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NEST

2011-08-06T21:51:43Z

Fanaction2031: /* Dark of the Moon movie */

{{factions|NEST}}
:''NEST is a military organization from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film series]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:NEST insignia.png|right|300px|Moooooooove out, soldier!]]

Following the disbanding of [[Sector Seven]], '''Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers (NEST)''' was set up under [[William Lennox]] to create a combined [[United States military|United States Military]]/[[Autobot]] defense force against [[Decepticon]]s. Under the classified Alien/Autobot Cooperation Act, the Autobots share intelligence and personell with the US but not their advanced weaponry.

NEST is given marching orders from the [[Pentagon]], specifically the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ([[Morshower]] in 2008-9). Despite this and its American origins, it expanded early on to include armed forces from other nations such as the [[United Kingdom]] and is allowed access to [[China|foreign territory]].

{{bigquote|A classified strike team called NEST. We hunt for what remains of our Decepticon foes, hiding in different countries around the globe.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|''Revenge of the Fallen'']]}}

:''Polish name:'' '''GNIAZDO''' (only in [[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|the video game]])

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance3_NEST_rollout.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Hey, that's my line!]]

Approximately one month after the events in [[Mission City]], Sector Seven inadvertently reactivated the [[Decepticon]] [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] and simultaneously attracted the attention of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and the subsequent battle leveled Sector Seven's [[Nevada]] bunker, costing dozens of lives. [[John Keller (Movie)|Secretary of Defense Keller]] immediately terminated the clandestine group's operations upon learning of the incident.

In the aftermath, Captain Lennox tried to convince his dubious and hostile superiors at the [[Pentagon]] that the Autobots were indeed trustworthy and would be a valuable asset. His superiors impressed upon him that in order for the military to provide full disclosure, the Autobots must cooperate fully, and that the unit was Lennox's responsibility now. After the burial-at-sea of [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and Lennox agreed that for the protection of their mutual homeworld, they must trust each other and work together as a single team. Sometime later, the newly formed NEST command commenced training at the military base on [[Diego Garcia]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3|Alliance #3}}

NEST had a baptism of fire against the [[Decepticon]] scouts [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Jolt (Movie)|Dead End]] in [[San Francisco]]: the mission was successful although Lennox was criticized for allowing the Autobots to transform on the Golden Gate Bridge. NEST expanded to a multinational force and began taking on Decepticon agents across [[Earth]]: [[Fracture (Movie)|Fracture]] and [[Overcast (Movie)|Overcast]] were destroyed in Europe, while [[Dropkick]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]] were defeated in [[Florida]]. NEST's victories were tempered with the ultimate sacrifice, such as when [[Salani]] died battling [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]]. When [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] redeployed back to the 'States as [[Sam Witwicky]]'s guardian, NEST received a much-needed boost in Transformers ranks when [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] came to Earth. This joy was short-lived, however: the Decepticon [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] had been sighted in [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}
As [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] was spotted in [[Zambia]], gaining control over local rebel groups by using his internal synthesizers to create [[gold]] coins, NEST was deployed to the Zambezi River to battle [[Dropkick]], [[Macerator]], and [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]]. [[Beachbreak]] was killed by Starscream while helping Optimus Prime not fall to his death at Victoria Falls. Starscream's Decepticons attempted to destroy a series of dams, but Prime killed Macerator, while Payload was drowned when the humans entered the dam and opened the flood gates.

Epps, Russian scientist [[Petr Andronov]], [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knockout]] went to [[Peru]], while Lennox, [[Kaminari Ishihara]], Prime, Ironhide, and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] arrived in the Western [[Australia]]n Outback. Epps' team fought off [[Ruination (ROTF)|Ruination]] and [[Blademaster]], while Lennox's group encountered [[Kickback (ROTF)|Kickback]], [[Tread]] and [[Trample]]. Before dying, Kickback revealed he was part of a Decepticon faction not under Starscream's command, which were trying to gather enough energy to revive Megatron.

At Diego Garcia, [[crab spy|a small crab]] Decepticon infiltrated the base and hacked into the NEST computers before sneaking back into the sea. Despite the break-in, the NEST team continued their usual business, hunting another [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Jolt (Movie)|Deadend]] in [[Italy|Rome]]. Unexpectedly, Starscream challenged Prime to single combat inside the Coliseum. There, Prime fell through a trap door to a subway tunnel extension and into a strong set of restraints arranged by Italian criminal [[Bruno Carrera]] - who was promised rule of Europe once Starscream conquered Earth - where he was attacked by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. The humans rescued Prime though, and Barricade and Starscream fled. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:Titan3_NESTedwardsairbase.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Where were we in the film? We were... redecorating. Yes.]]

NEST have a centralised [[NEST Server]]. Target coordinates so any nearby forces can get the necessary data. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.14|Head in the Clouds}}

NEST have a secret base in a hangar at Edwards Air Force Base, [[California]], which both monitors for Decepticons and possesses a rapid-reaction strike team for missions on US soil. Ironhide was the commanding officer there, with Sergeant [[Dundee]] as the strike team's leader. At least five people monitor and handle the computer side of things, and like the Diego Garcia base, they work on a raised platform on wheels. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}} A Regional Command base exists in [[Wyoming]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}} A second California base is at Andrews Air Force Base {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}}, and an armoury is hidden in the [[Texas|Alamo]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.12|Rules of Engagement}}

An overseas base, labelled as forward operations, exists in [[United Kingdom|Scotland's]] Orkney Islands, overseen by [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. It contains a training facility for Autobots, but does not appear heavily staffed. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}} Another overseas base, a prison for captured Decepticons, was located in Bloemfontein, [[South Africa]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}} A NEST Ops base for [[Canada]] is located in [[CFB Comox]], Vancouver Island {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.14|Head in the Clouds}} and a north [[Russia|Russian]] base is located in the Arkhangelskaya Oblast. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.20|Divided Loyalties}}

Optimus was absent for a while, off in [[Australia]] on NEST business. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

The California NEST team went to [[Las Vegas]] to intercept and capture [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. They came close, disabling him with electrified cables and almost anchoring him to the ground, only for [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to muck it up. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

Later, when the twins were at Diego Garcia, the Decepticon [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] was captured in Australia. Optimus Prime returned to Diego Garcia with this prisoner, but Sideways was freed when [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] attacked the island. Since the villain shouldn't have gotten that close without being spotted (there's an ocean in the way!), it was clear NEST's security had been compromised. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

Later, the Wyoming base detected the battle between the twins and [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

[[Image:Titan9_NESTdiversion.jpg|thumb|left|300px|There is nothing to see here. Honest.]]

Even later than that, after that whole [[The Fallen|Fallen]] thing (see below), NEST attempted to lure [[Reverb (ROTF)|a motorbike Decepticon]] out of traffic in [[Los Angeles]] and into a trap. Unfortunately, [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] fubar-ed the mission and while the target was captured, the damage was extensive. This made [[Theodore Galloway]] ''very'' happy, as it was a new excuse to get NEST shut down.

Two days after that, NEST's Watch-Seven called for help from Andrews Air Force Base, reporting an unknown Cybertronian attacker and requesting back-up. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}} Some time after, NEST forces responded to an attempted break-in at the Alamo armoury. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.12|Rules of Engagement}}

[[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] would go on to cause a jailbreak in South Africa, overpowering the Autobot guards; NEST had to let Bludgeon's Decepticons leave to prevent civilian deaths. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}} Following his escape, NEST forces have seen action against his militia and unrelated Decepticons in Canada, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.14|Head in the Clouds}}, the North Atlantic {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.15|Making Waves}}, Egypt {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.16|Turn and Burn}}, and [[Peru]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.17|The Kingdom of Starscream}}. After they were seen to retreat in South Africa, however, NEST's standing has been low in the eyes of the world. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.16|Turn and Burn}}

An ongoing NEST mission is to locate all the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] on Earth. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10| Bring Me the Head of Optimus Prime}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
NEST arrived in Shanghai with a cover story provided by the Chinese government that they were cleaning up a toxic spill in the industrial area. In reality, the Autobot-human military alliance was hunting the sixth group of Decepticon infiltrators detected in the past eight months, with the hopes of cleanly taking out the enemy without members of the public witnessing the secret war. Unfortunately, the Decepticons, Demolishor and [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], wrecked a significant portion of Shanghai before they were defeated by Sideswipe and Optimus Prime. Returning to their base at Diego Garcia, Lennox and Optimus met [[Theodore Galloway]], who was appointed their new Director by the [[President of the United States]], and held a video conference with General [[Morshower]]. Galloway noted President [[Barack Obama|Obama]]'s serious concerns at the destruction during the Shanghai battle, and voiced his opinion that the Decepticons only remained because the Autobots did. Optimus said that if the Autobots were asked to leave, they would do so, but asked Galloway to pass on a message to the President: what if the Autobots leave, and the humans are wrong?

Little did they know, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] was listening in on their conversation, overhearing details such as [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s location in the [[Laurentian Abyss]], and the last [[AllSpark]] fragment in storage at Diego Garcia. [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] was deployed to steal the fragment, which [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]] used to revive their leader. The reborn Megatron went after [[Sam Witwicky]], and Optimus Prime died protecting him. Following Optimus' death, the Decepticons arrived in greater numbers during bolder attacks under the leadership of Megatron's master, [[The Fallen]], with the promise of more if the humans did not turn Sam over to the Decepticons. Galloway ordered the termination of NEST and that the Autobots retreat to Diego Garcia.

But [[Seymour Simmons]] contacted Lennox, revealing he had travelled to [[Egypt]] with Sam to unravel the Decepticons' plot, and that they should bring Optimus Prime's body, as the boy had a plan to resurrect him. Lennox managed to get the information to General Morshower, who managed to arrange assets to be positioned accordingly. During their supposed flight to Diego Garcia, Lennox had the pilots divert to Egypt and then fake engine trouble so Galloway would be forced to parachute off the plane, so they could land outside the [[pyramid]]s instead. Once they set up, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] performed a flyby and released an [[electromagnetic pulse]], disabling communications, while Soundwave knocked out the [[United States military]] satellite coverage. Once communications were out, Megatron ordered the Decepticons to attack, with a small force landing to engage NEST.

Suspecting something was wrong, Morshower ordered a UAV deployed to observe what was going on, while Simmons was able to use a radio from a [[Jordan]]ian helicopter to request backup from the nearby [[United States Navy#U.S.S. John C. Stennis (CVN-74)|U.S.S. ''John C. Stennis''<nowiki>'</nowiki> battle group]]. Once the UAV confirmed the battle was going on, Morshower deployed all available assets to the region. On the ground, NEST fought a desperate struggle to hold off the Decepticons, until Sam arrived with the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Once again in contact with the military, Sergeant Epps ordered in an airstrike, which managed to destroy most of the Decepticon forces. Megatron survived the strike, and killed Sam, but [[Dynasty of Primes|something]] managed to revive him, and he restored Optimus to life. With the Autobot leader functioning again, NEST watched as he combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] and subsequently defeated The Fallen. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}}
{{-}}

===IDW Post ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
{{stub}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' movie===
NEST arrives in an abandoned facility called Chernobyl to investigate an alien technology. Little did they know that [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] was leading them to a trap, and as they journey deeper in the facility, they were ambushed by [[Shockwave]] and [[Driller]]. The Decepticons were then overpowered by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], leader of the [[Autobots]]. Returning to their secret base, disguised as a "Health and Human services", where they now train most of the Autobots in the NEST team. They meet [[Charlotte Mearing|Director Charlotte Mearing]], who interrogates Optimus, who seems to be in a "bad mood" due to humans not telling the Autobots about the concealed technology for the past few years. She appoints two of NASA's founding associates and astronaut [[Buzz Aldrin]] and explains the true event of the space race, explaining that there was a crashlanded spacecraft that landed on the moon, and NASA decided to investigate the ship, which made them realize, that they were not alone in this universe. Optimus then explains that the spacecraft is called "[[Ark (DOTM)|The Ark]]" and he has watched it escape Cybertron during the war. He also claims that it carries a technology that would have won the Autobots the war, and the captain, [[Sentinel Prime (DOTM)|Sentinel Prime]]. Optimus explains that he must get to the spacecraft and pray that it is in time.

