Spark]]s — the life-force that makes Transformers alive — have been an integral part of Transformers fiction since ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.
* Although the Transformers' primary energy supply, [[Energon]], does not make an established physical appearance in the film, its name appears on the license plate of an SUV thrown through the air during Megatron's rampage in [[Mission City]].
* Optimus Prime's line "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" is the quote from his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|original 1984 toy's]] [[bio]]. At least one of the reasons for the inclusion of this line was because it won in an online contest conducted by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] in late 2006, named "[[Make Prime Speak]]".
* Prime's line "...one shall stand; one shall fall" comes from the 1986 animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* The scene in which Jazz yanks aside Devastator's tank barrel is a direct homage to a similar sequence from TF:TM involving [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* Ironhide's complaint that [[Mojo]] "leaked lubricant" on his foot references a [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|favorite]] [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|exclamation]] [[Power Play!|of his]] ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|counterpart]], "Leakin' lubricant!" The phrase originated with his [[The Transformers Universe|original character outline]], stating that "he [refers to] excessive talking as 'leaking lubricant.'"
* Sam telling Mikaela that there's "more than meets the eye... with you" quotes the slogan used in the toy line, also included in the G1 series [[theme song]].
*Megatron wields a flail in the Mission City battle, just as he did in his fight with Optimus Prime in the second-ever G1 episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

==Other editions==
The 2007 Transformers film has more than one "cut."

* The worldwide theatrical release was essentially identical all around the world with a few minor exceptions.
* The film board of Malaysia required [[Judy Witwicky]]'s masturbation reference be removed{{fact}}. However, no such change has been made and her lines were not omitted from the film.
*Glen's line, "that killer robot is really distracting", was cut from DVD releases. However, it is featured in the official novelization of the movie and at least one trailer.
* The [[wikipedia:IMAX|IMAX]] edition of the movie features two minutes of additional footage in the form of slightly extended scenes and very brief new scenes. Added material includes the following:
**Before heading to the lake party, Sam is shown picking Miles up at his house. Miles derides Sam's choice of car colors.
**After Sam is questioned by the sheriff at the police station, he is given an anti-drug bumper sticker and shown the "[[wikipedia:This is Your Brain on Drugs|This is Your Brain on Drugs]]" [[Public service announcement|PSA]] starring [[wikipedia:Rachel Leigh Cook|Rachel Leigh Cook]].
**After abducting Sam and Mikaela, Agent Simmons uses a device to monitor Sam's pupil dilation while interrogating him in the truck. He also remarks that he has "been there" when it comes to women with criminal records.
**Upon arriving at Hoover Dam, Simmons remarks colorfully that it is "Area 50". A few minutes later, he lists the nicknames of all the U.S. Presidents to have toured the facility.
**In Mission City, Lennox acquires short-range radios from a gun-toting, but easily flattered, pawn shop owner.

==Prequel material==
* ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]''
: A novel about the truth behind humankind's first venture into space and how that event is related to the Transformers' presence on Earth, both past and present.

* ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel]]''
: A four issue limited series comic book from [[IDW Publishing]], released before the movie's debut. It chronicles the events which bring the Transformers to [[Earth]].

* "[[Interlude]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A short comic book by IDW, produced in cooperation with [[Target]], available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) at BotCon and in theaters, following Bumblebee's early search for clues on Earth.

* "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]" (also originally published as ''Transformers Movie Prequel'')
: A mini-comic by IDW, produced in cooperation with Target, available (online) from Target's website and (in printed form) as a Target exclusive bonus pack-in with the Movie DVD, showing the Decepticons' arrival on Earth.

* The ''[[Movie Prequel Special]]''
: A mass retail release that contains reprints of both "Planetfall" and "Interlude" (now with individual story titles) in collected form.

* ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]''
: A not-really-animated animatic version of IDW's ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' comics, voiced by some of the actors from the movie, the game and a bunch of other people. Included on a [[Walmart]] exclusive bonus DVD available with the Movie DVD.

* ''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers]]''
: A monthly comic published in the UK by [[Titan Books]], featuring new adventures set before the movie in its initial six issues (in addition to reprints of stories originally published by IDW). They were reprinted by IDW in the ''[[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|Saga of the Allspark]]'' mini-series.

Some dialog in the film contradicts the prequel material, specifically pertaining to the years in which the frozen Megatron was moved from the Arctic to Hoover Dam, and exactly when the Decepticons arrived on Earth. Some of the prequel material contradicts the ''other'' prequel material... at least till [[John Barber]] fixed some of them on his [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|''Dark of the Moon'' tie in comics]].

==Adaptations==
* A novelization of the film by [[Alan Dean Foster]] was published under the title ''[[Transformers (novel)|Transformers]]''.
* IDW Publishing released a comic adaptation of the film under the title ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation|Movie Adaptation]]''.

==Sequels==
{{main|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}
Three sequels to this film have been produced and released worldwide.

[[IDW Publishing]] also released the comic sequel to the film, titled ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]''.

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Transformers: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
[[File:2007Movie 2-disc DVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
{{main|Transformers (film)/home video}}
* '''US:''' [http://tformers.com/US-To-Get-Transformers-DVD-HD-DVD-October-16th/8350/news.html October 16th, 2007] (DVD, HD-DVD), [http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1175/transformers2007.html September 2nd, 2008] (Blu-ray)
* '''Australia:''' November 1, 2007 (DVD)
* '''United Kingdom:''' December 3, 2007 (DVD, HD-DVD), September 8th, 2008 (Blu-ray)

There are nearly a dozen store [[exclusive]] [http://tformers.com/Transformers-DVD-Exclusives-Who-Gets-What/8534/news.html versions and sales premiums of the DVD.] They include:

* [[Target]] and HMV UK: transforming Optimus Prime display case.
* Best Buy: [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] and battle-damaged Optimus Prime.
* [[Walmart]]: [[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]] "animated" prequel material.
* Borders: "Making Of" book.
* Circuit City: password unlocking 15 minutes of exclusive online behind-the-scenes featurettes, covering the voice recording sessions, prop construction, stunt work, and early CG tests and animatics.
{{-}}

==Theatrical posters==
{{picsneeded|Any other official posters not depicted here}}
<center><gallery perrow="4">
File:Transformers2007teaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
File:Movie2007 Autobot promo poster.jpg|Autobot promo poster
File:Movie2007 Decepticon promo poster.jpg|Decepticon promo poster
File:Prime-Sam-Mikaela-poster.jpg|Promotional poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron onesheet.jpg|Megatron one sheet
File:Movie2007 Prime onesheet.jpg|Optimus Prime one sheet
File:Movie2007_final_standee.jpg|Standee, also used as a poster
File:Movie2007 humans internationalposter.jpg|International "Humans" poster/US theatrical poster
File:Movie2007 Sphere internationalposter.jpg|International "Sphere" poster
File:Movie2007 Bumblebee internationalposter.jpg|International Bumblebee poster
File:Movie2007 Prime internationalposter.jpg|International Optimus Prime poster
File:Movie2007 Megatron internationalposter.jpg|International Megatron poster
File:Movie2007_Korean_poster.jpg|South Korean theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007 Japanese Aprilpromo poster.jpg|Japanese April 2007 promotional poster
File:Movie2007_Japanese_release_poster.jpg|Japanese theatrical release poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_poster.jpg|IMAX promotional poster
File:Movie2007_IMAX_releaseposter.jpg|IMAX release poster
File:Movie2007 handsmashy ver7 poster.jpg|Used as a prominent skyscraper advert
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
The movie set multiple records when it opened, including biggest opening week gross for a non-sequel ($155.4 million), biggest Tuesday release gross ($27.4 million), biggest July 4 gross ($29 million), and the biggest film opening in mainland China ($3 million) [http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/217368.htm].

The movie closed domestically on [[November 8]], [[2007]], during which time it took in $319,246,193. (Domestic gross accounted for $310,578,372 before the IMAX version's release.) It has earned a ''worldwide'' gross of $708,272,592. It currently sits at spot #20 in the "most domestic gross" list of movies, though this listing is ''not'' adjusted for inflation. When taking inflation into account, ''Transformers'' currently sits at #102. [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers06.htm 2]

{{quote|I didn't sleep through it the way I Novocained my way through the awful ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', but by the time it ended, I thought I might have vertigo or whiplash, or both, and I certainly lost more than a few of my remaining I.Q. points|[http://www.observer.com/2007/bay-bombs-again Rex Reed]}}

{{quote|It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset.|Roger Ebert}}

{{quote|But it's tough to really care about questions like, "Why did that happen?" or even "What's going on?" when you’re constantly interrupted by "Oh my goodness! Giant robots! Weeee!"|Peter Suderman|[http://tinyurl.com/373rps The National Review]}}

Critical reception was hit-and-miss, [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/ more positive than negative but not by a lot], though it's sometimes hard to tell how many negative reviewers were more interested in criticizing [[Michael Bay]] in general over the movie itself. Otherwise, the most common negatives involved it being a generally think-free "spectacle"-style movie; even those who rated the movie positively noted it was a pure "popcorn" movie meant to wow its audience with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] and explosions rather than make them think (Richard Roper noted in his "thumbs up" review "it has no nutritional value"). Whether one considers that a good or bad thing for a movie and if the movie was enough fun to overcome that is, of course, highly debatable. The other main culprit, again noted by many of the positive reviews, was its long running time, particularly the overly-chaotic, often hard-to-follow final big-bang extended ending action sequence. ([http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/REVIEWS/70620006/1023 Roger Ebert] noted that this sequence was what made him give the movie three out of four stars rather than the full four.)

From the fan and general audience point of view, Transformers was generally favored. However, there have been division over the amount of human stories at the expense of the robots.

Transformers was nominated for three Oscars, in the fields of Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Achievement in Visual Effects. The sound awards went to ''The Bourne Ultimatum'', and the visual effects award went to ''The Golden Compass''.

Three sequels have been produced to date: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' was released worldwide on [[June 24]] [[2009]], ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' was released on [[June 28]], [[2011]], and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

According to a 2011 survey, the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie is the third most-pirated movie of all time.<ref><tt>The usual suspects were there, with "Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors, and "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" at 19 million downloads apiece.</tt>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/showbiz/movies/top-pirated-movies-ew/index.html Top 10 most pirated movies], October 14, 2011</ref>

==Technical details==
'''Length:''' 144 min (original theatrical)<ref>The movie had some content cuts to meet the standards of some <s>oppressive regimes</s> quaint "developing world" rating boards.</ref> 
'''Aspect Ratio:''' 2.35:1 
'''Audio:''' Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDS 
'''Content Rating:'''
{{collist|4|
* PG-13 (USA/MPAA)
* ? (Japan)
* 12A (United Kingdom)
* PG (Canada; British Columbia)<ref>''Transformers'' received a "14A" rating in British Columbia, but an appeal by the studio successfully reduced it to PG.</ref>
* G (Canada; Quebec)
* PG (Canada; Alberta/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario)
* PG (Canada; Canadian Home Video Rating System)
* PG (Taiwan)
* IIA (China; Hong Kong)
* PG (Singapore)
* G (Philippines/MTRCB)
* U (France)
* U (Malaysia)
* M (Australia)
* M (New Zealand)
* TE (Chile)
* 10 (Brazil)
* 10M (South Africa)
* 11 (Denmark)
* K-11 (Finland)
* 11 (Norway)
* 11 (Sweden)
* 12 (Germany)
* 12A (Ireland)
* 12 (Netherlands)
* M/12 (Portugal)
* 12 (South Korea)
* 12 (Switzerland)
* 13 (Argentina)
* 14 (Peru)
* 12 (Poland)
* B (Mexico)
* 12+ (Russia)}}

==Production staff==
[[File:Movie Castandcrew2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Megatron? Is that you?!]]
* Executive Producer: [[Steven Spielberg]]
* Executive Producer: [[Brian Goldner]]
* Director: [[Michael Bay]]
* Producers: [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]], [[Ian Bryce]], [[Tom DeSanto]], [[Don Murphy]]
* Story by: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]] and [[John Rogers]],
* Screenwriters: [[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]]
* Music by: [[Steve Jablonsky]]

====Visual Effects====
* Visual Effects by: [[Industrial Light & Magic]], [[Digital Domain]], [[Asylum VFX]]
* Production Designer: [[Jeff Mann]]
* Lead Robot Illustrator: [[Ben Procter]]
* Illustrators: [[James Clyne]], [[Tim Flattery]]
* ILM Visual Effects Supervisior: [[Scott Farrar]]
* Art Director: [[Alex Jaeger]]
* Animation Supervisors: [[Scott Benza]], [[Dan Taylor (ILM)|Dan Taylor]]
* Animators: [[Charles Alleneck]], [[C. Michael Easton]], [[Keiji Yamaguchi]]

====Locations Department====
(winners of the California On Location Award [http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/] for "Production Company / Location Team of the Year for Feature Films")

* Supervising Location Manager: '''Ilt Jones'''
* Location Managers: '''Michael J. Burmeister''', '''Fermín Dávalos''', and '''Emre Sonmez'''
* Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Michael Wesley Aycock''', '''Leann Emmert''', '''Perri Fichtner''', '''Ronald M. Haynes''', '''Jonathan Hook''', '''Kathy McCurdy''', '''Manny Padilla''', '''Lisa Patton''', '''Rob Swenson''', '''Marta Tomkiw''', and '''Scott Trimble'''
* Additional Key Assistant Location Managers: '''Brooks Bonstin''', '''Alexandre Chen''', '''Michael Chickey''', '''Martin J. Cummins'''
* Assistant Location Managers: '''Ces Hardy''' and '''Amanda Harrington'''
* Location Scouts: '''Stuart Raven Barter''', '''Richard Klotz''', '''James Lin''', and '''Keith Nakata'''
{{-}}
==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
In 2000, director Joseph Kahn pitched his treatment for a live-action Transformers film to [[Sony]], but they eventually lost interest in a film. In 2003, producer [[Don Murphy]] had intended to produce a movie based on another [[Hasbro]] property, [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. However, following the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, a movie entitled "G.I. Joe" was no longer considered viable, so Carol Monroe, who was in charge of Hasbro's movie department at that time, suggested doing a ''Transformers'' movie instead.<ref name="murphylatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/on-set-interview-producer-don-murphy-on-transformers-1502 Latino Review interview with producer Don Murphy.]</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] joined the project as a second producer and wrote a treatment that he and Murphy tried to shop around for a while. (The treatment would eventually remain entirely unused, but DeSanto would try to get a writing credit regardless, even though none of the screenwriters had ever actually ''seen'' his treatment.<ref name="bayspat">[http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-hollywood-deal/2007/07/05/michael-bays-spat-with-his-transformer-producers Rant by Michael Bay, deleted from his own blog, still mirrored on other sites]</ref>) The movie was officially announced for the first time in June 2003.<ref name="comingsoon">[http://web.archive.org/web/20030611151443/http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=238 Coming Soon announcing the movie.]</ref>

In 2004, after [[DreamWorks]] won a bidding war with New Line Cinema over the rights to the film, [[Steven Spielberg]] signed up as executive producer, while [[John Rogers]] was confirmed as screenwriter in November of the same year.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/03/rogers-writing-transformers IGN confirming Rogers as screenwriter.]</ref> In February 2005, Rogers was replaced by [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]],<ref name="ignkurtzorc">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/18/exclusive-new-transformers-writers IGN confirming Kurtzman and Orci as new screenwriters.]</ref> who drastically reworked Rogers' original script.<ref name="rogerscred">[http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/07/proper-credits-for-transformers.html John Rogers confirming that Kurtzman and Orci drastically rewrote his script]</ref> Spielberg tried to convince [[Michael Bay]] to direct the movie in late July 2005, but Bay initially declined, having no interest in a "toy movie". He later changed his mind after attending "Transformers school" at Hasbro, but decided to make the movie "realistic" and accessible for adult viewers.<ref name="audio">Michael Bay's audio commentary on the ''Transformers'' DVD.</ref>

A few days after a list of names of the human cast had been leaked on the internet, [[Shia LaBeouf]] was confirmed as the first cast member.<ref name="ignshia">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/28/from-i-robot-to-transformers IGN confirming Shia LaBeouf.]</ref> Producer Don Murphy,<ref name="murphytfcon">[http://www.transformerscon.com/videos.php Don Murphy at the Canadian TransformersCon.]</ref> Hasbro<ref name="tfwtour">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/139273-botcon-2007-botcon-2007-hasbro-tour-updated-friday-12-45pm.html Hasbro tour report.]</ref> and the screenwriters<ref name="mtv">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1554426/20070312/story.jhtml MTV.com interview with Kurtzman and Orci.]</ref> all favored [[Peter Cullen]] and [[Frank Welker]] as voice actors for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Bay had both audition, but only hired Cullen, while preferring [[Hugo Weaving]] as Megatron.<ref name="cgirobot">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070810172643/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/004974570.cfm Wizard Universe article about the production of the movie.]</ref> However, Welker still got to voice Megatron (alongside Cullen as Prime) in the video game adaption of the movie, ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', as well as in ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Beginnings]]'', an animated (sort of) version of [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|prequel comic mini-series]] that was available on a Wal*Mart exclusive bonus disc included with the movie DVD.

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
In addition to acting as a licensor, Hasbro also actively participated in the development of the movie, starting with an introduction into the world of the Transformers, called the "Transformers School", for everyone involved, including [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="paramountbotcon">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=8001 "Hasbro and Paramount Partnership Panel" at BotCon 2007.]</ref> Hasbro also had a say in the depiction of the Transformers in the movie, the selection of the voice actors,<ref name="tfwtour" /> naming the characters, working on the robot designs<ref name="lorenzoiesb">[http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2724&Itemid=99 IESB interview with Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.]</ref> and the inclusion of "easter eggs", but no veto rights.<ref name="paramountbotcon" /> According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], Hasbro was more interested in an adequate adaption of the ''Transformers'' concept rather than ''only'' marketing the toyline.<ref name="orcihasbro">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2200611&postcount=239 Roberto Orci discussing Hasbro's involvement.]</ref> Nevertheless, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms because of the long production run of the toys, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew">[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20044598_3,00.html Entertainment Weekly interview with Michael Bay.]</ref> Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] then created the [[Movie (toyline)|toys]] based on the designs developed by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. Aside from this, Takara wasn't involved in the creation of the movie at all.<ref name="murphytformers">[http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=3945 TFormers interview with Don Murphy.]</ref>

Unlike other ''Transformers'' toylines (except for ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]''), Hasbro and Takara don't share the full rights to the movie toys: Paramount and ILM hold the rights to the robot designs, while the vehicle modes were licensed by companies such as General Motors ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]), Saleen ([[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]), Force Protection Industries ([[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]), the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation ([[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]). Only [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] didn't require a license, since his vehicle mode in the movie was heavily genericized, and all manufacturer logos were removed.<ref name="edmundsveh">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070809065140/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424 Edmunds.com article on the vehicles featured in the movie.]</ref> TakaraTomy even identifies the Leader Class toy as a Kenworth W900 instead of a Peterbilt 379.<ref name="takaraprime">[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie/ma-01.html TakaraTomy product page for Leader Class Optimus Prime.]</ref>

Even though Hasbro didn't directly profit from the box office revenue, owning the ''Transformers'' brand allowed them to profit more from the toys than from licensed brands such as ''[[Spider-Man]]'' or ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. In addition, Hasbro was able to give out over 240 licenses to third party companies.<ref name="hasbrofall">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6912693.stm BBC reporting on Hasbro quarterly earnings for July 2007.]</ref> In the USA alone, Hasbro had sold more than three million toys from the movie line as early as July 2007,<ref name="cnnmoney">[http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/23/news/companies/hasbro/index.htm?section=money_topstories CNN Money story on Hasbro sales.]</ref> while Wal-Mart had earned more than five million $USD with the movie Transformers at the same time.<ref name="walmartmillion">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=143983 Wal-Mart employee Steevy Maximus reporting on sales figures for movie toys.]</ref> A lot of the movie toys were frequently sold out at many stores ("drought") due to a mix of popularity, stores underestimating said popularity (and thus not ordering enough toys), shipping problems in China and [[Toy scalping|scalpers]].

====US Military====
The [[United States military]] (via [[Philip Strub]] and the Defense Department's Film and Television Liaison Office) supported the movie by providing vehicles and soldiers. The vehicles included an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout)]], several F-22 Raptors (one of them serving as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s alternate mode), two A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets, an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane, an AC-130 Spectre gunship and two V-22 Ospreys. Many other airplanes are seen in the background like a few UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, several F-117 Nighthawks, and several cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster and the C-130 Hercules. Therefore, ''Transformers'' is the first movie to feature real, non-CG F-22s.<ref name="afmil">[http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123061917 Air Force Space Command article on the movie.]</ref> Real soldiers trained with the actors who played military personnel<ref name="tyreselatino">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=2260 Latino Review interview with Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel.]</ref> and were also featured as extras in the movie. Michael Bay even allowed them to improvise lines to make their military dialogue sound as "realistic" as possible.<ref name="nabbtfw">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=115126 First Lieutenant Micheal McNabb reporting his experience of working on the movie.]</ref> In return for their cooperation, Bay gave the military a say in their own depiction in the movie.<ref name="wired">[http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-07/trans_movie?currentPage=all Wired.com article on the movie.]</ref> The military, in turn, views the movie as a new form of recruitment.<ref name="aflink">[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123021491 Air Force Link article about the movie.]</ref>

====Product Placement====
Aside from advertising the ''Transformers'' toyline, the movie also features product placement for other companies, such as Apple, Yahoo, Burger King, Nokia, Panasonic, eBay and Hewlett-Packard. The machines given life by the Allspark include an Xbox 360 (including the original startup sound) and a [[Dispensor|Mountain Dew soda vending machine]]. In addition, the movie also features other Hasbro brands, such as ''My Little Pony'' and ''Furby'' (the latter being a property of Hasbro's subsidiary Tiger Electronics). Furthermore, all Autobots, with the exception of Optimus Prime, have vehicles provided by subsidiaries of General Motors as their [[alternate mode]]s, which saved Michael Bay $3 million of his budget.<ref name="bayew" />

Many of these cooperations were mutual: Burger King offered the obligatory Kids Meal toys based on the movie characters for the movie's theatrical launch, and General Motors and Mountain Dew ran TV ads under the titles "Transform Your Ride" and "Transform Your Summer", respectively. According to producers Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, however, some of these brands, such as [[eBay]], were not originally included as part of a sponsoring deal, but had been part of the script from the beginning for story purposes on the writers' behalf.<ref name="lorenzoiesb" /> For the DVD release of the movie, meanwhile, ''additional'' "Cisco" logos were added into the movie that had not been there yet in the theatrical version.<ref name="dvdprod">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38792 Allspark thread featuring comparison stills of the theatrical and DVD versions of the movie.]</ref>

===Special effects===
* Three quarters of the CG effects were done by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. The other quarter was done by [[Digital Domain]], a company [[Michael Bay]] bought shortly before signing up to the ''Transformers'' movie.
* As seen in the bonus material for the Movie DVD, at least some of the ILM designers are actually Transformers fans. One of the animators, [[Charles Alleneck]], has his entire office decorated in more ''Transformers'' toys than a lot of "regular" fans might own.
* Physical props and set pieces were built for several of the Transformers' robot modes. Full body props for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (the 2009 Camaro body) and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] were used for scenes that involved direct interaction with the human cast. The Bumblebee prop (with detached legs) was also used for the scene where he was strapped to a [[Longarm (Movie)|tow truck]]. A set featuring the frozen lower half of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] body was also built. The rest is assorted bits and pieces, such as [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok's]] head and tail, a part of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s leg (including a wheel) and an unpainted, entirely blue version of his head plus a small part of the upper chest, and various semi-random chunks meant to represent the remains of the destroyed Decepticons dumped into the ocean (some of the parts meant to represent pieces of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] even feature markings found on a real-life MH-53 Pave Low helicopter).

===Changes before, during and after production===
A lot of details about the movie changed during the pre-production phase (and even still during production and post-production):

* The script was originally supposed to center around the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but because the studio wanted to avoid association with the ''Matrix'' movie trilogy, it had to be renamed. For the longest time, the working name was "[[Energon]] Cube", which neither the fans nor producer [[Don Murphy]] were really happy with.<ref name="murphytfcon" /> Ultimately, it was renamed into the [[AllSpark]] for the final movie; however, the name "Energon Cube" is still used in [[Alan Dean Foster]]'s [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie, and was also used by [[Shia LaBeouf]] in a CBS interview immediately before the movie's official theatrical launch.<ref name="shiacbs">[http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3004937n?source=search_video CBS interview with Shia LaBeouf.]</ref>
* One of the Autobot characters in the early Kurtzman/Orci drafts was [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], who would have turned into a motorcycle. Even though Hasbro developed a toy based on the designs for the character, Arcee was dropped from the script and replaced with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]: Kurtzman and Orci didn't want to spend time explaining the purpose of "female" Autobots,<ref name="orciign">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/02/exclusive-interview-robert-orci?page=3 IGN interview with Roberto Orci.]</ref> and Michael Bay considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="orciwizard">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070714214451/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> Despite what fans commonly assume, however, the scene during the final battle in [[Mission City]] where [[William Lennox|Lennox]] uses an abandoned motorcycle for his assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] wasn't added to the script until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script; however, had she ''not'' been dropped, she ''would'' have probably been that motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/2288318-post539.html Orci once again clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* Other Autobot characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman were [[Hot Rod]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].<ref name="orcichara">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388609&postcount=280 Roberto Orci confirming various characters originally intended for the movie.]</ref> The last was eventually dropped because Orci and Kurtzman preferred the idea of "a Decepticon in disguise as a police vehicle".<ref name="orciprowl">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=365508&postcount=4411 Orci explaining why Prowl is not in the movie]</ref>
* Kurtzman and Orci tried ''twice'' to include [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in the movie. The first attempt was supposed to turn into a helicopter,<ref name="orciswave">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=351304&postcount=4161 Roberto Orci confirming that Blackout was originally intended to be Soundwave.]</ref> but Hasbro rejected that notion and insisted that Soundwave's [[alternate mode]] should have something to do with music.<ref name="murphyswave">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=97507&postcount=23 Post by Don Murphy at his message board.]</ref> The "helicopter" character was then renamed multiple times, among those names being "Grimlock",<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref> "Vortex",<ref name="orcisample">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1120447&postcount=2360 Unformatted script sample from first draft posted by Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's message board]</ref> "Devastator"<ref name="procterdevas">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_32.html "Devastator" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Incinerator".<ref name="procterinc">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_34.html "Incinerator" pre-production render at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> The character eventually ended up as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].
* The second attempt would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape and tracked down [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]].<ref name="early" /> The "vehicle" part was later turned into a separate character, who was then given a different alternate mode (as a police cruiser) and eventually ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. Meanwhile, the "portable stereo" character also went through several changes, because Kurtzman and Orci eventually decided that the character didn't really do Soundwave justice, so they decided to change his name and save Soundwave for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|sequel]].<ref name="webcast">[http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2701721/20070418/2048/2701721-300-wmv-s.35907855-,2701721-300-flash-s.35907881-,2701721-100-wmv-s.35907849-,2701721-100-flash-s.35907874-,2701721-1000-wmv-s.35907866-,2701721-1000-flash-s.35907894-,2701721-700-flash-s.35907887-,2701721-700-wmv-s.35907861- Yahoo webcast with Kurtzman and Orci, revealing the final names of the movie characters.]</ref> The character went through some other working names such as "Boombot"<ref name="procterboom">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_45.html "Boombot" concept art at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and "Soundbyte"<ref name="proctersbyte">[http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_54.html "Soundbyte" head study at Ben Procter's online portfolio.]</ref> and eventually ended up as [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]].
* Other Decepticon characters considered by Orci and Kurtzman, aside from Soundwave, were [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].<ref name="orcichara" /> The latter was originally supposed to be a minion of helicopter Soundwave, who would have chased [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew through the jungle after the attack on their base. However, when the scene was changed from the jungle to the desert (and Soundwave was no longer Soundwave), Ravage was replaced by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]].<ref name="orciravage">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirming that Scorponok replaced Ravage].</ref>
* Because of the long production run of the toys, Hasbro urged [[Michael Bay]] very early on to decide upon the Transformers characters to be used in the movie and their vehicle forms, even though the script wasn't completed yet by that point.<ref name="bayew" /> As a result, many of the Decepticon characters in particular were chosen somewhat hastily, and aren't really based on established Transformers characters aside from their names. The tank used for [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] (aka "Devastator") was a recycled prop originally built for the movie ''xXx: State of the Union'', while the mine protected vehicle used for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] caught the filmmakers' attention because of a giant photoshopped fork depicted on the manufacturer's website.<ref name="enewsi">[http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11213 Entertainment News International article on the making of the movie.]</ref>
* Other Decepticon characters featured in an early draft, aside from "Grimlock" (helicopter) and "Soundwave" (portable stereo/Humvee), were Brawl as a Jeep, Frenzy as a Piranha III mortar artillery vehicle, Onslaught as a mobile missile launcher, Octane as a tanker truck, and three jets named Blitzwing, Starscream and Devastator (a cargo plane, a 747 jet and F-16 fighter; the script doesn't say which is which). Instead of having been hiding on Earth for a while, they would have arrived there during the movie after having been summoned by Soundwave.<ref name="early" /> It's possible that the Piranha III later evolved into Stryker/[[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].
* The "evil police car Decepticon" that replaced Prowl took over the "vehicle" portion of the second character originally conceived as Soundwave (which eventually became [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]). His vehicle form was originally supposed to be a Ford Crown Victoria, while his working name was "Brawl".<ref name="policebrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour].</ref> Eventually the character ended up as [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], with the vehicle mode being changed into a Saleen S281 "Extreme" Mustang, because Ford didn't want one of their cars used as a "villain". Therefore, Barricade sports no "Ford" logos in the movie.<ref name="edmundsveh" />
* Another Decepticon character intended to be in the movie had the working name "Stryker", named after his vehicle mode, a M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle.<ref name="stryker">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=262 Unused design for "Stryker", revealed at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref> It's possible that he had evolved from a character named "Frenzy" featured in an early script draft, who would have turned into a Piranha III. The character ultimately never made it into the movie, but Hasbro later turned the design into a toy regardless, named [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]].<ref name="tfwtour" />
* Michael Bay also considered having a Transformers character turn into an aircraft carrier, but eventually scrapped that idea for cost reasons.<ref name="ignround">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/13/transformers-roundtable-with-michael-bay?page=2 IGN roundtable with Michael Bay from the Australian press conference.]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman included the character in one of their drafts of the script,<ref name="orciaircraft">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=387736&postcount=210 Roberto Orci confirming that the aircraft carrier was in one of the drafts.]</ref> and artist Tim Flattery created concept art.<ref name="flattery">Tim Flattery's concept art for the unused aircraft carrier Transformer: [http://timflattery.com/transformers/4.html Image 1], [http://timflattery.com/transformers/5.html image 2].</ref>
* Working names for the tank Decepticon were "Demolisher"<ref name="hasbrodemolisher">[http://www.hasbro.com/objects/content/wallpaper.cfm?img=wp_transformers651_1280.jpg&brand_id=496&lang_id=1 Wallpaper at Hasbro's website calling Brawl/Devastator "Demolisher".]</ref> and "Devastator", the latter of which had also been a working name for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] at one point. Even though [[Michael Bay]] confirmed in May 2006 that this was not the final name,<ref name="baysecret">[http://michaelbay.com/2006/05/12/a-little-secret-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay claiming that the Transformers' names circulating were "aliases".]</ref> screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman confirmed the final name to be "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in April 2006,<ref name="webcast" /> and Hasbro used that name for all their toys based on the movie character, he identifies himself as "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie itself. According to a fan who attended the Australian press conference, Bay had decided to use that name regardless,<ref name="griffin">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1360922&postcount=122 Australian fan griffin-of-oz reporting from the Australian press conference].</ref> while Hasbro considered the name in the movie a "continuity error",<ref name="hasbrofuture">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=139268 Hasbro Transformers Future Product Unveiling panel at BotCon 2007.]</ref> and Orci even claimed that he and Kurtzman had pointed out said "error" in the editing room twice.<ref name="orcidevastator">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=368555&postcount=4479 Orci confirming the name "Devastator" to be an "error".]</ref>
* Michael Bay decided to have [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] not turn into a Volkswagen Beetle because he wanted to avoid similarities with Disney's ''[[Wikipedia:Herbie|Herbie, the Love Bug]]''.<ref name="bayew" /> Production Designer Jeff Mann originally suggested using a Dodge Super Bee as Bumblebee's alternate mode,<ref name="edmunds1976">[Edmun Edmunds.com article on the classic Bumblebee Camaro.]</ref> but eventually Bay signed a deal with General Motors that saved him $3 million of his budget, which is why Bumblebee turns into a Chevrolet Camaro in the movie.<ref name="bayew" />
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was originally intended to transform into a fire truck rather than a Search & Rescue Hummer. After being changed into a Hummer, he initially still retained a red and white deco, which later served as the inspiration for Hasbro's "Rescue Ratchet" redecos of the movie toys.<ref name="ratchettour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=70&size=2&image=285 Early designs for Ratchet shown at the BotCon 2007 Hasbro tour.]</ref>
* After designs of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had leaked on the internet, his head design was slightly revised following massive fan complaints.<ref name="murphysunday">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=764141&postcount=1 Don Murphy confirming that Megatron's head design was changed due to fan complaints.]</ref>
* The studio had originally preferred the Transformers not to talk ''at all'' throughout the movie, a notion Hasbro heavily contested.<ref name="tfwtour" /> Bumblebee still ended up being mute throughout most of the movie, which, according to Orci and Kurtzman, was inspired by Spielberg's ''E.T.'' and is supposed to signify that his friendship with Sam transcends words.<ref name="mtv" />
* Most drafts of the script started the movie with [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s discovery of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. In the actual movie, this scene was moved to a later point, shown as a flashback (actually at two points, split into two parts). [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[Movie Adaptation issue 1|comic adaptation]] of the movie still has this as the opening scene.
* Also in one of the early drafts, the original reason for Mikaela's falling out with [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]] was not because he wouldn't let his "little bunny" drive his car, but because she refused to let him drive after having drunk beer. [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Anvilicious Anvilicious] much?
* In an early draft, [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his crew would have defeated [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] with a simple grenade, which would have "dissolved him at a molecular level". The air strike would have never happened, and Lennox wouldn't have established contact with the Pentagon until around the time when [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] were apprehended by [[Sector Seven]].<ref name="early" />
* In the same draft, Sam had left his grandfather's glasses at school. The Autobots would have distracted a security guard while Sam and Mikaela would have broken into their school. It would have been there that Sam would have learned about Mikaela's criminal past, and the scene would have ended with their arrest by Sector Seven.<ref name="early" />
* In some earlier drafts of the script, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was supposed to kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] too after he had finished off [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. That scene never made it into the final movie, and Barricade simply disappears with no explanation after Bonecrusher transforms; however, the scene still made it into Alan Dean Foster's [[Transformers (novel)|novelization]] of the movie and IDW's [[Movie Adaptation issue 4|comic adaptation]].
* Also in earlier drafts of the script, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was supposed to kill [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] by consuming his [[Spark]]. Again, this is only explicitly confirmed in the novelization and IDW's comic adaptation of the movie, but not in the movie itself.
* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee (see also "[[#Errors|errors]]" above), Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#XMODS Evolution Transformers|''XMODS Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit]].