As the Autobots: Optimus Prime, and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] arrive on the moon, they search for the Ark. As they enter the Ark, they find Sentinel, and Ratchet realizes that Sentinel sacrificed himself, to guard the Pillars, the technology which would have won the Autobots the war on Cybertron. Optimus then brings Sentinel home. Meanwhile, as [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Carly Spencer]] escape from Sam's office from Laserbeak, they were confronted by NEST guards, claiming that they are in the wrong facility. Sam persists, and calls [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] from one of the guard's radios. Bumblebee emerges and the guards give Sam the clearance to go in the facility. Sam gives the information about the "moon program, assassinations, and the dark side of the moon" to Lennox, but as Director Mearing sees Sam and Carly walk in, she doubts Sam, and cannot entrust National Security to "teenagers".

Meanwhile, Optimus uses his [[Matrix of Leadership]] to revive Sentinel, whom when he is awaken, believes that Optimus is an enemy, and attacks him, but he realizes that they are his fellow Autobots. Optimus explains that the war is lost, and that he only saved only five of his Pillars, while there were hundreds. Sentinel then explains to the NEST forces that the Pillars are devices that are used for transportation, which in this case, is for transporting refuges, he also explains that if the Pillars are in the hands of the Decepticons, it would mean the end of "[[Earth|your world]]."

As Sam and Carly are in Mearing's office, Sam asks if there is any way to contribute to the Autobots and NEST, but she refuses, as only soldiers and trained officers can work with NEST, as if she allows Sam to contribute, it will break her chain of command, she claims that Sam is a "messenger". So she appoints Sam under the protection of Bumblebee.

As Sam,and [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] realize that the Decepticons raided the Ark, took the Pillars and left five Pillars. Sam explains to Mearing that the whole thing was set up, and that the Decepticons were coming for Sentinel Prime. As a battle in the highway raged, and the Autobots returned to the NEST headquarters, they realized that Sentinel Prime had made a deal with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] to ensure the survival of the Cybertronian race and it's home. Sentinel then kills [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] with his Cosmic Rust-Cannon, and Ironhide then disintegrates. Sentinel destroys the headquarters, while Mearing asks Sentinel what he was doing, and he claims that "he is a Prime, and the he doesn't take orders from humans". The NEST forces realize that Sentinel is too strong to be engaged, and that they have to retreat to the [[Pentagon]], with Sentinel taking all the Pillars, realizing that they have to hunt Sentinel down.

Back in the Pentagon, the NEST forces receive an encrypted audio code, which was Sentinel asking to renounce the Autobot rebels, and they will leave Earth unharmed and unspoiled. So the NEST forces have no choice but to exile the Autobots, using a ship called the ''Xantium''. Sam meets [[Robert Epps]], a former NEST soldier at the rocket facility. As the Autobots exile the planet, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacks the ship, presumably killing the Autobots.

Meanwhile, Sam gets a call from [[Dylan Gould]], a human agent of the Decepticons, saying that they would make sure that the Autobots will go without a fight. Using the phone call, Sam uses Dylan's phone number to track Dylan, with the help of Dutch. Dutch tracks the phone, and triangulates it to the Trump Tower in Chiacgo. Sam will have to go inside the tower, and rescue Carly, but Epps decides to help him, as Gould has killed his friends also. Epps picks up most of his former NEST soldiers, and they go to Chicago, which is now infested with Decepticons and became a barren wasteland, as they were attacked by the Decepticon fighters, Optimus and the Autobots rescued them from the attack.

Meanwhile, Lennox and his wingsuiting party decide to wingsuit in the building to destroy the Control Pillar at one of the skyscrapers. As they fly in to Chicago, they wingsuit in but Starscream attacks them, and several Decepticon fighters also attack the wingsuiters. The remaining wingsuiters land in one of the buildings, while Epps and his party snipe out the Decepticon's eyes, leaving them blind, and the ground forces plant charges on the Decepticons, and shoot them down. They manage to badly wound [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], and some Decepticons. They also call in tomahawks to shoot down the Decepticon fighters, which were wounding Optimus, and gave Optimus cover as he fights Sentinel Prime. When the battle was finished, Lennox calls Sam so he could be reunited with Carly, and the NEST forces were also reunited. Presumably, Epps and his remaining NEST party returns to work at NEST.

==Games==
===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====

In the Autobot campaign, before you do a specific mission, Epps will give you what you need to do, and how many Decepticons there are.

=====Decepticon campaign=====

The Decepticon campaign. Soundwave will hack into the NEST satellite to tell which Autobot to destroy.

===Starscream Showdown===

NEST attempted to stop Starscream from...doing something in the desert. {{storylink|Starscream Showdown}}

===Revenge of the Fallen (mobile game)===
The Decepticons attacked NEST HQ as a diversion while [[The Fallen]] resurrected [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attempted to get to the sub-level's central core, but Bumblebee beat him there and locked him out. Later on, NEST forces in [[Egypt]] were taken prisoner by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] along with Bumblebee. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Glu)}}

==Known members==
[[Image:NEST Global Alliance.png|right|200px|thumb|Okay 'bots, I know you don't like the cow skull, but [[NEST#Notes|make up your minds]].]]
===Humans===
{{collist|3|
*[[Petr Andronov]]
*[[Burke]]
*[[Dundee]]
*[[Robert Epps]]
*[[Captain Fraser|Fraser]]
*[[Graham]]
*[[Kaminari Ishihara]]
*[[Klammer]]
*[[Janson]]
*[[William Lennox]]
*[[Marks]]
*[[Salani]]
}}

*[[You|All those who complete the NEST missions]] [http://www.LGNEST.com]

===Autobots===
[[Image:NESTGlobalAlliancepatch.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Also available in iron-on patch form.]]
{{collist|3|
*[[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]]
*[[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]]
*[[Beachbreak]]
*[[Beachcomber (ROTF)|Beachcomber]]
*[[Blazemaster]]
*[[Brawn (ROTF)|Brawn]]
*[[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]]
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]]
*[[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]]
*[[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-1]]
*[[Evac (Movie)|Evac]]
*[[Gears (ROTF)|Gears]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]
*[[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]]
*[[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]]
*[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]
*[[Mirage (Movie) |Mirage]]
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]
*[[Rollbar (ROTF)|Rollbar]]
*[[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]]
*[[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]]
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]
*[[Slap Dash]]
*[[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]]
*[[Springer (ROTF)|Springer]]
*[[Stratosphere]]
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]]
*[[Wideload (ROTF)|Wideload]]
}}

==Notes==
*What NEST stands for was not mentioned in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. Different meanings were given by different sources. Lately, Hasbro have favored "Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers" by including it in their online glossary as part of [[Vector Sigma]]'s [[Datatrax|Data Tracks]].<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm#/glossary/nest Vector Sigma's glossary entry on NEST.]</ref> Even more recently, though, movie comic author [[John Barber]] has consistently used "Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty" in his ''[[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]]'' projects.
**'''Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers'''<ref>TakaraTomy's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie2/images/nest.swf tie-in website]</ref> ''{{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}''
**'''Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty''' ''{{storylink|The Last Prime}}''
**'''Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Team''' <ref>[http://www.lgnest.com/ LG promotional tie-in website]</ref>

* NEST troopers appeared on Cover B of the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' prequel comic "[[Alliance issue 2|Alliance #2]]" , but were nowhere to be seen in the story inside. This is because most of the covers illustrated by ''Revenge'' concept artist [[Josh Nizzi]] were meant to allude to scenes or situations in the actual ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie itself.

* The native population of [[Diego Garcia]] were [[Wikipedia:Depopulation_of_Diego_Garcia|''expelled'']] from the island to make way for the joint [[United Kingdom]]/United States military bases. The Autobots are led by Optimus Prime, who believes freedom is the right of all sentient beings. Err...

* There is a real US Government agency known as NEST. [[Wikipedia:Nuclear_Emergency_Support_Team|The Nuclear Emergency Support Team]]. Of course, it could just be a cover for joint operations with alien robots. Toxic spill, indeed...

* The [[United Kingdom]], [[South Africa]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and [[Russia]] {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}} have contributed tech guys, soldiers, and bases; China, Egypt, [[Australia]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}, Argentina {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 2}}, [[Peru]], [[Italy]], and [[Zambia]] {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}} ''may'' be part of it, or may just be allowing NEST to enter their territory.

* While the spin-off media presents NEST as a multinational force and ''Revenge of the Fallen'' does show them operating abroad and with foreign soldiers, in the film itself NEST is presented as being under the ''direct'' control of the United States of America. (That can't make China and Russia happy...)

* The ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toyline's [[Size class|Voyager class]] Ironhide toy features a different NEST symbol on his alt-mode doors; a white Autobot symbol wearing a red beret set within a United Nations-styled logo, with 'special program' written underneath. Meanwhile, Scout class [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]] features a NEST symbol with the Autobot sigil and a downward pointing broadsword (from a NEST special forces patch) replacing the cow's skull. [[Fast Action Battlers]] Ironhide has the same sword symbol as Dune Runner. Yet more toys have the globe-and-Autobot insignia shown above. NEST must have a lot of bored designers on staff.
** These alternate logos don't usually appear in the fiction. Exceptions include the Global Alliance logo on [[CFB Comox]] in a Titan comic.

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nest}}
[[Category:Human organizations]]
[[Category:NEST| ]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2011-08-06T21:32:21Z

Fanaction2031:

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third and final film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php 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 ''[[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|I am a Prime, I do not take orders from you!|Sentinel Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"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]]. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] 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 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.

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.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, 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."]]

Subsequently, 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. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime 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 Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]

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 (ROTF)|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 (Movie)|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''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"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. 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's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using wingsuits, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. 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. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime topples over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who has been freed by Sam in the meantime, stumbles across Megatron, who is still suffering from the wounds Optimus Prime had inflicted upon him during their [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|battle in Egypt]], 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 Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had 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. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

Believing their home planet to be destroyed for good, the remaining Autobots accept Earth as their new home.

Seymour Simmons uses the opportunity to kiss Charlotte Mearing, for whom he still has feelings. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

==Quotes==
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"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.

"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

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

"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.

==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/Mirage]]<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]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[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]])
*[[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]])
*[[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/>

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

|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]]

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

==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/dark 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.
* 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, Prypiat'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://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat 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 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.
* In a 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.
* Despite being stuck in the Ark for years and not yet having scanned a vehicle mode Sentinel Prime has [[kibble]] from his Rosenbauer fire truck alternate mode when he is first seen.
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his license plate from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode.
* Speaking of inconsistency 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.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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 before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' it's said that nine of them are leaving. 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.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.

==Transformers references==

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

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

* 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 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 [[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 well-regarded 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 popular Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan]]."

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

==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{{m-}}who voices Sentinel Prime. They comment that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn.

* 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 may be 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]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

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

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

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image: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 movie 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 (so far).<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. Currently it is 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.)