==Notes==
* The Autobot computer generated models consisted of 35,592 total pieces, 7,435,478 polygons, 95,247 rig nodes, and 20,258 texture maps. If laid end to end, the pieces would stretch 3.11 miles.
* For all the robots combined, there are 60,217 pieces of geometry, 123,509,502 polygons, 144,341 rigging nodes, and 34,215 texture maps.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12–17.</ref>
* The events of the movie span 4–5 days.
* Within the movie, neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons are referred to as "Transformers".
* As confirmed in the audio commentary on the movie DVD, director [[Michael Bay]] has a brief cameo as an innocent bystander getting flicked against a taxi cab by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].
* The "<tt>[322] days without a safety breach</tt>" sign behind Agent Simmons before they bring the [[Nokia-bot|cell phone]] to life relates to a piece of backstory that was cut from the final film. A researcher named [[James Farr (Movie)|James Farr]] was killed when a [[AX9-8946-09SU-1|robot they brought to life]] ran amok, causing the damage Glen comments on. The [[Sector Seven (game)|viral marketing campaign]] gives a date for Farr's death; [[March 16]], [[2006]]. This would chronologically place the primary events of the film as occurring over a 3-day period, [[January 30]]–[[February 1]], [[2007]].
*The two guard dogs that Sam encounters are played by a Belgian Malinois named Ammo and a Rottweiler named Nadine.
* In an interesting showing of unified marketing, the Japanese dub of the movie uses the English-market character and factions names (e.g., Autobot, Decepticon, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee) rather than the terms previously established in Japanese Transformers continuity (e.g., Cybertron, Destron, Convoy, Bumble). This has subsequently influenced Takara's subsequent dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', where (for the most part) they retain the English-market names and factions.
* In a bit of a shocker, [[Simon Furman]] has said he personally isn't a fan of the films, though he believes they're great for what he inaccurately (and worryingly) described as "the intended audience" of young kids.<ref>[http://mindlessones.com/2009/07/20/transformers-terminators-and-the-rest11-questions-with-simon-furman/ Interview at Mindless Ones blog]</ref>
* In an unexpected celebrity-related moment, famed multi award-winning British actress Helen Mirren, a Dame Commander of the British Empire, was one of the guests at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of ''Transformers''. One wonders what she thought of it.<ref>[http://movies.about.com/od/transformers/ig/Transformers-Premiere-Photos/transformersprem34.htm Helen Mirren at the June 27, 2007 Los Angeles premiere of ''Transformers'';Rebecca Murray, Movies.About.com Guide]</ref>
* ''Transformers'' (ahem) "inspired" a [[Knockoff|direct-to-video movie]] called [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers|''Transmorphers'']]. It got a [[Wikipedia:Transmorphers: Fall of Man|prequel]] in 2009, starring [[Wikipedia:Bruce Boxleitner|Bruce Boxleitner]], of all people. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
* Somewhat less embarrassing, ''Transformers'' also inspired the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|2008 ''Knight Rider'' television movie]] and the [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|short-lived revival/sequel series]] that followed it.<ref name="varietykr">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972829?refCatId=14 Variety article about the then-upcoming 2008 ''Knight Rider'' revival]</ref> Furthermore, the special effects<ref name="madeatl">[http://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2008/iron_man_production_details.htm ''Iron Man'' Full Production Notes]</ref> and the marketing campaign<ref name="imtie-ins">[http://www.brandweek.com/bw/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692165 Brandweek article about the ''Iron Man'' marketing campaign.]</ref> both served as inspirations for the 2008 [[Wikipedia:Iron Man (film)|''Iron Man'' movie]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers''''' (トランスフォーマー ''Toransufōmā'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛, "Transformers"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng''''' (China, 变形金刚, "Transformers")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery''''' (Трансформеры, "Transformers")

==External links==
* [http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR&ID=421174 June 11, 2003 Press Release announcing the movie.]
* [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Transformersmovie.com]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/ ''Transformers'' at IMDB.com]
* [http://www.transformersalbum.com/ ''Transformers The Album'']
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_%28film%29 ''Transformers'' 2007 film on Wikipedia]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/PROJPAGE_Trans_01.html Ben Procter], [http://www.jamesclyne.com/projects.php?gallery_id=297 James Clyne], [http://timflattery.com/main.html Tim Flattery], [http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4150 Alex Jaeger] (at CG Society), [http://2d2cg.com/# Jeremy Cook]
* [http://www.capalert.com/capreports/transformers.htm ''Transformers'' CAPalert.com review]

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

[[Category:Movie| ]]
[[Category:Movie media]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Dinobot (AOE)

2016-04-17T08:54:54Z

Dinohawk:

{{disambig3|Dinobot}}
:''The Dinobots are an [[Autobot]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|300px|Also called the [[Michael Bay|Michael]] [[Primum Fugae|Fugae]].]]
The '''Dinobots''' are a group of Autobots who turn into [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaurs]], or at least things which mostly look like dinosaurs. While they bear the Autobot insignia, calling them a bunch of loose cannons would be an understatement. Answering mostly to their animalistic rage, it would take a serious display of superior might for these guys to follow anyone else's lead.

The group's main members are:
*[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]] (Robotic ''Tyrannosaurus'', leader)
*[[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] (Robotic ''Velociraptor'')
*[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]] (Robotic ''Triceratops'')
*[[Snarl (AOE)|Snarl]] (Robotic ''Stegosaurus'')
*[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] (Robotic ''Spinosaurus'')
*[[Slog (AOE)|Slog]] (Robotic ''Apatosaurus'')
*[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]] (Robotic 2-headed ''Pteranodon'')

{{quote|Just. So. Awesome.|[[Transformers Comic issue 5.1]]}}

==Fiction==
===''Age of Extinction'' film===
[[File:AOE-DinobotsBraveWarriors.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Autobots would later receive post cards from the Nesting Grounds.]]
The Dinobots (some of them, at least) were captured aboard [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]'s ship as trophies until the Autobots detached that section to free [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. When the ship eventually crashed in China, Optimus decided that time had come for reinforcements to battle [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s forces and freed the Dinobots, calling them to join him. Grimlock battled Optimus for dominance, but was beaten, and the Dinobots agreed to help the Autobots. The Dinobots' massive size, strength and ferocity turned the tide of battle in the Autobots' favor in the nick of time, swiftly defeating the prototypes in Hong Kong until Lockdown returned. The Dinobots were trapped in Lockdown's magnetic vortex, but Optimus destroyed it, freeing the Dinobots. The Dinobots helped hold a bridge so that Joshua Joyce could get to safety with the Seed. After the battle, Optimus dismissed the Dinobots from his command, allowing them to roam free on Earth, and the Dinobots parted on good terms with the Autobots and set off on their own.

Like that won't backfire someday.
{{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In [[Tyran 609.23-PX Kappa]], Optimus Prime and [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] allied themselves with the Dinobots after defeating Lockdown and capturing his ship. They waged a long guerrilla campaign against [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons, eventually restoring freedom to Earth and revitalizing [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with the [[seed]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 22/7/2015}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
{{charstubgame}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark}}

==Toys==
{{main|Grimlock (AOE)#Toys|Scorn (AOE)#Toys|Strafe (AOE)#Toys|Slash (AOE)#Toys|Slug (AOE)#Toys|Slog (AOE)#Toys|Snarl (AOE)#Toys}}

==Notes==
* The Dinobots go unnamed in the film, bar Scorn getting nicknamed "Spike" by Crosshairs once, during the farewell at the end of the film. The word "Dinobot" is never mentioned on-screen either, as Optimus only refers to them as "legendary warriors". Also, they don't speak but growl even in robot modes. Only Grimlock, Strafe, Slug, and Scorn appear.
* ''Velociraptor'' Dinobots were at one point to appear on the big screen, with concept art showing them charging into Hong Kong alongside [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]].<ref>[https://studiomadeinpb.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/transformers-4-a-era-da-extincao-conheca-as-artes-conceituais-de-wesley-burt-para-o-filme/ Transformers: Age of Extinction concept art by Wesley Burt]</ref> Slash's own toy design is based on these pieces of concept art. Slash himself was most likely intended to appear on screen.
* Concept art by [[Ryan Church]] depicts two additional Dinobots, which transform into a ''[[w:Parasaurolophus|Parasaurolophus]]'' and an ''[[w:Allosaurus|Allosaurus]]''
* The Dinobots' robot modes are inspired by medieval knights.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction Dinobots| ]]
[[Category:Age of Extinction subgroups]]
[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Knights]]

Dread (DOTM)

2016-04-15T12:07:14Z

Dinohawk:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|Decepticon subgroup from ''Dark of the Moon''|the planet|Dread (planet)}}

:''The Dreads are a [[Decepticon]] subgroup from the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

The '''Dreads''' are a unit of particularly fearsome Decepticons. Their specialty is infiltration and the assassination of high profile [[Autobot]] targets. They’re also such unpleasant monsters that even the other Decepticons tend to dislike them.

The team's known members include:
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Crowbar]]
They have an army of [[Assaulter]]s and an [[Enforcer]].
==Fiction==
===''Dark of the Moon'' film===

With the retrieval and reactivation of [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] from the wreck of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' from [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s plan for the Space Bridge was set into motion. Needing Sentinel for his control pillar to activate the ones the Decepticons had taken from the ''Ark'' decades ago, the Dreads were sent to secure the former Autobot leader. Chasing the Autobots down a highway, the Dreads attacked, but despite their best efforts, Hatchet was soon destroyed and the survivors were eventually confronted by [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], backed up by [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. Unlikely to match the Autobot weapons specialist's heavy firepower, Crankcase and Crowbar dropped their ranged weapons, but as soon as the Autobots followed suit, the Dreads deployed hidden explosive spears and attacked, injuring Ironhide. Unfortunately, Sideswipe managed to deflect the spear thrown at him and tossed his gun to Ironhide, who used it to destroy Crowbar before turning on Crankcase. For his troubles, Crankcase was impaled in the face with Crowbar's spear, thrown onto an abandoned car and destroyed after Ironhide kicked the resulting wreckage into a nearby auto shop. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
Some Dreads were stationed in Central America with [[Starscream (Movie)| Starscream]] to help him launch a ship. Later, Mirage and Bumblebee came and destroyed the Enforcer and probably all the Assaulters. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)| Dark of the Moon}}

==Notes==
* In early production, the Dreads were announced to be a pair of modified Chevrolet Suburbans. Photos of only two prop vehicles were even taken on-set.<ref name="suburb">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-3-characters-dreads-rob-95462/ "Transformers 3 Characters: Meet The Dreads"]</ref> In the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|final movie]], all three Dreads use identical Chevrolet Suburbans as their [[alternate mode]]s, with individual robot modes between the three of them. For the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|toy line]], Hasbro decided to give them individual alternate modes as well, which is why only [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]] turns into a Suburban, whereas the ''[[Cyberverse]]'' versions of [[Crowbar]] and [[Hatchet]] transform into a Carbon Motors E7 Police car and a modified Eurofighter Typhoon jet, respectively.
* Early working names were "Dreadwind" for Crankcase, "Hooligan" for Crowbar and "Dirtbag" for Hatchet.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
* Working names at a different stage of development were "Enforcer #1" for Crankcase<ref name="delcrank">[http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Toys/Transformers-Dark-of-Moon-Deluxe-Decepticon-Enforcer-1-Transformers-Dark-of-Moon/0653569588627 "Transformers Dark of the Moon Deluxe Decepticon Enforcer #1"] at Fishpond.co.nz.</ref><ref name="cvcrank">[http://www.amazon.es/dp/B0052CIQVG "Hasbro Transformers Dark of the Moon Cyberverse básicos Decepticon Enforcer #1"] at Amazon Spain.</ref>, "Enforcer #2" for Crowbar<ref name="cwcrow1">[http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Toys/CV-27-Cyberverse-Clover-Enforcer-2-Transformers/9999758875388 Dark of the Moon "CV-27 Cyberverse Clover Enforcer #2"] at Fishpond.co.nz.</ref><ref name="cwcrow2">[http://www.amazon.es/dp/B0057CPGV4 "Hasbro Transformers Dark of the Moon Cyberverse básicos Enforcer #2"] at Amazon Spain.</ref><ref name="cwcrow3">[http://www.extra.com.br/brinquedos/BonecosdeBrinquedos/transformers/Transformers-3-Hasbro-Cyberverse-Enforcer-2-29676-399313.html "Transformers 3 Hasbro Cyberverse Enforcer 2 29676"] at Extra.com.br.</ref> and "Enforcer #3" for Hatchet<ref name="cwhatch">[http://www.amazon.it/dp/B0052CIUX0 "Transformers 3 - 29684 - Cyberverse Commander, Cyberverse Decepticon Enforcer 3"] at Amazon Italy.</ref>.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dark of the Moon subgroups]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T12:06:31Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*The Wreckers
**[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
**[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
**[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref> (cameo)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/> (cameo)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
* [[Dread (DOTM)|The Dreads]]
**[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
**[[Hatchet]]
**[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T12:05:02Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*The Wreckers
**[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
**[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
**[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref> (cameo)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/> (cameo)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
* Dreads
**[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
**[[Hatchet]]
**[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T11:58:47Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*The Wreckers
**[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
**[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
**[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref> (cameo)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/> (cameo)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T11:57:24Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref> (cameo)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/> (cameo)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T11:56:35Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref> (cameo)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/> (cameo)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon (cameo)
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon (cameo)
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]] (cameo)
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] (cameo)
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]] (cameo)
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]] (cameo)
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]] (cameo)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T11:47:15Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref> (cameo)
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/> (cameo)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2016-04-15T11:44:55Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most... human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://michaelbay.com/2011/06/18/see-dark-of-the-moon-one-day-earlier-on-imax-3d/ See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in its local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his "pet", the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[File:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Upon arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime betrays them, revealing that he made a deal with Megatron to ensure Cybertron's survival. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and most of the NEST soldiers, Sentinel claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows dozens of Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[File:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, [[Kirk (Star Trek)|Kirk]], my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[File:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave and the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller, but is shot by Shockwave and becomes trapped in crane cables.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobot scientist Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to keep prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. Bumblebee overpowers and kills Soundwave. NEST soldiers and US Marines snipe the Decepticons. Autobots and Tanks roll in and ambush the Decepticons. Optimus Prime returns and massacres a large group of Decepticons. He then kills Shockwave and uses the Decepticon's arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[File:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

Optimus Prime then confronts Sentinel Prime and the two engage in a ferocious battle of Student vs Master. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel is alive. Meanwhile, after a long fight, Sentinel gains the upper hand over Optimus and severs his right arm. However, before he can execute his former pupil, an infuriated Megatron attacks Sentinel and severely damages him, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and has decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Seeing this, Megatron half-heartedly offers Optimus Prime a truce on the condition that he will remain in charge of the Decepticons, mockingly saying that they would be nothing without each other. Realizing that the offer is less than sincere, Optimus refuses and attacks Megatron, decapitating him with an axe. The weakened Sentinel Prime tries to excuse his actions, but Optimus, claiming Sentinel "betrayed himself," executes the treacherous Prime with Megatron's shotgun.