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|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 ''[[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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php 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/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php 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)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[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>

===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 were [[Chicago]], 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"/>

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://articlles.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> 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://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "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 serve as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a police car. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<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>

''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 US 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 ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]) and a Mercedes-Benz E550 ([[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]). Both robots sport names in the movie 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]].

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]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia: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 [[Wikipedia:Nokia|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).

*In January 2010, 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 of 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 [[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 [[Wreckers]], 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.

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|comic adaptation]].

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon''. 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 brief shot). 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]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[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".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* 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"/>

* 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's official Transformers website identifies the dog as "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".<ref name="vectorsigma">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma Database] Hasbro.com.</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at 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.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|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 [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|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 [[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 ''[[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 [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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=mIuqiepu4UY 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 (2007)|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's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[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.
** 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. Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (then again his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee and Ratchet.

* [[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/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''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'''''
*''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'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''變形金剛3：黑月降臨'''''

==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]

[[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)

2011-08-06T21:29:46Z

Fanaction2031: /* Quotes */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
'''''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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php 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 ''[[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|I am a Prime, I do not take orders from you!|Sentinel Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"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]]. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] 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 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.

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.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, 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."]]

Subsequently, 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. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime 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 Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]

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 (ROTF)|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 (Movie)|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''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"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. 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's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using wingsuits, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. 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. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime topples over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who has been freed by Sam in the meantime, stumbles across Megatron, who is still suffering from the wounds Optimus Prime had inflicted upon him during their [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|battle in Egypt]], 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 Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had 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. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

Believing their home planet to be destroyed for good, the remaining Autobots accept Earth as their new home.

Seymour Simmons uses the opportunity to kiss Charlotte Mearing, for whom he still has feelings. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

==Quotes==
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"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.

"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

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

"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.

==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/Mirage]]<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]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[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]])
*[[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]])
*[[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/>

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

|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]]

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

==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/dark 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.
* 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, Prypiat'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://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat 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 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.
* In a 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.
* Despite being stuck in the Ark for years and not yet having scanned a vehicle mode Sentinel Prime has [[kibble]] from his Rosenbauer fire truck alternate mode when he is first seen.
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his license plate from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode.
* Speaking of inconsistency 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.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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 before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' it's said that nine of them are leaving. 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.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.

==Transformers references==

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

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

* 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 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 [[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 well-regarded 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 popular Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan]]."

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

==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{{m-}}who voices Sentinel Prime. They comment that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn.

* 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 may be 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]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

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

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

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image: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 movie 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 (so far).<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. Currently it is 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.)

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|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 ''[[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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php 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/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php 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)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[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>

===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 were [[Chicago]], 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"/>

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://articlles.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> 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://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "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 serve as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a police car. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<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>

''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 US 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 ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]) and a Mercedes-Benz E550 ([[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]). Both robots sport names in the movie 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]].

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]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia: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 [[Wikipedia:Nokia|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).

*In January 2010, 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 of 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 [[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 [[Wreckers]], 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.

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|comic adaptation]].

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon''. 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 brief shot). 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]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[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".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* 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"/>

* 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's official Transformers website identifies the dog as "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".<ref name="vectorsigma">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma Database] Hasbro.com.</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at 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.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|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 [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|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 [[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 ''[[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 [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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=mIuqiepu4UY 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 (2007)|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's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[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.
** 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. Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (then again his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee and Ratchet.

* [[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/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''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'''''
*''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'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''變形金剛3：黑月降臨'''''

==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]

[[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)

2011-08-06T21:29:28Z

Fanaction2031: /* Quotes */

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
'''''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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php 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 ''[[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|I am a Prime, I do not take orders from you!|Sentinel Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"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]]. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] 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 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.

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.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, 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."]]

Subsequently, 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. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime 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 Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]

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 (ROTF)|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 (Movie)|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''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"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. 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's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using wingsuits, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. 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. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime topples over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who has been freed by Sam in the meantime, stumbles across Megatron, who is still suffering from the wounds Optimus Prime had inflicted upon him during their [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|battle in Egypt]], 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 Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had 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. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

Believing their home planet to be destroyed for good, the remaining Autobots accept Earth as their new home.

Seymour Simmons uses the opportunity to kiss Charlotte Mearing, for whom he still has feelings. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

==Quotes==
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"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.

"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

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

"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.

==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/Mirage]]<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]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[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]])
*[[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]])
*[[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/>

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

|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]]

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

==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/dark 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.
* 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, Prypiat'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://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat 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 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.
* In a 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.
* Despite being stuck in the Ark for years and not yet having scanned a vehicle mode Sentinel Prime has [[kibble]] from his Rosenbauer fire truck alternate mode when he is first seen.
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his license plate from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode.
* Speaking of inconsistency 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.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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 before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' it's said that nine of them are leaving. 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.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.

==Transformers references==

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

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

* 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 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 [[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 well-regarded 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 popular Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan]]."

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

==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{{m-}}who voices Sentinel Prime. They comment that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn.

* 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 may be 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]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

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

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

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image: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 movie 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 (so far).<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. Currently it is 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.)

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|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 ''[[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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php 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/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php 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)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[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>

===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 were [[Chicago]], 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"/>

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://articlles.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> 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://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "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 serve as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a police car. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<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>

''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 US 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 ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]) and a Mercedes-Benz E550 ([[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]). Both robots sport names in the movie 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]].

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]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia: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 [[Wikipedia:Nokia|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).

*In January 2010, 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 of 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 [[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 [[Wreckers]], 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.

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|comic adaptation]].

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon''. 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 brief shot). 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]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[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".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* 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"/>

* 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's official Transformers website identifies the dog as "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".<ref name="vectorsigma">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma Database] Hasbro.com.</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at 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.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|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 [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|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 [[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 ''[[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 [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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=mIuqiepu4UY 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 (2007)|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's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[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.
** 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. Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (then again his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee and Ratchet.

* [[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/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''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'''''
*''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'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''變形金剛3：黑月降臨'''''

==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]

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

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Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

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[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
'''''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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php 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 ''[[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|I am a Prime, I do not take orders from you!|Sentinel Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"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]]. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] 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 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.

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.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, 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."]]

Subsequently, 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. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime 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 Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]

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 (ROTF)|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 (Movie)|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''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"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. 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's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using wingsuits, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. 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. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime topples over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who has been freed by Sam in the meantime, stumbles across Megatron, who is still suffering from the wounds Optimus Prime had inflicted upon him during their [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|battle in Egypt]], 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 Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had 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. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

Believing their home planet to be destroyed for good, the remaining Autobots accept Earth as their new home.

Seymour Simmons uses the opportunity to kiss Charlotte Mearing, for whom he still has feelings. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

==Quotes==
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"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.

"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"The Decepticons have my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"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.

==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/Mirage]]<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]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[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]])
*[[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]])
*[[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/>

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

|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]]

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

==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/dark 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.
* 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, Prypiat'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://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat 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 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.
* In a 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.
* Despite being stuck in the Ark for years and not yet having scanned a vehicle mode Sentinel Prime has [[kibble]] from his Rosenbauer fire truck alternate mode when he is first seen.
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his license plate from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode.
* Speaking of inconsistency 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.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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 before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' it's said that nine of them are leaving. 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.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.

==Transformers references==

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

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

* 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 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 [[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 well-regarded 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 popular Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan]]."

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

==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{{m-}}who voices Sentinel Prime. They comment that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn.

* 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 may be 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]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

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

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

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image: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 movie 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 (so far).<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. Currently it is 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.)

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|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 ''[[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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php 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/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php 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)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[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>

===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 were [[Chicago]], 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"/>

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://articlles.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> 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://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "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 serve as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a police car. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<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>

''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 US 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 ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]) and a Mercedes-Benz E550 ([[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]). Both robots sport names in the movie 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]].

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]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia: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 [[Wikipedia:Nokia|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).

*In January 2010, 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 of 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 [[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 [[Wreckers]], 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.

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|comic adaptation]].

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon''. 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 brief shot). 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]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[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".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* 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"/>

* 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's official Transformers website identifies the dog as "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".<ref name="vectorsigma">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma Database] Hasbro.com.</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at 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.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|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 [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|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 [[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 ''[[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 [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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=mIuqiepu4UY 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 (2007)|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's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[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.
** 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. Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (then again his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee and Ratchet.

* [[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/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''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'''''
*''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'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''變形金剛3：黑月降臨'''''

==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]

[[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)

2011-08-06T21:21:51Z

Fanaction2031: /* Quotes */

{{Nav-dotm}}

'''''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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php 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 ''[[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|I am a Prime, I do not take orders from you!|Sentinel Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"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]]. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] 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 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.

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.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, 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."]]

Subsequently, 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. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime 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 Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]

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 (ROTF)|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 (Movie)|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''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"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. 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's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using wingsuits, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. 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. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime topples over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who has been freed by Sam in the meantime, stumbles across Megatron, who is still suffering from the wounds Optimus Prime had inflicted upon him during their [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|battle in Egypt]], 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 Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had 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. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

Believing their home planet to be destroyed for good, the remaining Autobots accept Earth as their new home.

Seymour Simmons uses the opportunity to kiss Charlotte Mearing, for whom he still has feelings. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

==Quotes==
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"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.

"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"The Decepticons have my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"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.

==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/Mirage]]<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]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[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]])
*[[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]])
*[[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/>

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

|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]]

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

==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/dark 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.
* 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, Prypiat'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://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat 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 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.
* In a 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.
* Despite being stuck in the Ark for years and not yet having scanned a vehicle mode Sentinel Prime has [[kibble]] from his Rosenbauer fire truck alternate mode when he is first seen.
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his license plate from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode.
* Speaking of inconsistency 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.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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 before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' it's said that nine of them are leaving. 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.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.

==Transformers references==

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

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

* 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 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 [[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 well-regarded 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 popular Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan]]."

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

==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{{m-}}who voices Sentinel Prime. They comment that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn.

* 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 may be 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]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

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

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

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image: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 movie 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 (so far).<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. Currently it is 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.)

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|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 ''[[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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php 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/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php 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)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[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>

===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 were [[Chicago]], 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"/>

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://articlles.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> 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://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "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 serve as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a police car. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<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>

''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 US 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 ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]) and a Mercedes-Benz E550 ([[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]). Both robots sport names in the movie 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]].

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]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia: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 [[Wikipedia:Nokia|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).

*In January 2010, 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 of 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 [[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 [[Wreckers]], 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.

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|comic adaptation]].

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon''. 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 brief shot). 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]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[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".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* 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"/>

* 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's official Transformers website identifies the dog as "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".<ref name="vectorsigma">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma Database] Hasbro.com.</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at 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.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|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 [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|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 [[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 ''[[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 [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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=mIuqiepu4UY 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 (2007)|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's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[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.
** 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. Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (then again his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee and Ratchet.

* [[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/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''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'''''
*''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'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''變形金剛3：黑月降臨'''''

==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]

[[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)

2011-08-06T21:20:27Z

Fanaction2031:

{{Nav-dotm}}

'''''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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php 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 ''[[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|I am a Prime, I do not take orders from you!|Sentinel Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"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]]. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] 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 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.

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.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, 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."]]

Subsequently, 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. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime 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 Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]

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 (ROTF)|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 (Movie)|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''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"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. 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's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using wingsuits, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. 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. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime topples over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who has been freed by Sam in the meantime, stumbles across Megatron, who is still suffering from the wounds Optimus Prime had inflicted upon him during their [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|battle in Egypt]], 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 Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had 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. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

Believing their home planet to be destroyed for good, the remaining Autobots accept Earth as their new home.

Seymour Simmons uses the opportunity to kiss Charlotte Mearing, for whom he still has feelings. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

==Quotes==
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"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.

"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"The Decepticons have my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"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.

==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/Mirage]]<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]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[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]])
*[[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]])
*[[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/>

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

|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]]

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

==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/dark 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.
* 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, Prypiat'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://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat 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 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.
* In a 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.
* Despite being stuck in the Ark for years and not yet having scanned a vehicle mode Sentinel Prime has [[kibble]] from his Rosenbauer fire truck alternate mode when he is first seen.
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his license plate from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode.
* Speaking of inconsistency 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.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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 before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' it's said that nine of them are leaving. 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.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.

==Transformers references==

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

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

* 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 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 [[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 well-regarded 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 popular Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan]]."

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

==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{{m-}}who voices Sentinel Prime. They comment that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn.

* 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 may be 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]].

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==

==Adaptations==

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

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

==Home video releases==

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image: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 movie 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 (so far).<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. Currently it is 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.)

==Production staff==
===Visual effects===
===Locations department===

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|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 ''[[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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php 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/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php 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://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php 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)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[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>

===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 were [[Chicago]], 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"/>

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://articlles.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> 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://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "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 serve as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a police car. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<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>

''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 US 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 ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]]) and a Mercedes-Benz E550 ([[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]). Both robots sport names in the movie 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]].

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]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia: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 [[Wikipedia:Nokia|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).

*In January 2010, 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 of 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 [[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 [[Wreckers]], 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.

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|comic adaptation]].

* 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 [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon''. 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 brief shot). 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]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[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".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* 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"/>

* 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's official Transformers website identifies the dog as "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".<ref name="vectorsigma">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma Database] Hasbro.com.</ref>

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at 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.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|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 [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|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 [[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 ''[[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 [[Dark of the Moon (comic series)|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. 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=mIuqiepu4UY 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 (2007)|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's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[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.
** 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. Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (then again his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee and Ratchet.

* [[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/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''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'''''
*''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'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''變形金剛3：黑月降臨'''''

==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]

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

NEST

2011-08-06T21:18:11Z

Fanaction2031: /* Dark of the Moon movie */

{{factions|NEST}}
:''NEST is a military organization from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film series]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:NEST insignia.png|right|300px|Moooooooove out, soldier!]]

Following the disbanding of [[Sector Seven]], '''Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers (NEST)''' was set up under [[William Lennox]] to create a combined [[United States military|United States Military]]/[[Autobot]] defense force against [[Decepticon]]s. Under the classified Alien/Autobot Cooperation Act, the Autobots share intelligence and personell with the US but not their advanced weaponry.

NEST is given marching orders from the [[Pentagon]], specifically the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ([[Morshower]] in 2008-9). Despite this and its American origins, it expanded early on to include armed forces from other nations such as the [[United Kingdom]] and is allowed access to [[China|foreign territory]].

{{bigquote|A classified strike team called NEST. We hunt for what remains of our Decepticon foes, hiding in different countries around the globe.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|''Revenge of the Fallen'']]}}

:''Polish name:'' '''GNIAZDO''' (only in [[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|the video game]])

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance3_NEST_rollout.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Hey, that's my line!]]

Approximately one month after the events in [[Mission City]], Sector Seven inadvertently reactivated the [[Decepticon]] [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] and simultaneously attracted the attention of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and the subsequent battle leveled Sector Seven's [[Nevada]] bunker, costing dozens of lives. [[John Keller (Movie)|Secretary of Defense Keller]] immediately terminated the clandestine group's operations upon learning of the incident.

In the aftermath, Captain Lennox tried to convince his dubious and hostile superiors at the [[Pentagon]] that the Autobots were indeed trustworthy and would be a valuable asset. His superiors impressed upon him that in order for the military to provide full disclosure, the Autobots must cooperate fully, and that the unit was Lennox's responsibility now. After the burial-at-sea of [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and Lennox agreed that for the protection of their mutual homeworld, they must trust each other and work together as a single team. Sometime later, the newly formed NEST command commenced training at the military base on [[Diego Garcia]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3|Alliance #3}}

NEST had a baptism of fire against the [[Decepticon]] scouts [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Jolt (Movie)|Dead End]] in [[San Francisco]]: the mission was successful although Lennox was criticized for allowing the Autobots to transform on the Golden Gate Bridge. NEST expanded to a multinational force and began taking on Decepticon agents across [[Earth]]: [[Fracture (Movie)|Fracture]] and [[Overcast (Movie)|Overcast]] were destroyed in Europe, while [[Dropkick]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]] were defeated in [[Florida]]. NEST's victories were tempered with the ultimate sacrifice, such as when [[Salani]] died battling [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]]. When [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] redeployed back to the 'States as [[Sam Witwicky]]'s guardian, NEST received a much-needed boost in Transformers ranks when [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] came to Earth. This joy was short-lived, however: the Decepticon [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] had been sighted in [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}
As [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] was spotted in [[Zambia]], gaining control over local rebel groups by using his internal synthesizers to create [[gold]] coins, NEST was deployed to the Zambezi River to battle [[Dropkick]], [[Macerator]], and [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]]. [[Beachbreak]] was killed by Starscream while helping Optimus Prime not fall to his death at Victoria Falls. Starscream's Decepticons attempted to destroy a series of dams, but Prime killed Macerator, while Payload was drowned when the humans entered the dam and opened the flood gates.

Epps, Russian scientist [[Petr Andronov]], [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knockout]] went to [[Peru]], while Lennox, [[Kaminari Ishihara]], Prime, Ironhide, and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] arrived in the Western [[Australia]]n Outback. Epps' team fought off [[Ruination (ROTF)|Ruination]] and [[Blademaster]], while Lennox's group encountered [[Kickback (ROTF)|Kickback]], [[Tread]] and [[Trample]]. Before dying, Kickback revealed he was part of a Decepticon faction not under Starscream's command, which were trying to gather enough energy to revive Megatron.

At Diego Garcia, [[crab spy|a small crab]] Decepticon infiltrated the base and hacked into the NEST computers before sneaking back into the sea. Despite the break-in, the NEST team continued their usual business, hunting another [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Jolt (Movie)|Deadend]] in [[Italy|Rome]]. Unexpectedly, Starscream challenged Prime to single combat inside the Coliseum. There, Prime fell through a trap door to a subway tunnel extension and into a strong set of restraints arranged by Italian criminal [[Bruno Carrera]] - who was promised rule of Europe once Starscream conquered Earth - where he was attacked by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. The humans rescued Prime though, and Barricade and Starscream fled. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:Titan3_NESTedwardsairbase.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Where were we in the film? We were... redecorating. Yes.]]

NEST have a centralised [[NEST Server]]. Target coordinates so any nearby forces can get the necessary data. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.14|Head in the Clouds}}

NEST have a secret base in a hangar at Edwards Air Force Base, [[California]], which both monitors for Decepticons and possesses a rapid-reaction strike team for missions on US soil. Ironhide was the commanding officer there, with Sergeant [[Dundee]] as the strike team's leader. At least five people monitor and handle the computer side of things, and like the Diego Garcia base, they work on a raised platform on wheels. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}} A Regional Command base exists in [[Wyoming]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}} A second California base is at Andrews Air Force Base {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}}, and an armoury is hidden in the [[Texas|Alamo]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.12|Rules of Engagement}}

An overseas base, labelled as forward operations, exists in [[United Kingdom|Scotland's]] Orkney Islands, overseen by [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. It contains a training facility for Autobots, but does not appear heavily staffed. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}} Another overseas base, a prison for captured Decepticons, was located in Bloemfontein, [[South Africa]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}} A NEST Ops base for [[Canada]] is located in [[CFB Comox]], Vancouver Island {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.14|Head in the Clouds}} and a north [[Russia|Russian]] base is located in the Arkhangelskaya Oblast. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.20|Divided Loyalties}}

Optimus was absent for a while, off in [[Australia]] on NEST business. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

The California NEST team went to [[Las Vegas]] to intercept and capture [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. They came close, disabling him with electrified cables and almost anchoring him to the ground, only for [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to muck it up. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

Later, when the twins were at Diego Garcia, the Decepticon [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] was captured in Australia. Optimus Prime returned to Diego Garcia with this prisoner, but Sideways was freed when [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] attacked the island. Since the villain shouldn't have gotten that close without being spotted (there's an ocean in the way!), it was clear NEST's security had been compromised. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

Later, the Wyoming base detected the battle between the twins and [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

[[Image:Titan9_NESTdiversion.jpg|thumb|left|300px|There is nothing to see here. Honest.]]

Even later than that, after that whole [[The Fallen|Fallen]] thing (see below), NEST attempted to lure [[Reverb (ROTF)|a motorbike Decepticon]] out of traffic in [[Los Angeles]] and into a trap. Unfortunately, [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] fubar-ed the mission and while the target was captured, the damage was extensive. This made [[Theodore Galloway]] ''very'' happy, as it was a new excuse to get NEST shut down.

Two days after that, NEST's Watch-Seven called for help from Andrews Air Force Base, reporting an unknown Cybertronian attacker and requesting back-up. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}} Some time after, NEST forces responded to an attempted break-in at the Alamo armoury. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.12|Rules of Engagement}}

[[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] would go on to cause a jailbreak in South Africa, overpowering the Autobot guards; NEST had to let Bludgeon's Decepticons leave to prevent civilian deaths. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}} Following his escape, NEST forces have seen action against his militia and unrelated Decepticons in Canada, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.14|Head in the Clouds}}, the North Atlantic {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.15|Making Waves}}, Egypt {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.16|Turn and Burn}}, and [[Peru]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.17|The Kingdom of Starscream}}. After they were seen to retreat in South Africa, however, NEST's standing has been low in the eyes of the world. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.16|Turn and Burn}}

An ongoing NEST mission is to locate all the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] on Earth. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10| Bring Me the Head of Optimus Prime}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
NEST arrived in Shanghai with a cover story provided by the Chinese government that they were cleaning up a toxic spill in the industrial area. In reality, the Autobot-human military alliance was hunting the sixth group of Decepticon infiltrators detected in the past eight months, with the hopes of cleanly taking out the enemy without members of the public witnessing the secret war. Unfortunately, the Decepticons, Demolishor and [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], wrecked a significant portion of Shanghai before they were defeated by Sideswipe and Optimus Prime. Returning to their base at Diego Garcia, Lennox and Optimus met [[Theodore Galloway]], who was appointed their new Director by the [[President of the United States]], and held a video conference with General [[Morshower]]. Galloway noted President [[Barack Obama|Obama]]'s serious concerns at the destruction during the Shanghai battle, and voiced his opinion that the Decepticons only remained because the Autobots did. Optimus said that if the Autobots were asked to leave, they would do so, but asked Galloway to pass on a message to the President: what if the Autobots leave, and the humans are wrong?

Little did they know, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] was listening in on their conversation, overhearing details such as [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s location in the [[Laurentian Abyss]], and the last [[AllSpark]] fragment in storage at Diego Garcia. [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] was deployed to steal the fragment, which [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]] used to revive their leader. The reborn Megatron went after [[Sam Witwicky]], and Optimus Prime died protecting him. Following Optimus' death, the Decepticons arrived in greater numbers during bolder attacks under the leadership of Megatron's master, [[The Fallen]], with the promise of more if the humans did not turn Sam over to the Decepticons. Galloway ordered the termination of NEST and that the Autobots retreat to Diego Garcia.