[[File:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|"Live long... and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "We've seen that and this is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''. Prime! Make something of yourself! (Ironhide taps Optimus's roof) He's pissed."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[File:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"I bring you Cybertron, your home! and still you choose humanity." 
"You are the one who taught me [[Bio|freedom is everyone's right]]." 
:—'''Sentinel''' VS '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Optimus. All I ever wanted...was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you..." 
"You didn't betray me. You betrayed yourself..." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s final exchange with '''Sentinel Prime''' before effectively ''double-tapping'' him.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration, [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|which predicts what will happen to them years later.]]

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref>
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/>
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Driller]]
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
**[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Loader]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Hatchling]]s
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Pripyat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pripyat_-_Ferris_wheel.jpg Photo of the Pripyat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[File:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
[[Image:DOTM-SoundwaveMercedesStar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right|Is this the reverse of hidden faction insignias in vehicle mode?]]
*Soundwave has [[kibble]] from his [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes star is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
* After Megatron pulls out his shotgun for the first time, he holsters it on the right side of his back. In the next scene it is on his left side.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
*When Hatchet is killed by Bumblebee and Dino, the last shot shows him being throwm onto a car (using footage recycled from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', as elaborated on below), with Dino's grappling hook cables still attached to Hatchet, which would imply that Dino is still in robot mode at this point. However, the very next shot shows Dino in the far background, driving behind Bumblebee in vehicle mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes (but still wearing high heels!) afterarriving at Dylan's place, and has yet another outfit following the attack on Chicago the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* The sequence beginning with Sam, Carly, Epps and the rest of the soldiers jumping out of the windows of the tilted skyscraper is one giant continuity headache: First they jump out of the windows, then slide down several stories, then the camera angle changes and they're sliding down several more stories, and ''then'' a wide shot shows the top of the skyscraper from an angle where the characters cannot be seen, then slowly pans around and eventually shows them all sliding down from one of the topmosts floors all over again! Eventually, they crash back into one of the lowest floors near the break. After the Driller has toppled the top portion of the skyscraper over, the group is ''again'' shown to escape from one one of the topmost floors to the neighboring building!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice. While possibly an editing error, it may have been a deliberate choice so as to avoid paying Frank Welker or Jess Harnell for an additional voice role.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured. (Unless this observation was made ''before'' Bumblebee arrived after saving Sam and Lennox)
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film,<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref> possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's disembodied head.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|predecessor]]'s [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#IDW Generation 1 continuity|legacy]] of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] being members of the Wreckers recalls their original G1 counterparts being likewise part of the Wreckers.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* Megatron's first line - a weary "[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All hail Megatron]]" - is the title of IDW's direction-changing comic maxi-series, which had just wrapped up when production on the film was beginning.

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is the famous ''TOS'' episode "[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]", although for some inexplicable reason, the first of the two clips shown on-screen is ''mirrored''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').
*Before Sentinel gets attacked by Megatron, he quotes "There can only be one" from the film Highlander. Sentinel is also modeled after one of the film's lead stars Sean Connery.

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>
===Additional Information===
{{collist|
* Close Captions in English
* Audio Description as Audio Description in English <ref>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G4TJUC/audiodescriin-20</ref>|collist}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
File:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
File:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
File:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago<ref>http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-471495</ref> seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[File:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/10/01/transformers-3-july-1st-2011/ Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://michaelbay.com/2009/09/14/transformers-3-pain-gain-bad-boys-3/ Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/03/22/transformers-3-update-from-michael-bay/ Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://michaelbay.com/2010/07/20/transformers-3-chicago-set-photos/ Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and was married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref> it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''[[Star Trek]]'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref> ''Dark of the Moon'' would be Nimoy's final performance in the ''Transformers'' franchise before his death in early 2015.

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida,<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref> Milwaukee (Wisconsin),<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref> Detroit,<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref> [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>
[[Image:ROTFvsDOTMUSNavyHollenbeck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Wherever General Morshower goes, I go.]]

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/04/transformers-3-re-uses-car-crash-from-the-island "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time, though Bumblebee sustained severe front-end damage.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this latter event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors Pack". Fans, meanwhile, joked that the SUV was Barricade getting revenge.

Another (brief) instance of recycled footage occurs during the Chicago battle: When the Navy fires several Tomahawks at the Decepticons, the mission control room scene was previously used to depict the interior of the [[USS Kidd]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The most obvious similarity is the [[Hollenbeck|same operator]] saying "Target acquired" both times.<ref name="recycled">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6tSMdR8vH0s Youtube video] featuring brief clips from ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'', highlighting the recycled footage.</ref>

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the [[United States Department of Defense]].<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010,<ref name="foxonset"/> but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

[[File:DOTM Skids, Mudflap, Que and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Eat this, Megan Fox.]]
*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]]. According to Michael Bay's website administrator Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

[[File:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]
* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* A scrapped death for Wheeljack/"Que" involved the Autobot being run off of a Chicago street and into a river by the [[Driller]], where he would have been torn to pieces by Decepticon troopers lying in wait in the river.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010,<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref> the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]],<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref> "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan (disambiguation)|Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "[[Clench (G1)|Colossus]]" for the [[Driller]],<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref> "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine (disambiguation)|Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "[[Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Cyclonus]]".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale Earnhardt, Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

[[File:DOTMSuperBowlvsTrailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|So does this qualify as a retcon?]]
* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* Megatron was originally supposed to appear in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' form.<ref>http://joshnizzi.com/images/TF3/JoshNizzi_TF3_56.jpg</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.

* Similar to the teaser trailer, the Super Bowl spot also features footage that contains unfinished CG effects. Most notably, the shot that depicts Optimus Prime, equipped with his flight pack, swooping down on the Decepticons before starting his epic rampage on the ground was changed by the time the first full trailer was released: Optimus himself and the nameless [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]] are both rescaled and moved to different positions on-screen; a Decepticon using the same [[body-type]] as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] is removed entirely; and a Decepticon using the same body-type as Long Haul, as well as other [[generic]]s, are added. The final movie uses pretty much the same version as seen in the trailer.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[File:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[File:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered at Amazon. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref> causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VTs5ESycpY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule. ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' would also later depict the Autobots as stranded on Earth after the destruction of the ''Xantium'' in this film, further pointing towards the "comet" transportation as an abandoned concept.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though he still carries some on his person). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has a hand-held shotgun. Though it can be argued that Optimus still has his swords in his arms during the Chicago battle, and both Ironhide and Megatron lost their integrated weapons in the previous film, the general change is still noticeable. The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.
* Another change from the previous movies (though not rooted in ''Generation 1'') is that Transformers that take damage in battle now spill a red liquid that is very obviously meant to resemble human blood.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Darkside Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dākusaido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: When the Moon Becomes Black")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Ayın Karanlık Yüzü''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:45:48Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (mentioned)
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] (mentioned)
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] (mentioned)
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] (mentioned)
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
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==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:44:54Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (mentioned)
*[[Mirage|Dino]] (mentioned)
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] (mentioned)
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] (mentioned)
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:44:23Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (mentioned)
*[[Mirage (DOTM)|Dino]] (mentioned)
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] (mentioned)
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] (mentioned)
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:40:41Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (video footage; collector cards)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:37:33Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (AOE collector cards)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:35:15Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (AOE collector cards)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:33:12Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (AOE collector cards)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:29:45Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (AOE collector cards)
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{stub}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Age of Extinction (film)}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)

2016-04-10T10:28:31Z

Dinohawk: /* Main cast */

{{Nav-aoe}}
[[File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|An adventure 65 million years in the making.]]

'''''Transformers: Age of Extinction''''' is the fourth film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released on [[June 27]], [[2014]].

Following the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Battle of Chicago]], humanity has come to fear both Autobots and Decepticons alike. With the aid of a Transformer mercenary named [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], a CIA [[Cemetery Wind|task-force]] operated by [[Harold Attinger]] begins hunting the remaining [[Transformer]]s on [[Earth]]. Hunted by enemies that were once his allies, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] loses faith in humanity and sends his forces into hiding. Now, five years later, struggling inventor and single-father [[Cade Yeager]] discovers a damaged Transformer, placing both himself and his [[Tessa Yeager|daughter]] on a collision course with events that threaten the extinction of humankind itself.

{{bigquote|The trouble with loyalty to a cause is that the cause will ''always'' betray you.|[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]|''Transformers: Age of Extinction''}}

==Synopsis==

[[File:The Creators cyberforming Earth AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs."]]
65 million years ago, on Cretaceous [[Earth]], a ''Psittacosaurus'' is out hunting for food. The small dinosaur finds a fish and starts to feed, but stops as hundreds of alien ships enter Earth's atmosphere, piloted by the mysterious [[Creator (AOE)|"Creators"]]. The alien ships launch dozens of strange [[Seed]]s across the planet. As they detonate, they convert the landscape and the herds of panicking dinosaurs into a metallic substance, ending the Age of Dinosaurs. Millions of years later, while digging in the [[Arctic]], a team of geologists uncover a mysterious pair of metallized dinosaur skeletons - a discovery that attracts the attention of [[Darcy Tirrel]]...

Five years after the invasion of [[Chicago]], tensions between humans and Cybertronians have risen dramatically. Although the Autobots are officially granted asylum on Earth, public opinion has turned against all Transformers. The government of the United States has terminated all human-Autobot joint programs and instated [[Cemetery Wind]], an elite [[CIA]] unit intended to flush out the handful of [[Decepticon]]s left on Earth. What the President doesn't know is that [[Harold Attinger]], the leader of the operation, is slaughtering all Transformers, regardless of faction. On one such mission, the team pinpoints [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hiding within an abandoned boat. He immediately tries to flee, but is crippled and brought down by their weapons. The team leader, [[James Savoy]], mockingly asks why Ratchet ran if he's not their enemy, and Ratchet replays a transmission he received from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], ordering all Autobots to hide from humans. However, Savoy dismisses his pleas as his sister was killed in Chicago. A Transformer bounty hunter, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], who has actually been helping Cemetery Wind hunt the Autobots, emerges from the nearby swamp and attacks Ratchet, further damaging him. Walking past his human allies, Lockdown demands to know [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s whereabouts. When Ratchet refuses, Lockdown brutally kills him by ripping out his spark.
[[File:AOE Ratchet dying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Condors. Condors are on the verge of extinction..."]]

In Texas, struggling inventor [[Cade Yeager]] and his friend/employee [[Lucas Flannery]] meet at an old theater, looking for salvage. He finds an old truck, and upon inspection it seems to be full of artillery shells. He buys the truck along with the other theater equipment and puts it in his garage.[[Tessa Yeager|Tessa]], Cade's daughter, observes this while video-chatting with her boyfriend and criticizes her dad for buying the heap of junk. While attempting to salvage the truck's engine to sell, Cade realizes it's actually a badly-damaged Transformer. After calling Lucas and Tessa, he connects jumper cables to its engine, only for it to begin replaying the distress call Ratchet had received earlier. Lucas and Tessa advocate calling the government, claiming that there is a huge reward for Transformers. Cade convinces them not to call the authorities until he can spend more time working on the truck, as he may be able to stumble on a technological breakthrough if he can figure out how the Transformers work. When Cade removes a live missile from the truck's "power core," it transforms into a heavily injured Optimus Prime, who roars at them to stay back while he swings his weapon around the barn. Cade, Lucas, and Tessa ask why Optimus is so badly damaged, to which he replies that the Autobots are being hunted and he must help them. Cade offers to repair him, and sends Lucas to buy the parts that will enable him to fix Optimus. Cade and Optimus begin to bond as the repairs begin.
[[File:AOE-injuredoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Should we chance moving him?"]]

In the Arctic, Attinger arrives via helicopter at [[Knight Ship|Lockdown's ship]] and demands to know why Optimus Prime escaped him in [[Mexico]]. Lockdown derisively tells Attinger that Optimus Prime would not have escaped were it not for Cemetery Wind's interference, stressing that he does not care about Attinger or his goals and wishes only to capture Optimus Prime.

Shortly after returning to [[Washington, D.C.]], Attinger receives a tip that Optimus Prime has been located in Texas and sends Savoy and Cemetery Wind to apprehend him. The agents swarm the barn, but there is no trace of Prime inside. When Savoy threatens Tessa to force Cade to tell him of Prime's whereabouts, the Autobot leader explodes out of the barn's basement in which he was hiding. He escapes after a brief skirmish that destroys the Yeager residence, with both Cemetery Wind and Lockdown in pursuit. As Cade catches one of Cemetery Wind's mini drones, a white rally car zooms over the adjacent fields and picks up the Yeagers and Lucas. The driver turns out to be [[Shane Dyson|Shane]], a rally car racer who is also Tessa's boyfriend. A group of Cemetery Wind vehicles begins chasing them.
[[File:Optimus shooting humans AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"You think they'll have that on the tour?"]]

Both the rally car and Optimus Prime are chased into an abandoned factory, where Optimus Prime fights off Lockdown. Shane puts his driving skills to good use and pulls a series of tight maneuvers that result in the Cemetery Wind cars crashing, destroys his car in the process. Optimus Prime, who has caught Lockdown in a crane cable, transforms and tells the humans to pile into him and escape. Lockdown throws a grenade at the humans as they run towards Optimus Prime; though Shane and the Yeagers escape, Lucas is caught in the blast and killed.

Arriving at an abandoned gas station, Optimus orders the humans out and drives off to ensure that they have not been followed. Cade confronts Tessa and Shane about their relationship but Tessa gets angry at Cade for putting them all in danger. The next day, Optimus and the humans set off towards Monument Valley. Prime [[trans-scan|scans]] a passing truck, sheds his layer of rust and takes on a new form with his old paint scheme. They arrive in Monument Valley where they meet the other surviving Autobots in the form of [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], and their de facto leader [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Crosshairs and Hound start threatening the humans for having their species betray them but Optimus convinces them that they have risked their lives to save his. The Humans notice that there are clear tensions between the Autobots. Cade reveals footage of the attack on Ratchet and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot's]] demise using the stolen aerial drone and Prime declares that he will kill the one responsible for hunting down the Autobots.