But [[Seymour Simmons]] contacted Lennox, revealing he had travelled to [[Egypt]] with Sam to unravel the Decepticons' plot, and that they should bring Optimus Prime's body, as the boy had a plan to resurrect him. Lennox managed to get the information to General Morshower, who managed to arrange assets to be positioned accordingly. During their supposed flight to Diego Garcia, Lennox had the pilots divert to Egypt and then fake engine trouble so Galloway would be forced to parachute off the plane, so they could land outside the [[pyramid]]s instead. Once they set up, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] performed a flyby and released an [[electromagnetic pulse]], disabling communications, while Soundwave knocked out the [[United States military]] satellite coverage. Once communications were out, Megatron ordered the Decepticons to attack, with a small force landing to engage NEST.

Suspecting something was wrong, Morshower ordered a UAV deployed to observe what was going on, while Simmons was able to use a radio from a [[Jordan]]ian helicopter to request backup from the nearby [[United States Navy#U.S.S. John C. Stennis (CVN-74)|U.S.S. ''John C. Stennis''<nowiki>'</nowiki> battle group]]. Once the UAV confirmed the battle was going on, Morshower deployed all available assets to the region. On the ground, NEST fought a desperate struggle to hold off the Decepticons, until Sam arrived with the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Once again in contact with the military, Sergeant Epps ordered in an airstrike, which managed to destroy most of the Decepticon forces. Megatron survived the strike, and killed Sam, but [[Dynasty of Primes|something]] managed to revive him, and he restored Optimus to life. With the Autobot leader functioning again, NEST watched as he combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] and subsequently defeated The Fallen. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}}
{{-}}

===IDW Post ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
{{stub}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' movie===
NEST arrives in an abandoned facility called Chernobyl to investigate an alien technology. Little did they know that [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] was leading them to a trap, and as they journey deeper in the facility, they were ambushed by [[Shockwave]] and [[Driller]]. The Decepticons were then overpowered by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], leader of the [[Autobots]]. Returning to their secret base, disguised as a "Health and Human services", where they now train most of the Autobots in the NEST team. They meet [[Charlotte Mearing|Director Charlotte Mearing]], who interrogates Optimus, who seems to be in a "bad mood" due to humans not telling the Autobots about the concealed technology for the past few years. She appoints two of NASA's founding associates and astronaut [[Buzz Aldrin]] and explains the true event of the space race, explaining that there was a crashlanded spacecraft that landed on the moon, and NASA decided to investigate the ship, which made them realize, that they were not alone in this universe. Optimus then explains that the spacecraft is called "[[Ark (DOTM)|The Ark]]" and he has watched it escape Cybertron during the war. He also claims that it carries a technology that would have won the Autobots the war, and the captain, [[Sentinel Prime (DOTM)|Sentinel Prime]]. Optimus explains that he must get to the spacecraft and pray that it is in time.

As the Autobots: Optimus Prime, and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] arrive on the moon, they search for the Ark. As they enter the Ark, they find Sentinel, and Ratchet realizes that Sentinel sacrificed himself, to guard the Pillars, the technology which would have won the Autobots the war on Cybertron. Optimus then brings Sentinel home. Meanwhile, as [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Carly Spencer]] escape from Sam's office from Laserbeak, they were confronted by NEST guards, claiming that they are in the wrong facility. Sam persists, and calls [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] from one of the guard's radios. Bumblebee emerges and the guards give Sam the clearance to go in the facility. Sam gives the information about the "moon program, assassinations, and the dark side of the moon" to Lennox, but as Director Mearing sees Sam and Carly walk in, she doubts Sam, and cannot entrust National Security to "teenagers".

Meanwhile, Optimus uses his [[Matrix of Leadership]] to revive Sentinel, whom when he is awaken, believes that Optimus is an enemy, and attacks him, but he realizes that they are his fellow Autobots. Optimus explains that the war is lost, and that he only saved only five of his Pillars, while there were hundreds. Sentinel then explains to the NEST forces that the Pillars are devices that are used for transportation, which in this case, is for transporting refuges, he also explains that if the Pillars are in the hands of the Decepticons, it would mean the end of "[[Earth|your world]]."

As Sam and Carly are in Mearing's office, Sam asks if there is any way to contribute to the Autobots and NEST, but she refuses, as only soldiers and trained officers can work with NEST, as if she allows Sam to contribute, it will break her chain of command, she claims that Sam is a "messenger". So she appoints Sam under the protection of Bumblebee.

As Sam,and [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] realize that the Decepticons raided the Ark, took the Pillars and left five Pillars. Sam explains to Mearing that the whole thing was set up, and that the Decepticons were coming for Sentinel Prime. As a battle in the highway raged, and the Autobots returned to the NEST headquarters, they realized that Sentinel Prime had made a deal with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] to ensure the survival of the Cybertronian race and it's home. Sentinel then kills [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] with his Cosmic Rust-Cannon, and Ironhide then disintegrates. Sentinel destroys the headquarters, while Mearing asks Sentinel what he was doing, and he claims that "he is a Prime, and the he doesn't take orders from humans". The NEST forces realize that Sentinel is too strong to be engaged, and that they have to retreat to the [[Pentagon]], with Sentinel taking all the Pillars, realizing that they have to hunt Sentinel down.

Back in the Pentagon, the NEST forces receive an encrypted audio code, which was Sentinel asking to renounce the Autobot rebels, and they will leave Earth unharmed and unspoiled. So the NEST forces have no choice but to exile the Autobots, using a ship called the ''Xantium''. Sam meets [[Robert Epps]], a former NEST soldier at the rocket facility. As the Autobots exile the planet, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacks the ship, presumably killing the Autobots.

Meanwhile, Sam gets a call from [[Dylan Gould]], a human agent of the Decepticons, saying that they would make sure that the Autobots will go without a fight. Using the phone call, Sam uses Dylan's phone number to track Dylan, with the help of Dutch. Dutch tracks the phone, and triangulates it to the Trump Tower in Chiacgo. Sam will have to go inside the tower, and rescue Carly, but Epps decides to help him, as Gould has killed his friends also. Epps picks up most of his former NEST soldiers, and they go to Chicago, which is now infested with Decepticons and became a barren wasteland, as they were attacked by the Decepticon fighters, Optimus and the Autobots rescued them from the attack.

Meanwhile, Lennox and his wingsuiting party decide to wingsuit in the building to destroy the Control Pillar at one of the skyscrapers. As they fly in to Chicago, they wingsuit in but Starscream attacks them, and several Decepticon fighters also attack the wingsuiters. The remaining wingsuiters land in one of the buildings, while Epps and his party snipe out the Decepticon's eyes, leaving them blind, and the ground forces plant charges on the Decepticons, and shoot them down. They manage to badly wound [[Shockwave (DOTM)|Shockwave]] and kill [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], and some Decepticons. They also call in tomahawks to shoot down the Decepticon fighters, which were wounding Optimus, and gave Optimus cover as he fights Sentinel Prime. When the battle was finished, Lennox calls Sam so he could be reunited with Carly, and the NEST forces were also reunited. Presumably, Epps and his remaining NEST party returns to work at NEST.

==Games==
===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====

In the Autobot campaign, before you do a specific mission, Epps will give you what you need to do, and how many Decepticons there are.

=====Decepticon campaign=====

The Decepticon campaign. Soundwave will hack into the NEST satellite to tell which Autobot to destroy.

===Starscream Showdown===

NEST attempted to stop Starscream from...doing something in the desert. {{storylink|Starscream Showdown}}

===Revenge of the Fallen (mobile game)===
The Decepticons attacked NEST HQ as a diversion while [[The Fallen]] resurrected [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attempted to get to the sub-level's central core, but Bumblebee beat him there and locked him out. Later on, NEST forces in [[Egypt]] were taken prisoner by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] along with Bumblebee. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Glu)}}

==Known members==
[[Image:NEST Global Alliance.png|right|200px|thumb|Okay 'bots, I know you don't like the cow skull, but [[NEST#Notes|make up your minds]].]]
===Humans===
{{collist|3|
*[[Petr Andronov]]
*[[Burke]]
*[[Dundee]]
*[[Robert Epps]]
*[[Captain Fraser|Fraser]]
*[[Graham]]
*[[Kaminari Ishihara]]
*[[Klammer]]
*[[Janson]]
*[[William Lennox]]
*[[Marks]]
*[[Salani]]
}}

*[[You|All those who complete the NEST missions]] [http://www.LGNEST.com]

===Autobots===
[[Image:NESTGlobalAlliancepatch.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Also available in iron-on patch form.]]
{{collist|3|
*[[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]]
*[[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]]
*[[Beachbreak]]
*[[Beachcomber (ROTF)|Beachcomber]]
*[[Blazemaster]]
*[[Brawn (ROTF)|Brawn]]
*[[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]]
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]]
*[[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]]
*[[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-1]]
*[[Evac (Movie)|Evac]]
*[[Gears (ROTF)|Gears]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]
*[[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]]
*[[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]]
*[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]
*[[Mirage (Movie) |Mirage]]
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]
*[[Rollbar (ROTF)|Rollbar]]
*[[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]]
*[[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]]
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]
*[[Slap Dash]]
*[[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]]
*[[Springer (ROTF)|Springer]]
*[[Stratosphere]]
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]]
*[[Wideload (ROTF)|Wideload]]
}}

==Notes==
*What NEST stands for was not mentioned in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. Different meanings were given by different sources. Lately, Hasbro have favored "Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers" by including it in their online glossary as part of [[Vector Sigma]]'s [[Datatrax|Data Tracks]].<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm#/glossary/nest Vector Sigma's glossary entry on NEST.]</ref> Even more recently, though, movie comic author [[John Barber]] has consistently used "Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty" in his ''[[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]]'' projects.
**'''Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers'''<ref>TakaraTomy's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/movie2/images/nest.swf tie-in website]</ref> ''{{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}''
**'''Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty''' ''{{storylink|The Last Prime}}''
**'''Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Team''' <ref>[http://www.lgnest.com/ LG promotional tie-in website]</ref>

* NEST troopers appeared on Cover B of the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' prequel comic "[[Alliance issue 2|Alliance #2]]" , but were nowhere to be seen in the story inside. This is because most of the covers illustrated by ''Revenge'' concept artist [[Josh Nizzi]] were meant to allude to scenes or situations in the actual ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie itself.

* The native population of [[Diego Garcia]] were [[Wikipedia:Depopulation_of_Diego_Garcia|''expelled'']] from the island to make way for the joint [[United Kingdom]]/United States military bases. The Autobots are led by Optimus Prime, who believes freedom is the right of all sentient beings. Err...

* There is a real US Government agency known as NEST. [[Wikipedia:Nuclear_Emergency_Support_Team|The Nuclear Emergency Support Team]]. Of course, it could just be a cover for joint operations with alien robots. Toxic spill, indeed...

* The [[United Kingdom]], [[South Africa]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and [[Russia]] {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}} have contributed tech guys, soldiers, and bases; China, Egypt, [[Australia]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}, Argentina {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 2}}, [[Peru]], [[Italy]], and [[Zambia]] {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}} ''may'' be part of it, or may just be allowing NEST to enter their territory.

* While the spin-off media presents NEST as a multinational force and ''Revenge of the Fallen'' does show them operating abroad and with foreign soldiers, in the film itself NEST is presented as being under the ''direct'' control of the United States of America. (That can't make China and Russia happy...)

* The ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toyline's [[Size class|Voyager class]] Ironhide toy features a different NEST symbol on his alt-mode doors; a white Autobot symbol wearing a red beret set within a United Nations-styled logo, with 'special program' written underneath. Meanwhile, Scout class [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]] features a NEST symbol with the Autobot sigil and a downward pointing broadsword (from a NEST special forces patch) replacing the cow's skull. [[Fast Action Battlers]] Ironhide has the same sword symbol as Dune Runner. Yet more toys have the globe-and-Autobot insignia shown above. NEST must have a lot of bored designers on staff.
** These alternate logos don't usually appear in the fiction. Exceptions include the Global Alliance logo on [[CFB Comox]] in a Titan comic.

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nest}}
[[Category:Human organizations]]
[[Category:NEST| ]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]

Pentagon

2011-08-06T20:58:57Z

Fanaction2031:

{{picsneeded}}
[[Image:Movie2007_Pentagon.JPG|thumb|400px|If that was my house, I'll love life forever.]]

The '''Pentagon''' is a huge, five-sided office building located just outside of [[Washington, D.C.]] in the [[United States of America]]. It is the headquarters of the [[United States military]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1===
====Dreamwave comics====
Two years after the ''[[Ark II]]'' disaster, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] was brought to the Pentagon by General [[Robert Hallo]]. The massive office building was home to all manner of sinister machinations, not to mention [[Larry]] the Janitor. General Hallo led Spike to the [[Development of War Technology]] Division's headquarters, a "window on the world," where satellites kept the DWT abreast of events from around the globe. While one of the Division's officers calmly watched a nuclear explosion, Hallo showed Spike some pictures, satellite images of the revived [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1|Prime Directive #1}}

Later, after witnessing General Hallo's [[Operation Clean-Up]] against the battling Transformers, Spike was returned to the Pentagon by helicopter and locked in a cell. Since janitors routinely have keys to the detention cells, Spike was freed by Larry, who gave him some papers about [[Project Lazarus]]. Spike thanked him by throwing him to the floor and stealing his security pass. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}}

Armed with the deadly papers, Spike stormed the DWT Division headquarters. Inside the DWT, Hallo had just performed a military miracle by single-handedly launching nuclear missiles—at an American city, no less. Confronted with the terrifying Spike and his scary papers, Hallo pulled a pistol and held Spike off long enough to rant about power and security. Then the [[President of the United States]] showed up with the Secret Service and "Defense Minister" Dawson to arrest Hallo, who chose instead to get shot to death for waving a pistol at armed military personnel. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

====IDW comics====
[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] had successfully placed a facsimile agent named [[Harrison]] in the Pentagon, who gave him the access codes to the United States nuclear arsenal. Megatron later threw Ramjet's severed arm through the wall. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ramjet}}

Somehow, the wall was miraculously fixed when the Pentagon organised a meeting about the [[Ark-19]] appearing in US airspace. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}}

===Live-action ''Transformers'' movies===
====''Transformers'' (2007) movie====
[[Image:Movie2007_briefingroom.JPG|thumb|left|250px|You can't fight in here! This is the War Room!]]
Defense Secretary [[John Keller]] orchestrated the response to the [[Decepticon]] invasion from the Pentagon, asking NSA analysts such as [[Maggie Madsen]] for help in analysing the signal used to hack [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base|SOCCENT Qatar]]'s mainframe by [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]. He also dispatched military forces to the Persian Gulf and Yellow Sea as a precaution.

The Decepticon [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] successfully hacked into the national defense network at the Pentagon through a computer on board [[Air Force One]]. Maggie, who detected the hack, tried to convince the dubious Army, Air Force and Navy commanders that whatever was attacking them was far more technologically advanced than any of the United State' potential enemies.

[[Image:Movie2007_Pentagoncommandcenter.JPG|thumb|250px|]]

Generals in the Pentagon's national military command center organised the [[United States Air Force|air strike]] on [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] when he attacked [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]]'s surviving [[United States Army|US Army Rangers]] in Qatar. The Pentagon's command centet was also used to oversee growing tensions between US, Russian, and Chinese military forces, which were coming dangerously close to conflict. In the middle of this, the command center and all of the Pentagon's communication resources (bar National Guard radio) were shut down by the virus uploaded by Frenzy; using the US military network to spread itself around the world, it caused a total communications blackout. The Pentagon used Guard radio frequencies to bring back the US forces and prepare the military for an imminent attack.

After the defeat of the Decepticons and the destruction of the [[AllSpark]], Keller held a teleconference with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announcing the termination of the black-ops unit [[Sector Seven]] and the dumping of the Decepticon corpses in the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
{{-}}

====Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics====
{{notetitantlg}}

The Pentagon went into emergency session when the [[Decepticon Heartland]] invaded, but found itself hampered by [[Theodore Allen|President Allen's]] refusal to sanction military force. It was estimated half the country would be occupied by nightfall. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part 2}}

====IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics====
A month after [[Mission City]], a disaster occurred at Sector Seven's [[Nevada]] bunker where the fragment of the AllSpark that [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] had given to [[Vine|Professor Vine]] for safekeeping inadvertently reactivated [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]], a Decepticon that Sector Seven had illicitly imprisoned. Wreckage, then [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] leveled the base, killing most of the personnel. {{storylink|Alliance issue 2|Alliance #2}} An angry John Keller called Agent [[Seymour Simmons]] from the Pentagon to inform him that effective immediately, Sector Seven was to be disbanded and that his services were no longer required.

Weeks later, unnamed superiors in the Pentagon expressed their displeasure at the events in Nevada and their distrust for the Autobots, impressing upon Captain Lennox that he must secure the Autobots' full cooperation before they would provide full disclosure and form an alliance. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 3|Alliance #3}} Out of this alliance [[NEST]] was formed, a military organization composed of both Autobots and supporting human armed forces. Their first mission in [[San Francisco]] to put down [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Dead End (Movie)|Dead End]] raised their ire of ''Major'' Lennox's superiors in the Pentagon once again, as the Autobots had transformed into robot mode in front of civilians, and this was becoming difficult to cover up. Major Lennox was of the opinion that the men in the Pentagon, sitting behind their desks far from the front lines, were demanding and impossible to please, no matter how well NEST performed. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie====
The Pentagon and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff [[Morshower]] oversaw and commanded [[NEST]]'s operation in [[Shanghai]], monitoring them in real-time. They later conducted a debriefing and received information from [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] about a mysterious "[[The Fallen]]" rising.

When the Decepticons breached the [[United States Navy]] "net" around [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's grave]], the Pentagon could only monitor the disaster, and then just monitor the later Decepticon incursions into the eastern United States, and for a chance of pace they monitored the Decepticon strikes across Earth and the Fallen's demands but then ''did'' something, putting the military on Condition Delta. That was a bit too much for them, so they went back to just monitoring NEST entering [[Egypt]], wondering why they could no longer monitor NEST, and asking [[Jordan]]'s air force and [[Egypt]]'s [[General Salam]] to help them monitor again. When they found out Decepticons were in the area, the Pentagon finally did something besides monitoring and sent in [[Operation: Firestorm|a crapload of artillery and soldiers]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

===Prime===
====''Prime'' cartoon====
Special Agent [[William Fowler]], the Autobot liason with the United States government, reports direct to the Pentagon. When it comes to the Decepticon threat, he'd prefer to get the Department of Defense involved than leave it to the Autobots, but holds back to avoid civilian casualties. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 2}} {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}}

==External links==
* [[Wikipedia:The Pentagon|The Pentagon at Wikipedia]]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Movie locations]]
[[Category:Prime locations]]
[[Category:United States military]]

Optimus Prime (Movie)

2011-08-06T08:39:08Z

Fanaction2031:

{{factions|autobotfilm|{{factions/icons|custom=Cyberglyphics Prime Symbol.png|cLink=Dynasty of Primes|cPretty=Prime}}|NEST|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Optimus Prime}}{{suite}}

:''Optimus Prime is the [[Autobot]] leader from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]]. He has [[Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots|sometimes]] used the codename '''10-22'''.''

[[Image:Movieprime meettheautobots.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hello, pretty bird. GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]

'''Optimus Prime''' is the leader of the [[Autobot]]s. Long ago, he was the humble leader of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s science division, which studied the [[AllSpark]], and were protected by [[Lord High Protector]] [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s military. When Megatron was corrupted by [[The Fallen]], Optimus discovered that he was the last of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], hidden away when The Fallen destroyed their lineage. In response to Megatron's attempts to seize the AllSpark and conquer other worlds, Optimus assumed his proper [[Prime (rank)|title]] and rallied the Autobots to stand against the [[Decepticon]]s.

As obsessively as Megatron strives to achieve his objective, Optimus is equally as dedicated to stopping him, even at the cost of his life, his world, and—if necessary—his own people. It was on his order that the AllSpark was jettisoned into space, dooming Cybertron to a slow death and his people to a nomadic life. The sacrifices he has made weigh heavily on his [[spark]], but they must be done, for there is no other choice. He knows the ambitions that lurk in Megatron's spark, and they must never see the light of day. Lives must be kept free from the threat of Megatron's tyranny, no matter the cost.
This obsession with the defeat of Megatron has robbed Optimus of some of his early idealism. This has created a certain ruthlessness beneath his otherwise honest and caring personality. Prime is not one for second chances and is willing to consider any action that might lead to victory, short of directly sacrificing those he cares about.

{{bigquote|You may lose your faith in us, but never in yourself.|Optimus Prime's failed attempt to calm [[Sam Witwicky]] down.'' [[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics===
It was Optimus Prime's [[Prima|ancestor]] who finally vanquished [[the Fallen]] to another [[sarcophagus|dimension]] in the battle for the [[Matrix of Leadership]], {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 4|Tales of the Fallen #4}} but his orphaned descendant who was hidden away from the Fallen grew up with no knowledge of what he was. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 3|Revenge of the Fallen #3}}

[[Image:Foundation1-literaldawn.jpg|left|thumb|300px|He's right, an actual literal dawn ''was'' involved. Put those knives away, English majors.]]

Eons after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were vanquished, Cybertron fell into dark times. The [[AllSpark]] had been buried somewhere within Cybertron and been dismissed as a legend, and the planet itself lacked a star to orbit. As energy became more and more scarce, Cybertronians segregated into tribes. [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], a being who claimed to be descended from [[Primus]] himself, found Optimus and recruited him into his cause. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} Optimus and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] helped Sentinel Prime locate the AllSpark and harness a star for Cybertron to orbit, and these fantastic acts united Cybertron for the first time in known history. But Sentinel Prime had grown old and weary and refused to lead the Cybertronians, and, in confidence, he revealed to Optimus that he was a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], and that he ought to succeed him as leader. But Optimus could not believe he was a Prime. However, he believed by investigating Cybertron's history he could bring some of the good the Primes created back to the world. Sentinel redrew his plans for Cybertron, having Optimus lead the archaeological [[Science Division]], while placing Megatron in charge of Cybertron's [[Defense Force]]. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}} Little did they know that Megatron had been eavesdropping, and Optimus's brother came to a jealousy-inspired conclusion. He didn't believe Optimus Prime had the ability to competently lead Cybertron, and that this series of events would one day pit the two against each other, until one was dead. Megatron vowed that it would not be him. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

[[Image:Defiance1 Megs Prime argument.jpg|right|350px|thumb|"Hey, I wanted a mouthplate!"]]