[[File:Autobots unite monument valley AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler... Welcome to [[Jurassic Park]]." ]]

Inspection of the drone leads them to a company named [[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]], located in a rebuilt Chicago. It is run by [[Joshua Joyce]], who is working with [[Su Yueming]] and Attinger to create artificial Transformers to eventually be used in the military. Using the remains of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Starscream (Movie)|the]] [[Barricade (Movie)|countless]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|Decepticons]] from the Chicago battle and the hunted Autobots, they have synthesized the metal that the Transformers are made of, calling it [[Transformium]]. When given commands through a computer, Transformium can be changed into various shapes or objects. Although a drone called [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (designed after Bumblebee) is active, Joshua's major project is a bigger, stronger drone called [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]. However, his attempts have not been successful; the drone keeps resembling Megatron instead of the friendlier image of Optimus Prime. Bumblebee builds Cade and Shane faux-ID badges which the duo use to infiltrate KSI. Cade goes further in and projects imagery of Ratchet's severed head being melted down as well as the injured and enslaved [[Brains]], which sends Prime into a rage.

[[File:Joshua Joyce Transformium Experiment AOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"God help us, we're in the hands of engineers."]]

However, Cade is caught when his ID badge is found to have been scanned twice (by him and its original owner). He is taken to the upper floors and confronted by Attinger, who claims that what he has witnessed is in the name of world peace. He also asks him about the whereabouts of Optimus Prime but Cade maintains his silence.

Furious over how the humans have mutilated their comrades, Optimus orders an attack on KSI. Bumblebee, carried by Drift in copter mode, rescues Cade. The others trash the lab, free Brains, and confront Joshua, only for him to openly declare that what is being done is being done to prevent more Transformer-caused damage and that the humans "don't need" the Autobots. Disheartened, Prime orders a retreat.

As the Autobots exit the factory and leave, Attinger catches up with Joshua and claims that the Autobots are terrorists for attacking the facility. He coerces Joyce to use the two functional drones to take down the Autobots. Galvatron and Stinger activate and pursue their quarry across a highway, with Galvatron doing more damage than his KSI handlers intend. Bumblebee fires upon Galvatron but is surprised to see him simply disintegrate and reintegrate again. Galvatron attacks Prime. As they battle, Optimus declares that the artificial creation has no soul, to which it retorts "That is why I have no FEAR!"

[[File:AOEGalvatron.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"Kids! You want to have one of those?"]]

As Tessa scrambles for cover in a nearby vehicle, Prime is suddenly shot from the back and falls-Lockdown has arrived, along with his ship! Lockdown gloats to his prisoner, claiming that Optimus was built, not born, and now the Creators want him returned in one piece. The bounty hunter orders a net dropped over Optimus and hoists both the Autobot leader and Tessa's hiding place into his ship. Cade desperately clings to the net, but his strength gives out and he falls to the fields below. As the spaceship departs, Cade and Shane vow to get Tessa back.

Lockdown throws Prime in a cage and orders his lackeys to dispose of Tessa. Prime takes note of several other aliens in similar cages, including [[Dinobot (AOE)|other Cybertronian warriors]]. He also discovers the original purpose of the mercenary ship: it was originally used by a group of legendary Knights (presumably including Prime himself) but now acts as Lockdown's flying prison. Lockdown's ship hovers over Chicago, triggering panic in the streets, but Attinger manages to talk down the authorities and send Savoy to rendezvous with Lockdown. As payment for Prime's capture, Lockdown gives him a Seed.

Cade, Shane, and the other Autobots get aboard the ship as it flies low over a bridge. While being pursued by Lockdown's henchmen, the two humans find a strange Knight armory, from which Cade takes a sword that opens up to form a gun. While Shane and Cade rescue Tessa, Crosshairs deploys the ship's mooring cables, which fire into the Willis Tower and preventing the ship from breaking atmosphere. The humans begin to clamber down the cables to safety, but they are pursued by a pack of [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaw]]s. Bumblebee manages to save the trio. The other Autobots locate Optimus, who reveals that the section of the ship they are on can separate from the main body. Crosshairs uses a gunship to pick up Bumblebee and the humans, then leads them on a dogfight through Chicago's streets, destroying some of Lockdown's mercenaries.

[[File:Prime gets shotAOE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"It could have been worse, John. A lot worse."]]

Back at KSI, it is decided that all equipment is to be moved to the Beijing facility to continue operations. Joshua is also none too pleased about the previous field test of Galvatron; not only was it a loss on several fronts, but the drone also ''spoke'', which was something it was ''not'' programmed to do!

The Autobots land their new ship at an abandoned train yard. Optimus claims that he sensed Megatron's presence during his fight with Galvatron. Brains explains Galvatron's true nature: while he decoded dead Transformer brains, he learned that Megatron's mind had survived and planned to transfer itself to Galvatron's body, explaining Galvatron's sinister appearance. The tiny bot further mentions how Galvatron used his knowledge to build Stinger and the other drones, with plans to make them into his personal army. As Tessa tells the group about the Seed she saw, Optimus and Hound explain that the Creators used Seeds to convert organic material into metal, then harvested the resulting Transformium for their own purposes. Cade makes a call to Joyce and relays the newfound data about Galvatron. Knowing that Joyce is also an inventor with a heart, he pleads with Joyce to shut down Galvatron before things escalate. Although Joyce puts up an unconvinced façade, he demands increased security around Galvatron after hanging up.

As police cars surround the train yard, the Autobots board their shuttle again and take to the air. Optimus says that though the Autobots will travel to Hong Kong and get the Seed back, they will leave Earth afterwards; they are done protecting humanity. Cade disagrees but Prime is non-responsive. They later debate the matter, with Cade attempting to reignite Prime's faith in humanity.

In deep space, Lockdown finally discovers the absence of the smaller ship. He grumbles about Optimus Prime taking his trophy case and how the Prime will feel his wrath while he reverses course. Joyce meets with Attinger and Savoy and receives the Seed. Joyce intends to detonate it in a region of the [[Gobi Desert]], which will generate enough Transformium to last a century. Attinger is eager to expedite production but grows incensed when Joshua disagrees and says that they should go slower, quite obviously moved by Cade's call. Meanwhile, Galvatron activates ''himself'' and starts to infect the legion of over fifty other KSI Transformers. When the alarm rings regarding Galvatron's escape, Joyce has Attinger and Savoy evacuated from the building and gets in a car with Su, an associate named Darcy, and the Seed. They decide to try to hide the Seed in [[Hong Kong]].

Being hunted by Attinger and Savoy, Joyce seeks refuge on a rooftop when the Autobot-piloted ship arrives and attempts to pick him and the Seed up. However, Galvatron and his drones ramy arrive and shoot down the airborne vessel, causing Bumblebee, Hound, and the Yeagers to spill out while the others (Prime, Crosshairs, Drift, and the captured Knights) to careen away into the Wulong Valley. Savoy finds the Yeagers and Joyce on the rooftop and open fires on them but Cade leads him away from the others. The two jump across rooftops, eventually crashing into a house and getting into a fist fight which ends with Savoy falling from a window to his death.

Hound and Bumblebee attempt to escort the humans and the Seed out of the city, but are cut short when Joshua points out that the KSI-built Transformers were specifically built to destroy any Autobots or Decepticons left on Earth. This prompts Prime to enter the crashed ship and activate the armory as well as release the other captives within the ship. As Hound and Bumblebee hold the line and protect the humans, Optimus tries to convince the Legendary Warriors to fight alongside them. Their [[Grimlock (AOE)|apparent leader]] violently declines at first, fighting the Prime in both his massive robot mode and his Tyrannosaurus mode. Optimus quickly defeats him, saying that he and the other warriors will protect his family or die, then mounts the metal dinosaur. The Autobots mount their Dinobots and charge over the mountains into Hong Kong.

[[File:Dinobots ready for battle AOE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"''T. rex'' doesn't want to be fed. He wants to ''hunt''."]]

Meanwhile, as Hound and Bumblebee are starting to be overwhelmed by Galvatron's drone forces, Optimus and his fellow Autobots storm into the city, slamming, crushing, stomping, and chomping all nearby enemies. Galvatron retreats as the Autobots and Dinobots decimate his forces. With this battle over, Optimus confronts Joshua for his actions and gives the order to defend the humans and escort them, and the Seed, away from the city. On the way, a homing beacon within the Seed activates, allowing Lockdown to track the Autobots down. He activates a massive magnet, wreaking havoc on Hong Kong. Everything metal from kitchenware to massive ships are picked up by the magnet, including the Autobots and Dinobots. After narrowly avoiding the magnet, the Yeagers are momentarily separated from the Autobots. Optimus shoots at the magnet, destroying it and releasing the Transformers from its influence. The ship retreats to a nearby factory, with Optimus hot on its trail. Cade tells his daughter to stay with Shane and the Autobots, as he wishes to fight alongside Optimus against Lockdown. As Optimus Prime and Lockdown battle one-on-one, Attinger corners Yeager with a pistol, accusing him of choosing aliens over his own race, but he is quickly shot and killed by Optimus.

Because of Optimus's choice to save Cade before defending himself, Lockdown gains the upper hand, impaling Optimus through the chest with his own sword and pinning him to a concrete pillar. Meanwhile, Tessa convinces Bumblebee to turn around and the three join in fighting Lockdown, allowing Shane to use a tow truck to unpin Prime. Just as Lockdown is about to kill Cade, Optimus jumps up and slices the bounty hunter in half. Activating one of Lockdown's grenades, Prime tells the humans to hold on and uses rocket boosters to escape while the grenade destroys the last of the KSI drones. Galvatron has survived and retreated to the outskirts of the city; watching Prime blast off, he tells Optimus to beware, for he is reborn...

[[File:AOE-DefendThisFamily.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"I don't know. I guess... I guess we'll just have to evolve too."]]

The Autobots, Dinobots, and their human allies all regroup on the waterfront. Cade and Tessa happily reconcile and Cade finally accepts Shane. Joshua nobly says he will help them with their destroyed home. Prime declares the Dinobots are now free as they depart for parts unknown. With the bounty on his head placing the entire Earth in danger, Prime blasts off into space with the Seed to confront the Creators and discover the mystery behind his own origins, but not before ordering the Autobots to protect the Yeager family. As he leaves Earth's atmosphere, Optimus Prime sends a message to his Creators to leave planet Earth alone, because he's coming for them.

{{--}}

==Quotes==
"Lockdown...?" 
"Autobots, Decepticons, like little children, always fighting; making a mess out of the universe, then ''I've'' got to clean it up! There is one way you survive. Tell me where he's hiding. Where is Optimus Prime?" 
"Never." 
''(Lockdown rips out Ratchet's spark)'' 
"Never is here." 
:—'''Ratchet''''s final moments before '''Lockdown''' kills him.

"In this planet we have a saying: ''The enemy of my enemy is my friend''." 
"I also have a saying: '''''I don't care'''''."
:—'''Harold Attinger''' discusses with '''Lockdown'''.

"Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same. You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea..."
:—'''Lockdown''' never truly appreciated one of his clients.

"Human beings. Bunch of backstabbing weasels!" 
"Hound, find your inner compass. ''Loyalty is but a flower in the winds of fear and temptation.''" 
"What the hell are you saying?!?" 
"It's a haiku." 
"Cut the crap before I drop a grenade down your throat!" 
"Try it, you'll be dead!" 
"Oh, please pull it. Please do it."
:—'''Hound''' doesn't appreciate '''Drift's''' haikus.

"With your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command, despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline. He's like a child." 
"This child is about to ''kick your ass!''"
:—'''Drift''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Autobots, I have sworn never to kill humans..." 
"Big mistake." 
"...but when I find out who's behind this...he's going to ''die''." 
"Hoo-ah!"
:—'''Prime's''' rage is fueled by '''Hound'''.

"Destroy the lab! Destroy it all!" 
''(The Autobots lay waste to the KSI research facility)'' 
"Hey, you! Stop! That's company property!" 
"They're not ''your'' property! ''They were my friends.''" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' duly informs '''Joshua Joyce''' that Transformers aren't just machines.

"You have no soul!" 
"That is why I have no ''fear''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime'''' is shocked to find '''Galvatron''' isn't as lifeless as he thought.

"We're behind enemy lines now. Lockdown's ship has booby traps! Eyes open." 
"Beware of his bone-grinders, brain-blinders, flesh-stealers, chromosomal-inverters, catatonic slugs, black hole trapdoors and of course, radiation."

:—'''Hound''' and '''Crosshairs''' warn the humans of the perils held within Lockdown's ship.

"I was expecting a [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|giant car!]]"
:—'''Drift''' witnessing Grimlock transform into a dinosaur.

"Autobots, we're going to prove who we are, and ''why we're here''!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rallies his troops with his characteristic passion and charisma.

"Ugh, you just wanna die for the guy. ''That's'' leadership. Or brainwashing, or something." 
"No, that's Optimus Prime."
:—'''Crosshairs''' and '''Drift''', remarking on their [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|leader]]/[[Dinobot (AOE)|Giant Robot Dinosaur]] tamer.

"I'm like a fat ballerina who takes scalps and slits throats!"
:—'''Hound''' takes another five levels in badass and ballerina class.

"How do you say 'Get the f&%# out of the way' in Chinese?"
:—'''Joshua''' has some issues with the language barrier.

"I hate cheap knockoffs."
:—'''Bumblebee''' dismissing all [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|clones]] of him as "cheap".

"We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn."
:—'''Galvatron''' retreats to fight another day.

"There are mysteries to the universe we were never meant to solve, but who we are and why we are here are not among them. Those answers we carry inside. I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my Creators. Leave planet Earth alone. 'Cause I'm coming...for you."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] ([[John Goodman]])
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Ken Watanabe]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] (video footage)
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] (AOE trading cards)
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]
**[[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]]
**[[Slug (AOE)|Slug]]
**[[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s head

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]
*[[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]]
*[[Trax (AOE)|Traxes]]
*"[[Two Head]]s"
*"[[KSI Boss]]es"
*[[McLaren Decepticon]]
*[[Aston Martin Decepticon]]
*[[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (video footage)
*[[Protoform]]s (video footage)

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Cade Yeager]] ([[Mark Wahlberg]])
*[[Tessa Yeager]] ([[Nicola Peltz]])
*[[Shane Dyson]] ([[Jack Reynor]])
*[[Joshua Joyce]] ([[Stanley Tucci]])
*[[Harold Attinger]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]])
*[[James Savoy]] ([[Titus Welliver]])
*[[Lucas Flannery]] ([[T. J. Miller]])
*[[Darcy Tirrel]] ([[Sophia Myles]])
*[[Su Yueming]] ([[Li Bingbing]])
*[[Gill Wembley]] ([[James Bachman]])
*[[Chief of Staff]] ([[Thomas Lennon]])

|h4=Others|c4=
'''Lockdown's crew'''
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]
*[[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]]
*[[Stupid Drone]]s
'''[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|KSI]] prototypes'''
*[[Oreo Transformer]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Errors==
===Continuity errors===
[[File:DeceasedTransformersAOE.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.6|Your attention, please. Will the ''real'' Optimus Prime please stand up?]]
[[File:AOECrosshairsDriftWeirdEdit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What just happened? No, seriously. Is there some kind of timey-wimey thing going on?]]
[[File:AOE savoy eyegouge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|"An eye for an eye makes the whole world-OH MY GOD!!!"]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] is seen on the cards Attinger pulls out early in the film, listed as deceased and having been last seen in Chicago. However, Ironhide was killed by Sentinel Prime in Washington, D.C., midway through ''Dark of the Moon'', and long before the final battle in Chicago.
*Scenes from the Decepticons' invasion of Chicago in ''Dark of the Moon'' are shown as archival footage presented by Attinger. While it is conceivable some lucky people with cameras recorded the initial attack and managed to survive and publish their footage, it's highly unlikely people would've been able to get close-up video footage of the NEST team taking down [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and the other Decepticons.
*A Cemetery Wind vehicle smashes into the side of Shane's car during the chase through the cornfield, but the car doesn't show any damage to that side in subsequent shots.
*Tessa and Shane's reliance on Romeo and Juliet laws is unnecessary, since the age of consent in Texas is 17.
*During the 'Autobots reunite' sequence, Drift starts out in car mode on a road with Bumblebee and Crosshairs, before suddenly appearing atop a rock formation in robot mode and transforming to helicopter mode to meet up with Optimus Prime.
*When Crosshairs and Drift are talking on board Lockdown's ship shortly after boarding it, a ''very'' bizarre edit occurs in the middle of Drift's line "Better hurry, because dark matter drives are preparing to take off". The camera angle is now slightly different than before, but it's not a switch between a long shot and a close-up or a complete change of perspective. Oddly, Drift is still seen from the almost the ''exact same angle'' as before the edit, but even though his and Crosshairs's bodies were at an almost 90 degree angle before the edit, they're now suddenly almost standing in parallel to each other, with Crosshairs' head turned towards Drift. In addition, a flame that appeared in front of Drift just before the edit is suddenly gone.
*When Shane shouts "I surrender!" and drops his "gun-sword", the hilt is facing to the right, but after a close-up showed it landing on the ground and firing a shot, the hilt is suddenly facing to the ''left'' in the subsequent long shot when it fires more shots.
*When Joshua reunites with the rest of the group in Hong Kong, Darcy tells him she'll do a diversion, and to get the Seed somewhere safe. Yet, no diversion of any kind happens.
*As Cade and Savoy grapple in the apartment, Cade jams his thumb deep into Savoy's eye socket (see right), with accompanying "squlech" sound effect, and appropriate reaction from Savoy in the form of a long howl of pain through gritted teeth and a string of drool flowing uncontrolled from his mouth. But as soon as the two separate, Savoy's eye is absolutely fine, with no indication anything is supposed to have happened to it.
*While Lockdown is pulling up parts of the city, Shane backs the car into a building which is two stories high at most, but appears much larger on the inside.