For two generations, Optimus and Megatron ruled Cybertron together. The two personalities created a balance; Prime was fair while Megatron was firm. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Movie Prequel #1}} After an increase in [[Malcontent]]s disrupting Sentinel's order, Megatron intimidated Optimus into giving him supreme power in defense of the planet. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}} When ''Lord'' Protector Megatron toured the excavation site near the AllSpark [[Simfur Temple|temple]] at [[Simfur]], he and Optimus clashed over several issues. While Optimus wanted to take the investigation slowly, all Megatron cared about was whether the site contained power similar to the AllSpark. Optimus nettled Megatron when he reminded the Protector that the science sector was in charge of scientific and archaeological discoveries, and that the defense forces had a tendency to treat such discoveries as hostile, to which Megatron responded that if and when he was leader, he could make such decisions. When a [[The Fallen|mysterious relic]] was uncovered, Optimus disagreed with Megatron's order for it to be removed from the ground. Just as the two were about to launch into yet another argument, aliens previously encountered by Commander [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacked Cybertron. Megatron blackmailed Optimus into moving the relic into his personal quarters by reminding the science leader that the science division would like to protect the only intact relic from harm. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1|Defiance #1}}

Optimus ordered his science teams to help the survivors on both sides, in the hopes of finding out who was responsible and why they attacked. While he went off to find Megatron, he ordered the others to continue searching for survivors while [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] examined the alien remains. Optimus was shocked and appalled when Megatron ordered him to marshal his forces for war. Optimus objected, as his science division was not trained for combat, but Megatron retorted that the scientists should have known that aliens were after the AllSpark. He endured Megatron's insane fury when he accused the Protector of betraying that upon which their society was built. Later, Optimus called upon a meeting with his science division to ask them to stay by his side and continue on with their mission of peaceful research, as they were protectors, not soldiers. While the aerial-based Cybertronians followed Megatron into space, Optimus confided in [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] and [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] that Megatron sought to divide their planet, and he asked the former for help breaking into the High Protector's personal quarters. {{storylink|Defiance issue 2|Defiance #2}}

[[Image:Defiance3_OptimusPrime_battle.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Man...Prime ain't foolin' around.]]

After noting that Megatron had restored the artifact to pristine condition, Optimus had to leave the military leader's quarters just before he returned. Back at [[Burthov]], he came upon [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Arcee, and [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] scanning the pieces of the other artifacts. Arcee then discovered that the pieces all contained the same symbol on them, and that the same symbol was on Optimus' head. Ratchet declared that the symbol was proof of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], and it indicated Optimus himself was a [[Dynasty of Primes|Prime]]. Ratchet and the other Autobots began to dub him "Optimus Prime", although a humble Optimus noted they did not know what it meant and for all they knew, he could just be from a line of record clerks. As they discussed the revelations, Prowl was forced by Megatron to arrest Optimus, but this turned out to be a trap to kill him. Optimus bested Starscream and blew up [[Metrotitan (ROTF)|Metrotitan]], while Megatron formed his new faction, the [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Defiance issue 3|Defiance #3}} Optimus found Sentinel, Elita-One and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] under attack at the excavation site. He and [[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] rescued them and escaped through a tunnel. Optimus also informed Sentinel of the marking on his head that proved he was right all along: he was a Prime too. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}}

[[Image:Ark Bridge Defiance4.jpg||thumb|300px|right|]]
Retreating to Burthov with his fellow scientists and Prowl's security officers, Optimus was acknowledged as the leader of the group, with Prowl serving as his lieutenant. He and Prowl were discussing sites for a new base when Jazz informed them that Captain Ironhide of the [[Defense Force]] wanted to see Optimus. Learning of Megatron's new starship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', Optimus Prime was convinced by his advisers that their side needed a ship of their own to prepare for any eventualities. The Autobots found themselves at an advantage when the ''Nemesis'' left Cybertron with the balance of the Decepticon forces, and Optimus himself took the fight to their enemies. However, years of bloody war devastated the planet, and Optimus saw no end in sight. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

Sentinel came up with a solution: a "torch" that would end the war without requiring the mass murder of the Decepticons. It required the AllSpark to activate, so Ironhide led the Autobots to Simfur Temple. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} Elita-One successfully activated the torch, while Optimus fought off Megatron so she could deliver it to Sentinel. Sentinel boarded the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] and arrived at Simfur, but to Optimus and Megatron's disbelief, Starscream blew the ship up. The Autobots fell back. With the Decepticons exhausted, Optimus ordered Wheeljack to pilot the second [[Ark (Movie)|Ark]] to take the AllSpark from Simfur. To Elita-One's concern, Optimus declared he would be going on a suicide mission to kill Megatron. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Optimus, Ironhide and Elita-One made their way through Megatron's soldiers guarding his [[Lord High Protector citadel|citadel]]. Optimus demanded Megatron face him, but the Decepticon leader responded by dropping the [[smelting pool]] on him. Ironhide pushed Optimus out of the way, but Optimus's face was heavily damaged. Optimus entered Megatron's chamber alone as Ironhide was attacked by Starscream and [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]. Optimus found Megatron surrounded by hungry [[hatchling]]s, gloating that Optimus was too weak to do what was necessary to win the war. Wheeljack then messaged Optimus, asking if they would go forward with removing the AllSpark. Optimus responded affirmatively, and Chromia and Arcee removed the Cube, darkening the skies of Cybertron. Optimus escaped, leaving Megatron to fend off his ravenous hatchlings, and rescued Ironhide. Returning to oversee the AllSpark's transportation, Optimus recognized his relationship with Elita-One had been forever scarred, and observed he still had a long way to go to being a great leader. {{storylink|Foundation|Foundation #1-4}}

[[Image:Optimusprimemovieprequel.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All Primes are required to have window boobs.]]

The AllSpark was successfully ejected into space at [[Tyger Pax]], where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] distracted Megatron. Prime and the Autobots were held up in [[Simfur]] during the launch. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Movie Prequel #1}} As they prepared to leave Cybertron on board the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'' to go after the AllSpark, Optimus Prime had some doubts about his decision, feeling that in buying them some time in the war, he had sentenced their world to death. [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] disagreed, pointing out that had Megatron been able to claim the Cube, all those that opposed him would have been destroyed, and that Prime had turned death into a fighting chance for the Autobots. Bolstered by Prowl's words, Prime resolved to rebuild their shattered home once they retrieved the AllSpark. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream #1}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

Bumblebee remembered Optimus Prime's orders that they must launch the AllSpark into space, for it was better to lose it to the depths of space than allow Lord Megatron to corrupt it with his evil. For wherever there is hope, there is life. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:OptimusMovie_GeoffSenior.JPG|250px|thumb|Starting as he means to go on.]]

When war broke out, Optimus studied the entire history of intergalactic warfare from any datatrack he could find—he studied whole campaigns to desperate last stands, gaining a focused "playbook" of warfare strategy. He understands warfare on a practical and psychological level, and in desperate battles knows to show no mercy to opponents beyond a swift death. <ref>''Autobot VS Decepticon Smackdown! - Megatron V. Optimus Prime'', #4</ref>

Optimus was the focus of constant attacks by assassin drones and killed them all. In the aftermath of one, he witnessed a prophetic vision of the [[Mission City]] battle and realised the AllSpark's ejection could spread war to other planets—but too late to stop the launch... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 1|Prelude: Optimus Prime}}

{{note|The following event is unique to the Titan Magazines comics continuity, and thus does not occur anywhere else.}}

Almost immediately after the final battle against Megatron, Optimus Prime had to lead the Autobots against a horde of [[Zombie|zombie]] Decepticons. Despite having no idea how they could be stopped and having had his power drained by fighting Megatron, Optimus continued to fight the monsters rather than let them run amok. Ratchet worked out a solution just in time before Optimus fell. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|Starscream's Militia}}

{{notetitantlg}}

In the alternate reality, Megatron defeated Optimus and took the AllSpark at [[Mission City]]. Prime's body was now partially frozen and in Decepticon hands. He was the last and only hope of the Earth resistance, and so Bumblebee and [[Mikaela Banes]] were not happy to find him offline. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

She thawed him out while Bumblebee distracted Megatron, and the revived Prime challenged Megatron to a solo duel... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 12|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}} Unfortunately, Megatron's link to the AllSpark meant Optimus could not do any lasting damage and was never going to win. Luckily, Bumblebee and Mikaela saved the day, hitting the distracted Megatron with an old [[Sector Seven]] nanovirus. (Which means ''they'' were the last and only hope, but oh well.) Despite Megatron dying as a result and the AllSpark being destroyed elsewhere, Prime could take no satisfaction in victory: this battle was won, but the war remained... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

[[Image:Optimus_Titan12.JPG|left|250px|thumb|"Megatron's face must be cut off...no MATTER THE COST!"]]

He became resigned to the fact that Humanity, battered by Decepticon occupation, would view both Autobot and Decepticon as hostile invaders. When [[NATO]] was manipulated into attacking the Autobots, Optimus refused to allow his men to return fire, and after the crisis passed, he was sure that [[Starscream (Movie)|the Decepticons' unknown new commander]] was up to something bigger. Optimus also placed the last AllSpark fragment in the care of Ratchet, though he was worried exposure to Megatron might have corrupted it. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14|Aftermath Part 1}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}} He was ''not'' happy when Ratchet "took care" of the fragment by bringing [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] back with it, who was left corrupted and amoral by it. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}}

Optimus Prime soon worked out that while the AllSpark's transformation of Earth had been halted, the damage had been done: the organic Earth and the technological transformation were now fighting for supremacy, killing the planet in the process. He called in a specialist team to investigate and limit the damage, while working with [[President of the United States|President Allen]]. In secret, he organised for [[Nucleon]] to be retrieved from the dead Cybertron and brought to Earth, as there was a long shot it could save the planet. He didn't tell the humans out of concern that if they knew about the plan and it failed, their hopes would be raised and dashed. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Return to Cybertron: Part 1}} It was bad enough that Nucleon was so unstable it could turn destructive... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|Return to Cybertron: Part 2}}

When the team on Cybertron sent a distress signal and reported [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade's]] Decepticons had captured the Nucleon, Optimus led the entirety of the Earth-bound Autobots (save Camshaft's team) to Cybertron as back-up. He was then surprised to see Cybertron coming to ''them'', looking [[Unicron|a lot meaner these days]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}} The planet's possessor, Unicron, shot down the Straxus and the Autobots survived only by evacuating it in time in [[protoform]] modes.

Optimus landed next to Stockade's old equipment and, after being filled in by [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], he effortlessly formed an alliance with Stockade against Unicron. His plan was to drain the Nucleon away so Unicron couldn't use it as a power source, while the bulk of the Transformers provided a distraction, which turned out to be going underground and shooting up Unicron's body. The plan worked, Nucleon was secured for Earth, and Optimus extended an offer for Stockade to join them on Earth whenever he wished. Optimus was left optimistic that Autobots and Decepticons had come together in a common cause. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

On returning to Earth, he found the Decepticons had seized the Autobot base and six hundred square miles around it; he made the decision to withdraw to [[Washington, D.C.]], knowing that this meant leaving Mikaela in Decepticon hands. Upon landing at an air base, the Decepticon-controlled President Allen lured him into a trap, and he found himself fighting Jazz, now a Decepticon hired gun. Optimus lured him away from humans and prepared to engage him, but when a second assassin named [[Kullt]] turned up, Jazz gunned it down out of annoyance. Optimus had viewed Jazz as a lost cause but now stated there was still some Autobot in him: he ''could'' have let Kullt do the work for him and then killed him, but he saved Prime instead.

The battle made it clear to Optimus that Allen was under Decepticon mental control. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}}

[[Image:Optimus Titan22.JPG|200px|thumb|Freedom is not dispensed here, sentient fools, only DEATH!]]