===Technical/animation errors===
*The shot right before the close-up of the cyberformed dinosaurs has no cyberformed dinosaurs at all, despite having all the excavation vehicles in the same positions as the next scene.
* Arcee is seen on Attinger's cards misspelled as "Acree".
*As Cemetery Wind are attacking Ratchet, a helicopter fires several missiles at him. Two of the missiles miss him, but do not detonate or cause any explosion of any kind to the structures immediately behind Ratchet, and are not even seen to hit them- they simply disappear.
*When Attinger takes over the operation to scramble Cemetery Wind after Optimus, and dismisses everyone in the room, he does so by saying "Ladies and gentlemen, this room is going dark. The exit is on your left." All the people then get up and begin to exit to their ''right''.
*Scrambling Cemetery Wind seems to scramble the timeline. From the deployment of Cemetery Wind to Lucas's death, the time of day is in limbo. For example, Optimus escapes from the Yeager property at sunset, joining the pursuit that takes place in early afternoon, not to mention that Cemetery Wind arrives at the Yeagers' home town at what appears to be dawn. In some instances, repeated changes between shots correspond with changes between different times of day, as different positions of the sun result in very very obviously different lighting conditions.
*When Lockdown transforms to prepare for the attack on Optimus, one can clearly see a faux-part Lamborghini logo pop out from inside the car, while the actual logo disappears.
*In the shot of Shane's car pulling up outside of the Yeager farm after Cemetery Wind has stormed in, nobody is seen inside the vehicle.
*During the scene where Cade is pretending to be a truck driver with Optimus still in his flat-nose truck form, he has a cap and white plaid shirt on. After Optimus scans into his newer form, Cade's back to wearing his leather jacket.
*When Shane's car gets sideswiped in the cornfield, the back left window is shattered. A couple scenes later, the window is just rolled down.
*When Shane's car breaks into a building, the woman sitting right in the middle of the room is clearly waiting on the glass-breaking noise to start running.
*After Lucas' death, there is nothing really stopping Lockdown or Cemetery Wind from continuing to chase Optimus. Lockdown is much faster and could easily catch up to Optimus whilst Cemetery Wind could chase in their remaining vehicles.
*When Optimus transforms to and from his Marmon 97 alternate mode, the windows and grille that make up his chest visibly change size and shape.
*When Optimus transforms out of his flat-nosed truck mode and punches the ground, Tessa and Shane are standing next to each other, as viewed from behind Optimus. When the view immediately switches to be facing Optimus, Cade is suddenly standing between the two.
*Shane defends his relationship with Tessa by stating that the 'Romeo and Juliet laws' "statute 2705-3" protect their relationship, yet the card he shows Cade reads "Statute 22.011". This is also the number that appears in the English subtitles of the DVD, meaning that it was scripted as 22.011 and not 2705-3.
*The truck that Optimus scans, while still being from the Western Star manufacturer, is an older and different model than the one he transforms into.
*When Optimus is on his way to the reunion site, the human characters inside are sitting this way: Shane to the right, Tessa in the Middle and Cade to the left. However when Optimus gets to the reunion point Cade comes out of the truck using Shane's side door (right) instead of his (left). It is clear they (the director and his crew) were trying to get a "superhero" pose but it doesn't make sense.
*When Optimus arrived to the reunion site you can see the filming crew in the reflection of his front chrome parts.
*Hound's dialogue when he's bickering with Drift doesn't really match up to what we see. Drift pulls his swords on Hound, but the big guy goads him on to "pull it", suggesting Drift was originally supposed to aim a firearm at him.
[[File:Uncolored Ratchet head prop.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Gray is the new green.]]
*When Joshua is in the lab showing Darcy Transformium, in two different shots, a gray, uncolored prop of Ratchet's head can be seen being worked on in the next room.
*As Cade's drone scans a KSI employee's name tag, it displays its location onscreen as around N 38°44'55", W115°28'27". These coordinates are for a [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B044%2755.0%22N+115%C2%B028%2727.0%22W/@38.7486111,-115.4741667,3048m patch of desert in Nevada] rather than any place in Chicago.
*While first infiltrating KSI, in the showroom where Stinger is first viewed, Bumblebee is in car mode when Joshua walks in with Yueming. Bumblebee's engine audibly revs, yet Joshua doesn't notice that there's no one in the car to rev the engine.
[[File:Megatron Head at KSI.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Screw logic!]]
*Megatron's severed head is in somewhat good shape for someone who got an axe stabbed on the top of his head. Furthermore, his head is more in line with its appearance in the first movie not ''Dark of the Moon''.
*Not to mention, after Joshua's group leaves and Bumblebee knocks Stinger down, there's no transformation noise right before Bumblebee returns to his altmode and the KSI executive walks in. Additionally, Bumblebee starts playing M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This", '''when no one is in the car''' to turn the stereo on. Ostensibly it was for a comic moment, but it didn't raise anyone's suspicions that a car that wasn't typical of the ones being scanned, operating the engine and the stereo with no human inside, might be a disguised Cybertronian?
*After Bumblebee scans his new alternate mode, the camera pans over the car and Tessa and Shane are not inside. However when he's getting his new upgraded form you can see that they used stunt doubles for Shane and Tessa. That scene wasn't dangerous enough to require stunt doubles, was it?
*Some security guards in KSI fail to react to Crosshairs's shooting and shouting until a few seconds before the scene changes.
*When Galvatron first transforms and crashes into a truck, the way he is composed in the scene makes it look like he is simply floating above the wreckage, instead of being in the middle causing it.
*When Optimus transforms, Cade and Shane leap out of Optimus, while Tessa is trapped and rolls away. However, previous shots establish that the seating order in Optimus is Shane, Tessa, Cade. This means that Cade crawled over his daughter to escape(!), which is not quite logical or possible.
*Lockdown fires two missiles at Optimus Prime that, despite piercing his chest, don't manifest any kind of visible damage on his person, despite the previous shot showing Optimus's chest getting blown apart.
*When Lockdown is approaching Optimus after gunning him down, the driver's door of the Cadillac SRX he's resting on is shown to be open in two exterior shots, even though Tessa previously closed it after getting inside, and it's also shown closed in other (mostly interior) shots.
*When he loses his grip on the net holding Optimus and the car containing Tessa, Cade is shown falling toward the street, but he lands on the grass by the road.
*When the Autobots are on a bridge, before boarding Lockdown's ship, Crosshairs is clearly shown to be speaking but no dialogue is heard.
*When Tessa gets taken to the trash in Lockdown's ship, a green screen can be seen at the end of the corridor.
*While locking up Optimus, Lockdown's scar is on the left side of his face. While talking to Savoy upon delivering the seed, it's on the right side of his face; however, it switches back to the left side right before he walks off after bidding Earth farewell.
*While the human characters are climbing across the anchor cables to the high-rise building some of the Steeljaws begin to climb out after them. Cade tells his daughter not to look back and see them, but when we cut back to her, with a clear view of the cables behind her, the Steeljaws are gone.
*When Bumblebee jumps off Lockdown's ship to save the humans, he is followed by a Steeljaw. In the following shot, the Steeljaw is gone.
*While explaining Megatron's plans to the Autobots, Brains rings a bell on a train. In the next shot, the bell is not moving.
*During the motorcycle chase, the CIA cars change. At first, Joshua and Su are trailed by a Cadillac and an Audi; in the middle of the chase, the Cadillac is replaced by another Audi. By the end of the chase, the Cadillac is back.
*In Hong Kong, when Cade, Joshua, Tessa, and Shane enter the elevator to run away from the rooftop, the elevator won't move and Cade says it's overloaded. But in the next scene, we see that the maximum number of people that the elevator can carry is nine, and it's very clear that the Seed doesn't weight as much as five people.
*When Grimlock transforms to his dino mode and charges at Optimus, there are no other Dinobots, nor the ship, to be seen in the background. However, after Optimus punches Grimlock and the shot changes, Dinobots are standing almost right next to him.
*Optimus somehow has enough strength to not only maintain his ground, but propel Grimlock through the air during his charge. Considering Grimlock's strength, velocity and weight, it is highly unlikely Optimus would win.
*Immediately after he transforms into his triceratops mode, Slug is shown to have a very visible Autobot logo on his dino-mode forehead, yet he just met Optimus and the other Autobots moments before.
*One of the air conditioning units kicked off the building exterior by Savoy falls away to reveal ... a solid wall, with no connection to an apartment's interior.
*During Hound's stand in Hong Kong, the pickup truck he uses as a shield sways left to right whilst his arm remains still.
*The damage Hound receives after being shot down, most noticeably the pipe on his left shoulder, is fixed in subsequent shots.
*Crosshairs is seen driving alongside Drift and Hound through the bridge to take the Seed away from the city ... right after we just saw him staying behind to hold the line with the Dinobots.
*During the final fight, Bumblebee decides to just leave midway. Considering the distance between the factory and the dock where they met, he must have left long before Optimus flew there.
*After Optimus takes off, the other Autobots are absent from the shot of the main cast watching Optimus fly off.

===Geographic discontinuities===
*When Cade tries to use his card at an ATM, not only is the card issued from a Chinese bank, which wouldn't have any branches in north Texas, where the Yeagers live, the text on the ATM screen (behind the ''Access Denied'' warning) is in Chinese.
*Despite being from north Texas, Cade and Tessa have no Texas accents- not all Texans have noticeable accents of course, but Cade can be heard speaking with a slight ''Boston'' accent in the trainyard ("I'm doing stuff out of my league here!"), which is likely due to his portrayer, Mark Wahlberg, being a Boston native.
*Despite the KSI pursuit scene taking place on a two lane highway, there are several scenes spliced in of the Transformers with supercar alt modes (like Stinger and Crosshairs) driving on what is obviously a racecourse (specifically the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan). This is apparent by the horizontal incline of the road in some of the shots that are also missing the markings that would normally be on a road, and a reaction shot for Stinger that shows a straight, one lane ninety degree turn.
*The entirety of the KSI pursuit scene switches between taking place between the left and right sides of the two-lane highway, despite being only supposed to take place on the right side. Furthermore, the shot showing stray missiles colliding with oncoming traffic takes place on a completely different highway, one with five lanes instead of three and a wooden fence on the side of the street as opposed to a guardrail. Moreover; the car crashing stunt for the bridge jump scene starts on the five lane highway, continues on the left side of the three lane highway, and then finishes on the ''right side'' of the three lane highway. Trouble finding shots, eh?
*All of the vehicles seen in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, rather than the right-hand drive you'd expect in a location that drives on the left.
*Some scenes supposed to take place in Hong Kong depict a very distinctively American city with traffic lights suspended by wires above the street.
*Chicago's Willis Tower can be seen in the background of Hong Kong.
*The bridge out of the city shown in the film (Tsing Ma Bridge) is at least a half-hour drive from the battlefield in Central.
*Furthermore, despite Optimus's comment, there are no bridges connecting Hong Kong Island (where all the action allegedly takes place) to the mainland. The only way to get off Hong Kong Island (other than by boat or swimming) is via one of three tunnels, none of which are used, referenced or mentioned in the film.
*Speaking of bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge (the gray version of the Golden Gate Bridge) shown in the movie is effectively a dead end unless one is going to the airport or Disneyland, because it only leads to/from Lantau Island.
*The bridge where Grimlock "digs in" is an expressway bypass. Geographically defending it is pointless as there are multiple other routes (including at least one that is faster) to bypass the bridge and tunnel yet end up at the same place on the other side.
*In one of the fight scenes there is an overhead railway (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Detroit People Mover]). There are no overhead railways on Hong Kong Island (yet) and the MTR (the subway train network) trains look nothing like the train used in the scenes, as they are a completely different shape and color.
*There are no "glass houses" on Hong Kong Island.
*There are no Chinese temple ruins on Hong Kong Island. The temples there are all intact and frequently used or preserved and don't have giant metal umbrellas ''at all''.
*The area where Optimus battles and "tames" Grimlock is in the Wushan Valley in Northern China which is over 1100 km from Hong Kong, yet is depicted as being in Pok Fu Lam on the South Western side of Hong Kong Island (which is a high rise residential area). Even flying it would take well over 2 hours to get from Wushan Valley to Hong Kong.
*It's not possible to drive a car from Beijing into Hong Kong, as the number plates would be invalid, and it would take over a day to drive that distance. Chinese vehicles coming into Hong Kong have to be from the Canton area (number plates are black) and have to be registered with Hong Kong plates, which means they must display both plates at all times one above the other. (In addition, the process to obtain permission for a car to have that is also lengthy and costly.)
*The blue SUV used by Cade and his companions is not a type of vehicle that exists in Hong Kong. In addition, its steering wheel is located on the left side, even though cars in Hong Kong have their steering wheels on the right side.
*Optimus Prime's Western Star alternate mode would be illegal to drive on Hong Kong roads, since it's is oversized. The Freightliner truck used for Galvatron is the maximum size/gauge allowed on Hong Kong roads. All scenes with Optimus driving in truck mode were filmed elsewhere, the Western Star truck was never brought to Hong Kong. Even his previous Peterbilt alternate mode would be illegal in Hong Kong.
*The area depicted as the final battle scene where Optimus and Lockdown face off was digitally added on the map of Hong Kong shown in the movie. It doesn't exist at all in real life, where it's actually a breakwater/typhoon shelter full of boats on Victora Harbour. In addition, the factories in Hong Kong (which are all located on Kowloon, because Hong Kong Island is purely a residential/business/shopping district) look nothing like the buildings used in the scene.

===[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Paleontology weeps]]===
*The cyberformed remains of a ''Tyrannosaurus'' and a ''Spinosaurus'' appear frozen together in the arctic at the beginning of the film, which is rather odd considering the two are found on different continents (North America and Africa respectively) and separated by around 35 million years of evolution. Note that a few months after the release of the movie, the morphology of ''Spinosaurus'' was completely revised, with a different spine shape and shorter legs.
[[File:ExtinctionOfTheDinosaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|And another thing! How is that sauropod running!?!]]
*The opening scene of the movie shows a ''Psittaccosaurus'' (100-120 million years old), a generic hadrosaur that might be either an ''Edmontosaurus'' or a ''Shantungosaurus'' (65-70 million years old), and a brachiosaurid (100-157 million years old) all present during what is implied to be the K-Pg extinction event (64.5-65 million years old).
*The ''Psittaccosaurus'', a well known herbivorous animal, is seen actively hunting and killing live prey. In a nod to paleontological accuracy, however, it is depicted with a row of quill-like feathers along its back, as many ceratopsian dinosaurs are believed to have had.
*The Dinobots' alternate modes are orders of magnitude larger than the real dinosaurs on which they're based. In an interesting twist, using Optimus as a proxy for the average human, all the Dinobots bar Strafe have been accurately scaled up. At 850 tonnes <ref name="Grimlock stats">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/entertainment-weekly-reveals-new-details-on-transformers-4-age-of-extinction-new-grimlock-image-179675] summarised on TFW2005.</ref> Grimlock is as large compared to Optimus as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' would be next to a human.

==Transformers references==

* As usual, many of the new characters have roots in older portions of the mythos:
** [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] is based on [[Drift (G1)|a Generation 1 character]] introduced in IDW's 2008 ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' series.
** Lockdown is derived from [[Lockdown (Animated)|a character in the 2008 ''Animated'' cartoon]] who had already jumped over to the G1 comics and, in toy form, to the movie universe.
** [[Hound (disambiguation)|Hound]] and [[Crosshairs (disambiguation)|Crosshairs]] both share names with previous characters; their personalities are new and unique, though Hound seems based on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] in physique, coloration and personality.
** Galvatron being a new form for Megatron has been a thing for [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|basically forever]]. With Joyce's intentions of creating him as a counterpart to Optimus Prime, he also takes cues from [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]; in particular the human-controlled ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|character]].
** The Dinobots are the latest iteration of [[Dinobot (G1)|the powerhouse subfaction]] that first appeared in the early days of Generation 1. Their leader Grimlock is a direct analog of [[Grimlock (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]]; Strafe and Slug are based on Generation 1 [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], respectively.
* KSI creating a mindless drone army from recycled lifeless Cybertronian bodies isn't too far off from how [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] created the [[Vehicons]] in [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]].
* In the film's opening act, Optimus has adopted a cabover truck alternate mode akin to that of his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 counterpart]]. His robot mode also draws some inspiration from his G1 design, such as the large grill on his chest.
* This is not the first time that Ratchet and Lockdown have faced off. ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had [[The Thrill of the Hunt|a long-running feud]]. Within the movie universe, the two characters have been described as rivals on ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' toy [[packaging]] [[bio]]s, and faced off in ''[[Cyber Missions 3]]''.
* The concept of the Transformers being built by another race first appeared in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]].
* Meanwhile, the concept of humans hunting down all Transformers on Earth following a successful but devastating massive battle hearkens back to plotlines from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
* The (rather obvious) theme of humans (particularly evil government agencies) using captured Transformers as a source of technology has appeared numerous times in the mythos, going all the way back to the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] agency in the original Marvel Comics. [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|The ''Animated'' cartoon]] in particular featured the severed head of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] being studied and reverse-engineered, while in IDW's ongoing G1 stories, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|a Transformer's severed head]] was used to help design man-made Transformers (in [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|a Dinobot-focused series at that]].) More broad uses of the concept include the Dreamwave ''[[Prime Directive]]'' mini-series, Devils Due's ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|Art of War]]'' mini-series (''again'' featuring the severed head of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), the [[The Transformers (IDW)|IDW ongoing series]], [[All or Nothing!|Cobra's actions in the G2 comics]], [[MECH]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]], and even in the movie universe itself, in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' mini-series that served as a prequel to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film. The idea of the (seemingly) human-controlled Transformers eventually proving to be uncontrollable was also pioneered by some of these stories, most notably Dreamwave's aforementioned ''Prime Directive'' mini.
* A device that can "[[eco-structuring|cyberform]]" other planets previously appeared in several places in the mythos, including in the original ''Transformers'' cartoon's [[Key to Vector Sigma (disambiguation)|Key to Vector Sigma]] two-parter and the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini. In both cases, it was actually activated, unlike its movie counterpart.
* The idea of aliens and/or alien technology being found frozen in the arctic or Antarctic ice is a very common trope in fiction; in terms of Transformers, the first use of the trope was [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] in the original cartoon's [[Fire in the Sky]]. A discovery specifically at the hands of ''humans'' was a plot point in the aforementioned Dreamwave ''Prime Directive'' mini, not to mention [[Transformers (film)|the discovery of]] [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E. 01]]. Or the [[Scraplet]]s.
* The ringtone on Gill Wembley's cell phone is a remixed version of the original G1 Transformers [[theme song]].
* As he hunts for Ratchet, Lockdown's head-up display shows characters in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]], an alphabet originating in the Generation 1 episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* In the scene where Optimus scans a passing truck, the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when the Autobot symbol emerges from his grill.
*During the Texas chase scene, Shane, Cade, and Tessa drive past a navy-blue Pontiac Solstice with a white stripe down the middle. The Pontiac Solstice was Jazz's alternate mode in the first film. Also, the car is a reversal of Jazz's 1980's color scheme, which was white with a navy blue stripe down the middle. Since the Pontiac Solstice was not being produced at the time of the movie's production, the car's presence is definitely a reference, although the color scheme might just be a coincidence.
*The scene where Galvatron goes active and breaks free in KSI's Chinese facility mirrors the scene in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie when Megatron breaks free inside [[Sector Seven]]'s facility, down to a reuse of the line "I am Megatron", only with the name changed to "Galvatron".

==Real-life references==
[[File:Rainbow Dash Age of Extinction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I found the magic!"]]

*Among the objects KSI makes from Transformium in the film is a Rainbow Dash doll from [[My Little Pony|another popular Hasbro brand]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]'' magazine ([[Titan Books|Titan Comics]])

==Adaptations==
Unusually, no novel or comic adaptations of the film were released. The ''[[Transformers Annual 2015]]'' contained an extremely cut down prose summary of events.

==Music==
==Score==
{{main|Age of Extinction: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)/home video}}

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery>
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionTeaserPoster.jpg|Something has survived...
File:Transformers- Age of ExtinctionOptimusPrimePoster.jpg|Will you follow me... for the fourth time?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction poster-IMAX.jpg|The Prime, the Grim, and the Marky.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Cade poster.jpg|Cade, look out behind you! Ah, too late, Lockdown's ship got him.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Shane poster.jpg|So the five minute scene about statutory rape was supposed to be funny?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Tessa poster.jpg|She wants you to forget she was in ''[[Wikipedia: The Last Airbender (film)|The Last Airbender]]''.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Su poster.jpg|So the minor character gets a poster and two lengthy filler action scenes to herself?
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Lockdown poster.jpg|''Age of Extinction'', come and spend your money here!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Rules Have Changed.jpg|It's a scene not in the movie!
File:Transformers Age of Extinction This Is Not War.jpg|This is not human extinction, it's just war.
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together1.jpg|So we face extinction if we don't stand with you? Huh, that's kinda harsh...
File:Transformers Age of Extinction Stand Together2.jpg|"Now look down. Now look at me. I'm on a dinosaur."
</gallery></center>

==Reception==

{{quote|"The few authentic inspirations to be found in the movie's hundred and sixty-five roiling minutes involve gigantic science-fiction contrivances."|[http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/transformers_age_of_extinction_bay The New Yorker's Richard Brody on Transformers 4: Age of Extinction], Richard Brody|[http://newyorker.com newyorker.com] [[2014]]}}

''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' was critically panned, and nearly universally condemned on the American front, receiving a rating of 18% positive critical reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, one percent lower than the final score for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Common criticisms leveled against it included its relatively long run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the disproportionately small amount of screen time the Dinobots got in relation to their relatively large exposure in promotional materials for the film, an over-reliance on product placement, and the decision to set the final act in Hong Kong, which was perceived as a choice solely done to pander towards the Chinese audience for the film. However, the film received praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performances of some of the human actors, mainly Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.<ref>http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_age_of_extinction/</ref> Despite any criticisms, the film was the worldwide top-grossing film for 2014, earning over a billion dollars.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2014 Box Office Mojo's 2014 Worldwide Grosses]</ref>

It [[wikipedia:35th Golden Raspberry Awards|won one Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Director ([[Michael Bay]]), was one of four movies contributing to [[Kelsey Grammer]]'s Worst Supporting Actor win (along with ''{{w|The Expendables 3}}'', ''{{w|Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return}}'' and ''{{w|Think Like a Man Too}}''), and was unsuccessfully nominated for Worst Picture; Worst Supporting Actress ([[Nicola Peltz]] as [[Tessa Yeager]]); Worst Screen Combo ("Any two robots, actors (or robotic actors)"); Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel; and Worst Screenplay ("screenplay by [[Ehren Kruger]], based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures").

==Production staff==
''Age of Extinction'' was written by [[Ehren Kruger]], who also wrote ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' and helped write ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On June 26, 2011, thirteen days before the official theatrical release of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', actor [[Tyrese Gibson]] gave an interview to Movieweb, in which he claimed that [[Michael Bay]] would not return for a fourth ''Transformers'' installment; instead, executive producer [[Steven Spielberg]] himself was allegedly interested in directing a sequel.<ref name="tyresemovieweb">[http://movieweb.com/exclusive-steven-spielberg-may-direct-transformers-4/ Movieweb interview with Tyrese Gibson], with several names missing from the text; the full excerpt in question is quoted [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/rumor-transformers-4-directed-by-steven-spielberg-172501/ here] on TFW2005.</ref> Ten days later, on June 26, 2011, still three days before the official theatrical release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay posted praise for actor [[Shia LaBeouf]] on his official forums, while at the same time expressing regret for leaving the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref name="bayshialeaving">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?9502-Love-Shia-as-an-Actor Michael Bay's praise for Shia LaBeouf] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Another two days later, on June 28, 2011, LaBeouf confirmed that ''Dark of the Moon'' would definitely be his last ''Transformers'' film, as he didn't think there was "anywhere to take" his character of [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref name="endshia">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/28/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-shia-labeouf/ "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Is The End For Shia LaBeouf"], MTV Movies Blog.</ref>

Eight months later, on February 13, 2012, producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] gave an interview during [[Toy Fair 2012]], in which he confirmed that a fourth film was scheduled for a release in the Summer of 2014, Michael Bay would direct it after all, and that the movie would be a "reboot". He promptly clarified that it was actually a "hybrid", an "evolution" of the franchise that would be in continuity with the previous films, citing 2012's ''[[Wikipedia:The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)|The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' reboot of the ''[[Spider-Man]]'' film franchise as an example of what people should ''not'' expect from a fourth ''Transformers'' film. Di Bonaventura also confirmed that no casting discussions had taken place yet at that point, since there was no set story yet. However, there would be "a lot of new cast", and it was still uncertain at that point whether any of the previous cast members would return. The only characters that would "certainly" return wold be [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].<ref name="lorenzointerview">["http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/733426/a-new-transformers-to-hit-theaters-in-summer-2014.jhtml "a new 'transformers' to hit theaters in summer 2014"], interview with Lorenzo Di Bonaventura at MTV.com.</ref> A day later, on February 14, 2012, Bay himself and [[Paramount Pictures]] officially announced that Bay had indeed signed a deal to make a fourth ''Transformers'' film. The film's release date was stated alternatively as either June 27 or June 29, 2014.<ref name="bayfourthfilm1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-release-date-revealed-174395/ "Transformers 4 Release Date Revealed"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="bayfourthfilm">[http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17028248 "Transformers director Michael Bay signs for fourth film"], BBC.co.uk.</ref> That same day, Bay also confirmed that he and Spielberg were working on a "whole new re imagining{{sic}} of ''Transformers''".<ref name="reimagining">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10284-Transformers-4 Michael Bay confirming that ''Transformers 4'' would be a "reimaginging"] at the official Michael Bay forums.</ref> Two days later, on February 16, 2012, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] expressed his doubts that he, Shia LaBeouf, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] or Tyrese Gibson would return for the fourth installment.<ref name="noshiarosie">[http://eonline.com/news/294791/josh-duhamel-not-coming-back-for-transformers-4-is-anyone "Josh Duhamel Not Coming Back for Transformers 4: Is Anyone?!"] at E! Online.</ref>

Four months later, on June 6, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed in an interview centered around ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers: The Ride]]'' that the fourth film would feature "some redesigns of the robots and an entirely new cast", and that it would be the last ''Transformers'' film he would direct.<ref name="ride">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-the-ride-3d-even-impresses-disney-rivals/ "‘Transformers’ taking new shape with Universal ride and fourth film"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref> A few weeks later, on June 21, 2012, Bay confirmed that the fourth film would feature "different human actors", but the film would not be strictly a "reboot", but rather take the story "in a new direction". While hinting that the story might venture into space for "a little bit", he still wanted to keep it "grounded".<ref name="starsspace">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/transformers-4-michael-bay-purges-stars-may-go-into-space/ "‘Transformers 4’: Michael Bay purges stars, may go into space"], LA Times Hero Complex.</ref>

[[File:TF4 Chinese Reality Show contestants.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|If ''Age of Extinction'' teaches us anything, it's that more movies should be cast using reality shows.]]On September 21, 2012, Michael Bay confirmed the first "cast" member for the film in the broadest sense, namely the fact that voice actor [[Peter Cullen]] would be kept on as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. He also confirmed that the film would ''not'' be a reboot, but would pick up the story from where ''Dark of the Moon'' had left off in [[Chicago]].<ref name="cullen">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/michael-bay-transformers-4-pain-and-gain_n_1903523.html "Michael Bay, 'Transformers 4' Director, On The Struggles Of 'Pain & Gain'"], Huffington Post interview.</ref> One and a half months later, on November 8, 2012, Bay confirmed [[Mark Wahlberg]] as the first human cast member,<ref name="wahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/11/08/michael-bay-re-teams-with-his-pain-gain-star-mark-wahlberg-for-transformers-4/ "Michael Bay Re-Teams With His 'Pain & Gain' Star Mark Wahlberg for Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> after having referred to such claims as "just a rumor" a mere month earlier.<ref name="baynowahlberg">[http://michaelbay.com/2012/10/23/transformers-4-casting-rumor/ "Transformers 4 Casting Rumor"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> On December 15, 2012, Wahlberg himself confirmed that filming would commence in May 2013.<ref name="wahlbergmay">[http://collider.com/ted-2-sequel-mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/218011/ "Mark Wahlberg Talks TED 2, TRANSFORMERS 4, and PAIN AND GAIN; Says TF Starts Shooting in May Followed By TED Sequel"], interview with Collider.com.</ref> Another month later, on January 8, 2013, Irish American actor [[Jack Reynor]] was confirmed as the second human cast member.<ref name="reynor">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jack-reynor-lands-starring-role-409850 "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Nicola Peltz]] was confirmed on March 26, 2013,<ref name="welcomepeltz">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/03/26/welcome-nicola-peltz-to-transformers-4/ "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> followed by [[Stanley Tucci]] (confirmed to be an antagonist) on April 16, 2013.,<ref name="tucci">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/cinemaconnews.php?id=103034 "CinemaCon: Stanley Tucci Joins Transformers 4"]</ref> [[Kelsey Grammer]] as a lead (human) villain named "Harold Attinger" on May 1, 2013,<ref name="grammerattinger">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/kelsey-grammer-lands-lead-human-villain-in-transformers-sequel/ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In ‘Transformers’ Sequel"] at Deadline.com.</ref> [[Sophia Myles]] as a scientist on May 6, 2013,<ref name="mylesscientist">[http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/sophia-myles-join-mark-wahlberg-michael-bays-transformers-4-exclusive-89661 "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> Chinese actress [[Li Bingbing]] in an at that point still unspecified role on May 20, 2013,<ref name="bingbing">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chinas-li-bingbing-boards-transformers-525370 "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter</ref> and actor-comedian [[T. J. Miller]] as a mechanic and best friend to Wahlberg's character on May 28, 2013.<ref name="miller">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tj-miller-joins-transformers-4-559359 "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'"] at Hollywood Reporter.</ref> [[Titus Welliver]] wasn't officially confirmed until July 25, 2013, after he had been spotted on set in Texas.<ref name="welliver">[http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/transformers-4-adds-titus-welliver/ "‘Transformers 4′ Adds Titus Welliver"], Deadline.com.</ref> In the lead-up to the release of the movie, Welliver would stir up a minor controversy with an interview in which he stated that the film would be darker and "not a kid's movie". Following a storm of online discussion regarding this statement, he issued a new statement to the effect that ''Age of Extinction'' is in fact a kid's movie, and he meant to say it would expand the audience.<ref name="nerdist">[https://www.nerdist.com/2014/02/titus-welliver-talks-about-transformers-4-and-clark-greggs-s-h-i-e-l-d-comments/ Titus Welliver Talks About TRANSFORMERS 4 and Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Comments], Nerdist.com.</ref>

A rather unusual addition to the cast were [[Byron Li]], [[Candice Zhao]], [[Austin Lin]] and [[Teresa Daley]], which won their part through participating in the ''[[Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show]]'' on August 25, 2013.<ref name="reality">[http://beijing.china.org.cn/2013-08/28/content_29845758.htm "'Transformers 4' recruits 4 Chinese actors"], China.org.cn.</ref>

The remaining robot voice cast (barring Optimus Prime) wasn't officially revealed until May 8, 2014.<ref name="voicecast">[http://michaelbay.com/2014/05/08/john-goodman-and-ken-watanabe-join-the-autobot-voice-cast-in-michael-bays-transformers-age-of-extinction/ "John Goodman And Ken Watanabe Join The Autobot Voice Cast in Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’"] at the official Michael Bay website.</ref>

===Writing and production===
On March 20, 2013, the Michigan Film Office announced that the fourth film would return to [[Detroit]].<ref name="michigan">[http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=11620 "Transformers Returning to Michigan, Approved for Film Incentive" at the Michigan Film Office website.]</ref> Principal photography began on May 28, 2013, at [[Wikipedia:Monument Valley|Monument Valley]].<ref name="monument">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/05/28/transformers-4-starts-filming-in-monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/ "Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park"], on Michael Bay's official site.</ref> Other shooting locations were the small towns of Lockhart, Taylor, Elgin and Pflugerville in Texas.<ref name="texas">[http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/headlines/20130426-fourth-transformers-film-to-shoot-in-texas.ece "Fourth ‘Transformers’ film to shoot in Texas"] at Dallas Morning News.</ref> Shooting in Michigan involved two historic passenger steamboats, the ''[[Wikipedia:SS Columbia|SS Columbia]]'' and her sister ship, the ''[[Wikipedia:Ste. Claire (passenger steamboat)|SS Ste. Claire]]'', which were docked in [[Wikipedia:River Rouge, Michigan|River Rouge]] awaiting restoration at the time being used as props.<ref name="boblo">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/07/26/wdr-boblo-boats-transformers-four.html "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4"], CBC News.</ref> While shooting in Detroit, Mark Wahlberg's children visited the set and were given small parts in the movie upon their father's request.<ref name="wahlkids">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/30/mark-wahlbergs-kids-cast-in-transformers-4/ "Mark Wahlberg's Kids Cast In Transformers 4"], Comicbook.com.</ref>

[[File:AOE Michael Bay Nicola Peltz on set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Michael Bay uses his legendary charm to get the very best performance out of his actors.]]
Due to an increased focus of Hollywood studios trying to market its movies to the Chinese audience, parts of the movie were not only set in China, but actually filmed there. One of the shooting sites was Hong Kong. While there, the movie crew encountered the risks of shooting a movie in China firsthand when director Michael Bay was assaulted on the set by two locals demanding money; according to some sources, they were store owners that were not satisfied with the compensation they received for the inconvenience of having a movie filming nearby. Bay received minor injuries, but played the incident off on his blog. Both he and an official Paramount statement suggested that the assailants were under the influence of drugs.<ref name="attack1">[http://deadline.com/2013/10/hong-kong-police-called-to-transformers-4-set-amid-alleged-extortion-attempt-report-613912/ "Extortion Attempt On ‘Transformers 4′ Set; Michael Bay Suffers Minor Injury: Report"], Deadline.com.</ref><ref name="attack2">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-attacked-transformers-4-649183 "Michael Bay Attacked on 'Transformers 4' Set in Hong Kong"], Hollywood Reporter.</ref><ref name="attack3">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-24566287 "Transformers director Michael Bay attacked in Hong Kong"], BBC.</ref name="attack4">[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/michael-bay-attacked-on-transformers-hong-kong-film-shoot-1.2100953 "Michael Bay attacked on Transformers Hong Kong film shoot"], CBC News.</ref><ref name="attack5">[http://michaelbay.com/2013/10/17/hong-kong-incident/ "Hong Kong Incident"] on Michael Bay's official Blog.</ref> A second extortion attempt occured several days later, this time allegedly by several triad gang members. Although one of them was later arrested, no-one was injured this time around.<ref name="extortion2">[http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bay-transformers-4hong-kong-second-extortion-incident-2013-10?IR=T "More Trouble For 'Transformers 4' In Hong Kong As Second Extortion Attempt Reported"], Business Insider.</ref><ref name="extortion3">[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/asia/hong-kong-transformers-triad-extortion/ "Transformers versus the triads of Hong Kong: the sequel"], CNN.</ref> Once again, Bay played down the extortion attempts in an interview, noting that most of the locals were apologetic over what took place, and that he wanted to film more projects in Hong Kong.<ref name="eager">[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1342084/hollywood-director-michael-bay-eager-shoot-hong-kong-again "Hollywood director Michael Bay eager to shoot in Hong Kong again"], ''South China Morning Post'']</ref>

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left|"Get me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!"]]Late script changes resulted in Bay and his crew returning to the Chinese city of [[Wikipedia:Chongqing|Chongqing]] for a week reshooting a scene in January 2014.<ref name="reshoot">[http://www.ecns.cn/2014/01-23/98337.shtml "'Transformers 4' back to China for additional shots"], China News Service (Ecns.cn).</ref>

Some of [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]]'s post-production effects were done at a newly opened Lucasfilm facility in Singapore.<ref name="ilmsg">[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/lifestyle/story/lucasfilm-singapore-work-new-avengers-and-transformers-movies-20140116 "Lucasfilm Singapore to work on new Avengers and Transformers movies"], The Straits Times.</ref>

{{--}}

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[File:AOE Optimus Prime truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|When having one's midlife crisis, it's not unusual to get a souped-up alternate mode.]]
''Age of Extinction'' continues the collaboration with General Motors. Earlier in the film, Bumblebee chooses a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS as his disguise when hiding from [[Cemetery Wind]], whereas later on, he upgrades to the newest model, a 2014 Camaro concept car. (The production crew was actually accused of ripping off a one-of-a-kind custom for the 1967 version.<ref name="1967custom">[http://jalopnik.com/did-transformers-4-rip-off-this-guys-design-for-the-ne-510655228 "Did Transformers 4 Rip Off This Guy's Design For The New Bumblebee?"] at Jalopnik.com.</ref>) Furthermore, new addition [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]]'s alternate mode is a 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, and recurring character Ratchet briefly appears at the beginning of the movie and transforms into his Hummer H2 ambulance mode (in the color scheme from ''Dark of the Moon'') before being killed at the hands of Cemetery Wind and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

''Age of Extinction'' is the first movie to feature an official partnership with a manufacturer for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s alternate mode. Earlier in the movie, he transforms into an old, rusty Marmon 97 truck cab (presumably without support from the manufacturer), but later upgrades into a brand new Western Star "5700 OP" concept truck that was designed specifically for the movie by "Twins Custom Coaches" and the team at West Coast Customs, with Western Star being a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, who also provided a 2012 Freightliner Argosy that serves as [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s alternate mode.

Other manufacturers that provided vehicles to be used for characters' alternate modes were the Oshkosh Corporation with an Oshkosh Defense FMTV truck for [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]], the Volkswagen group with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] and a Lamborghini Aventador for Lockdown, and independent Italian manufacturer Pagani Automobili with a Pagani Huayra for [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]].

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* [[Slash (AOE)|Slash]] was originally intended to appear in the film (he even made it into some concept artwork).<ref name="burt">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-from-wesley-burt/30723/ Age of Extiction concept art by Wesley Burt], mirrored at Seibertron.com.</ref>
* [[Glenn Morshower]] was originally set to return in this film, reprising his role of [[Morshower|General Morshower]], but didn't return due to a scheduling conflict.<ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/general-morshower-not-returning-to.html</ref>
* Both [[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] were intended to cameo reprising their roles as [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] but were cut before filming started.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-in-talks-for-transformers-4-176078/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/tyrese-gibson-to-make-cameo-appearance-only-in-transformers-4-177407/</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/josh-duhamel-to-make-cameo-appearance-in-transformers-4-177026/</ref><ref>http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2013/06/josh-duhamel-not-in-transformers-4.html</ref>
* Ed Welburn, [[General Motors]]' vice president for global design, was originally set to cameo as the C.I.A. head before being recast as a KSI employee.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/automobiles/ed-welburn-gets-a-part-in-transformers.html?_r=0</ref>
* A scene depicting Hound and Bumblebee dancing with Tessa (while Drift bobs his head in the background) was not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxZ7Gg2yV4</ref>
* Scorn's toys lack the additional two sails he has in the film, suggesting it was a late design change.
*The Pagani Huayra that eventually ended up as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working name "Widow Maker".<ref name="vitaly">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-9/age-of-extinction-concept-art-by-vitaly-bulgarov-180636/ Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarov] at TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".</ref><ref name="jung">[http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/07/20/transformers-age-of-extinction-concept-art-shows-off-epic-scope-/ Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jung] at Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".</ref>
* Wahlberg's character was named "Flynn 'Ray' Vincent" rather than "Cade Yeager" in a casting call. The same casting call also revealed that actor [[Glenn Morshower]] was supposed to reprise his role as [[Morshower|General Morshower]] from the previous two films.<ref name="txcasting">[http://www.featurefilmauditions.com/2013/05/casting-for-transformers-4-actors-and.html "Transformers 4' open casting calls for actors and extras in Austin, TX and Detroit, MI"] at Film Auditions.</ref>
* A scene where Cade says "Stick behind me" is not present in the final cut of the film.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSkXQs890g</ref>
* Another piece of dialogue cut from the film is when Cade says "You tell me" to Attinger when he asks for Optimus Prime.
* In some concept artwork, Grimlock appears as a horn-less T-Rex.
* The original running time of the film was 2 hours and 7 minutes, which would have made it the shortest film in the franchise. The final running time was 2 hours and 30 minutes <ref>http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BatFreak/news/?a=77992</ref><ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-4-age-of-extinction-running-time-revealed-180165/</ref>
* [[Dwayne Johnson]] was originally offered the role of Cade Yeager, but due to his commitment to ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'', the role was later taken over by his ''Pain & Gain'' co-star Mark Wahlberg.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheRock/statuses/327892048978006016 Dwayne Johnson on Twitter]</ref>
*In some concept artwork, Drift was colored orange instead of blue. but according to the Generation 2 featurette in the Blu-ray release, this was changed because the vehicle that was going to play Drift was sold off.
*Some concept artwork shows that Optimus was intended to have his original trilogy body in the scenes where he had his new look.
*According to Ehren Kruger in the Generation 2 featurette, in the early drafts of the film, it was not originally centered on the Cade Yeager character.
*Numerous silver [[redeco]] toys were produced for Optimus Prime with the moniker of "Silver Knight", suggesting that he was originally supposed to take on this alternate appearance in the film itself, almost certainly upon drawing a sword from the Knights' armory. In the finished film, he does undergo some slight physical alteration at this point, his arms reconfiguring to resemble armor plates, but that's as far as it goes. This was also ''prrrrobably'' where he was supposed to get the rocket-boots he suddenly deploys at the film's end.

{{-}}

===Disinformation campaign===

Like ''Revenge of the Fallen'' and ''Dark of The Moon'' before it, ''Age of Extinction'' had a campaign that would mask details of the final film. However, unlike the previous films, this one was all encompassing; no novelization or comics by [[IDW Publishing]] was released, allowing for a great deal of the movie's spoilers to actually remain unknown longer than for the previous three films.

In the original Michigan Film Office press release published on March 20, 2013, several vague plot details were revealed, including the fact that Autobots and Decepticons had "[[Cemetery Wind|all but vanished from the face of the planet]]", a "[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|group of [...] businessman and scientists]]" were developing new technologies based on past encounters with the Transformers, and an "[[Lockdown (ROTF)|ancient, powerful Transformer menace]]" was targeting Earth.<ref name="plotunveiled">[http://www.thewrap.com/node/82001/ "‘Transformers 4’ Plot Unveiled by Michigan Film Office"] at TheWrap.com.</ref> These plot details were later claimed to be inaccurate by Paramount Pictures,<ref name="notaccurate">[http://screenrant.com/transformers-4-movie-plot-synopsis-cast/ Unofficial "'Transformers 4' Plot Synopsis Is Not Accurate"] at Screenrant.com</ref> but in all their vagueness ultimately turned out to be not too far off from the film's plot.

A lot of the newly-added characters were given "code names" during production, most of them related to the ''Rocky'' saga: "Duke" for Hound, "Adrian" for Galvatron, "Ivan" for Grimlock, "Rocky" for Slash (who was originally intended to appear in the movie, as noted above), "Southpaw" for Scorn, "Paulie" for Strafe, and "Thunderlips" for Slug. In addition, Crosshairs was code-named "Slingshot", Drift was code-named "Bruce", Lockdown was code-named "Max", and Steeljaw was code-named "Wolf" (which ''might'' have simply been a working name).<ref name="customer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/961952-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown.html Hasbro customer service list]</ref>
{{stub}}

==Notes==
*Not only do the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] go unnamed in the film (other than [[Scorn (AOE)|Scorn]] getting the nickname, "Spike"), the word Dinobot is never even said by anyone. The audio description soundtrack on the home video releases refers to them as warriors or barbarians, but notes during the final scene that they "turn into Dinobots" (of course it also refers to Galvatron transforming "into an Autobot" when he turns into a robot, so make of that what you will).
*In addition to the Mercenary robots, [[Steeljaw (AOE)|Steeljaws]], the ball-shaped drones, and [[Stupid Drone]]s, inside Lockdown's ship there were also several hovering drones. These drones appear to be of the same type as those the United States used in ''Dark of the Moon'' (the one that got sucked into the engine of Bumblebee's commandeered Decepticon fighter). Maybe Attinger sold them to Lockdown?
*Michael Bay's website incorrectly refers to the film as "Transformers 4 The Age Of Extinction"
* The deceased Autobots and Decepticons shown in the cards Attinger pulled early in the film includes: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]].
* This film seems to put a final nail in the coffin regarding the films' abandonment of the concept of using [[protoform]]s to travel through space; when the Autobots steal a ship from [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], they immediately move to leave Earth, indicating they had been stranded on Earth for the past five years without a spaceship (following the destruction of the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''). The fact that no mention is made of searching for any possible survivors of Cemetery Wind's hunt also suggests that all Autobots who did not return for this film have been killed off as well.
*The robot designs in this film are markedly different than the previous three; the robots have less alien appearances and are more heavily influenced by human forms with far less visible vehicle parts.
*Speaking of the appearance of the Autobots - they all are based on specific types of human combatants throughout history: Optimus is obviously a medieval knight, Hound heavily resembles a World War II-era commando, Crosshairs looks like a mercenary or assassin, Bumblebee's new form is highly Ninja-like, and Drift is unsurprisingly a samurai.
*Director Michael Bay makes a cameo appearance in the film as a guy sitting in the passenger seat of a truck whose trailer Optimus Prime and Bumblebee crash through after being attacked by Galvatron and Stinger.<ref name="magiceffects">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btn2tPxjisA "Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of 'Transformers Age of Extinction'"] on the official ILMVisualFX Youtube channel.</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Lost Age''''' (トランスフォーマーロストエイジ ''Toransufōmā Rosuto Eiji'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''''Binying Gamgong: Chimmit Saigei''''' (變形金剛：殲滅世紀 "Transformers: The Century of Annihilation")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: Ära des Untergangs''''' ("Transformers: Era of Doom")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Pièn-hsíng Chīn-kāng Ssù: Chuéh-chī Ch'óng-shēng''''' (Taiwan, 變型金剛4：絕跡重生), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng Sì: Juéjī Chóngshēng''''' (China, 变形金刚4：绝迹重生, "Transformers 4: Rebirth from the Extinction")
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers: Wiek zagłady''''' ("Transformers: Age of Extinction")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Epokha istrebleniya''''' (Трансформеры: Эпоха истребления ''Transformers: Age of Extermination'')
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers 4''''' (Argentina)
*''Turkish:'' '''''Transformers: Kayıp Çağ''''' ("Transformers: Lost Age")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

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[[Category:Age of Extinction| Age of Extinction (film)]]
[[Category:Real world films]]