As he'd promised Bumblebee, Optimus took the Autobots to get Mikaela back; he himself went first, launching himself in [[Protoform|protoform]] mode to land in Savannah like a bomb and tearing his way through [[Swindle (Movie)|drone hordes]]. He was quickly gunned down by aerial units and about to be killed by Starscream, but this whole flashy attack had been a diversion—allowing other Autobots a chance to hit the distracted air forces and nab Mikaela. After the battle, Optimus remarked Starscream was no Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

Optimus seemed to quickly bond with [[General Seward]], his military liaison at Andrews Air Base, but that didn't help when the mind-controlled President Allen had the government order the Autobots out of America. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part One}} However, Prime had anticipated this. Almost two weeks before, he'd had Ironhide task [[Tom Banachek]] to identify all the Decepticon puppets for him. With Allen making the expected move, he dispatched Ironhide and Bumblebee to set things up so that the following day, when the Autobots all departed, Allen would try to nuke them out of the sky and be fooled by a decoy ship into thinking he'd killed them. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part Three}}

To protect the Earth while they were undercover on Cybertron, Optimus had made a deal with Stockade to start a [[Decepticon Civil War]]. Optimus didn't trust Stockade to not renege on the deal and just take control of Earth for himself, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part Two}} but he ensured the Decepticons were set up for the Autobot's final strike: forcibly teleporting all of the enemy to Cybertron via Unicron's leftover teleportational engines, then stranding Cybertron in a remote solar system. Optimus led the troops to Earth and witnessed Megatron's return from the dead... only to ''thwack'' him flying. The next minute, both Megatron ''and'' Stockade (why wait for him to renege?) were teleported away, along with their forces.

This left the Autobots stranded on Earth and with a lot of clean-up to do. But Optimus had ''finally'' brought about the end of the war... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part Three}}
{{-}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday''===
Optimus Prime led the search for the AllSpark in the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'', a transport vessel. When they came across an abandoned solar system, they located [[Ghost 1|a vessel]] of strangely Cybertronian design, seemingly of Decepticon make. When the vessel fled to the surface of a planet, Prime dispatched Bumblebee to investigate while he and the other Autobots battled Decepticons from the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]''. Prime managed to defeat [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] all on his own. After losing touch with Bumblebee, Prime went down to locate him on the planet, where they were attacked by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and the alien ship. They fell into a cavern network, where they were further attacked by [[Worm-thing|indigenous worms]].

During their flight from the creatures, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee came across the alien vessel. Prime realized that they were trying to surrender, so the Autobots communicated with its crew. Optimus explained that they came in peace, "freedom is the right of all sentient beings," Starscream tricks everyone, and so on. However, the creatures, who called themselves "[[Human|humans]]", explained that they held Megatron, whom they called the Ice Man, on their home world, [[Earth]]. Realizing the destruction Megatron would wreak upon the humans if he escaped, and that the humans would be unable to defend themselves effectively, Prime vowed to see them return to their world to warn it. Prime was able to blast an opening in the cavern, and the group escaped. As they returned to the ''Ark'', Prime began to speculate that the AllSpark was what drew Megatron to Earth.

In the ensuing battle with the Decepticons, Prime was in the difficult position of fighting Starscream and protecting the human ship. His distractions allowed Bonecrusher to spear him with his tail. The difficult state nearly gave Starscream the chance to kill him, but the humans saved Prime's life by damaging Starscream, who destroyed them. Optimus Prime was inspired by their courage and sacrifice, and resolved to locate Earth before the Decepticons did—and hopefully before Megatron came back online. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Brazil), [[Reiner Schöne]] (German), [[Alessandro Rossi]] (Italian), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Guy Nadon]] (French-Canadian)

{{bigquote|A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes.|Optimus Prime on sacrificing his life to destroy the [[AllSpark]]}}

[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Having overenergized the previous night, Prime woke up abandoned in a field, with his wallet and clothes stolen.]]
The leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, came to Earth shortly after [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] sent his comrades a beacon. Upon atmospheric reentry, Prime managed to land outside of [[Tranquility]]'s inhabited areas. While Sam and Mikaela watched, Optimus transformed and left his landing place. From atop a hill, he quickly scanned the form of an Earth truck, thus configuring his body to transform into it. Prime, [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] met up with Bumblebee and his human friends, [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Mikaela Banes]] in an alley. In one of the most extended [[Transformation|transformations]] in the multiverse, Prime assumed his robotic form before the stunned humans. After confirming Sam's identity, Prime introduced himself and his team. When Mikaela asked of the Autobots' intentions, Prime explained the search for the AllSpark, the betrayal of Megatron, and why Sam was important to their search.

[[Image:Movie PrimeSam parentsfreakout.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Optimus Prime will watch you fornicate. And there is nothing you can do about it.]]
Glasses that belonged to Sam's ancestor, [[Archibald Witwicky|Captain Archibald Witwicky]], contained the location of the AllSpark encoded across its lenses, so Optimus Prime ordered his troops to wait outside Sam's house while Sam and Mikaela searched inside for the glasses. Much to Sam's exasperation, Optimus Prime, in his impatience, clumsily ruined his parents' garden, and the Autobots' heavy footsteps convinced them there was an earthquake. Prime's attempts to hide, such as having the Autobots transform into vehicle mode right in the backyard, were also less than satisfactory. Ultimately, Sam came so close to a panic attack that Prime was forced to order the Autobots to fall back. As Prime lectured his team on their supposed inability to remain quiet, Ratchet got himself shocked by walking into some powerlines, causing further problems. When [[Ron Witwicky|the]] [[Judy Witwicky|parents]] came to investigate, Prime's attempt to avoid discovery caused the house to shake, though this was to their benefit, as the father assumed that the damage to the yard was the result of an earthquake. Ironhide suggested that they kill the parents, but Optimus scolded his old friend. Despite all this, their presence remained undetected until [[Sector Seven]] arrived (in a convoy of GMC Yukons) and abducted Sam, Mikaela, and Sam's parents.

[[Image:Movie Optimus Prime S7 mad.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Get out of the car...what's left of it anyway!]]
Optimus Prime sent the Autobots in pursuit of the SUV that contained Sam, Mikaela, and Sector Seven's director, [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]]. Prime intercepted the vehicle carrying their young human friends, ripping the roof of the vehicle off, with the other Autobots disarming the agents, and made it perfectly clear to Simmons how pissed off he was at him for trying to apprehend the two children, regarding this as a bad move on Simmons' behalf. Optimus then ordered his comrades to relieve the agents of their weapons, and attempted to interrogate Simmons. The agents' lack of surprise at their appearance indicated that they had seen Cybertronians before, but Simmons refused to reveal any information. With a Sector Seven backup team en route, Prime ordered the Autobots to scatter, while he took Sam and Mikaela. While hiding under a bridge, Mikaela and Sam slipped and fell off Prime's shoulder. Bumblebee managed to catch them before impact, but was captured, and Sam and Mikaela recaptured, by the organization after their retreat. Now in possession of the glasses which could tell him the location of the AllSpark, Optimus regretfully left Bumblebee in Sector Seven's hands, knowing that if they went after him, they would have to use deadly force.

After regrouping the next day, Prime used the glasses to locate the AllSpark. Jazz again raised objections to leaving Bumblebee behind, but Prime remained firm in his belief of not harming the humans. Ironhide seemed okay with using deadly force, stating the humans were too violent, but Prime countered that when their time had come, the Cybertronians had been [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|little different]]. Going on to explain the potential he saw in the humans, as well as reminding them that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", Prime revealed to the Autobots his real plan for the AllSpark: if they could not defeat the Decepticons, Prime intended to merge the Cube with his [[Spark|spark]]. Though this would destroy the AllSpark, Ratchet cautioned Prime against this, as it would also kill him. Prime believed that this was acceptable, vowing not to let another race suffer the mistakes of the Transformers. The glasses placed the AllSpark at [[Hoover Dam]] where, luckily, Bumblebee and the young humans were taken.

[[Image:Movie2007 Prime sword.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Swiss army Prime.]]
Optimus Prime's team met up with Sector Seven, Bumblebee, Sam, and Mikaela en route, who had planned to hide the AllSpark in nearby [[Mission City]]. While on the highway, he was attacked by [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], who managed to tackle Optimus and drag him over the edge of a freeway overpass. During the battle, Optimus struck the rage-filled Transformer so hard his [[Optic|optic]] popped out. As the Decepticon swung his claw wildly, Optimus drew his sword from his right arm and sliced off one of Bonecrusher's arms, before brutally finishing off his enemy by [[Decapitation|driving the blade through]] Bonecrusher's neck, severing his head.

Optimus arrived at Mission City just in time to observe Megatron discarding the remains of Jazz, and challenged him. Millennia in the ice had done nothing to lessen Megatron's hatred of his brother, and he launched himself in jet mode at the Autobot leader. Optimus leaped and grabbed hold of the wings, which was a really bad idea, as Megatron drove himself and Prime through an office block. As they flew out of the building onto the street below, Megatron transformed and leapt on top of Prime, declaring the humans undeserving of life. Prime rejected his claims, saying that they deserved to choose for themselves. Megatron threw Prime across the street, declaring that if he wished to defend the humans, Prime could die with them. He then formed his [[Fusion cannon|fusion cannon]] from his forearms. The power up time allowed Prime to draw his [[Ion blaster|ion blaster]] and fire, hitting Megatron. The Decepticon used the momentum to spin around, then used the fusion cannon to blast Prime across the street into another building. Megatron then resumed the hunt for Sam and the AllSpark.

[[Image:Movie2007 Prime truck.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He knows he's a sexy truck.]]
Tracking Megatron to the deserted building, Prime barely managed to catch Sam after Megatron knocked him off the roof. Telling the boy to hold onto the Cube, Prime attempted to scale down the building, but Megatron jumped on Prime, causing them both to fall down hard onto the street below. Sam survived, however, and Optimus told the boy that if he could not defeat Megatron, Sam must put the AllSpark into his chest which would destroy it. As Sam sought cover, Optimus faced down Megatron, and informed him that, "At the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall fall". Unfortunately, Megatron, even after years of stasis, proved to be far too powerful for Prime to defeat alone. The unit led by Lennox and the Raptor squadron laid down suppressing fire as Megatron reached for the AllSpark, until Optimus finally took him down by sweeping his legs. Still, Megatron continued, crawling toward the cube. Believing he had lost, Optimus implored Sam to put the AllSpark into his chest. Sam instead thrust it into Megatron's chest, killing the Decepticon leader and destroying the AllSpark.

[[Image:Movie2007 Prime AllSpark shard.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership|Dorito of leadership]]]]
As Optimus watched his brother die, he regretfully said there was little other choice. He also told Sam he owed him a debt of gratitude for saving his life, but was then informed that Jazz had not survived (Jazz was flapping around disrespectfully like a ragdoll during this sequence). Prime briefly eulogized his comrade, then commented that they had gained new comrades in the humans, and was honored by their bravery. Bumblebee, who had finally regained his voice, requested permission to remain with Sam Witwicky, to which the young human eagerly agreed, and Optimus approved. He noticed a fragment of the AllSpark in Megatron's chest cavity and removed it, then permitted the humans to dispose of the Decepticon corpses by dumping them into the deepest part of the ocean.

[[Image:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|right|300px|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Though Megatron was killed and his Decepticons were defeated, the AllSpark was destroyed, leaving the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. The Autobots elected to remain on Earth, and Prime sent a message into deep space to any surviving Autobots in the Galaxy to come to their new home on Earth, their long years of searching having finally having come to an end. As the other Autobots rested (and watched Sam and Mikaela make out on Bumblebee's hood) Optimus Prime looked to the sky, hoping his message had been heard. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
{{-}}

{{note|The [[Movie Adaptation Issue Number Four|comic book adaptation]] depicts Optimus Prime also defeating [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] during the highway altercation with Bonecrusher. However, the later comic [[The Reign of Starscream issue 1|''The Reign of Starscream'' #1]] depicts Ironhide doing the deed.}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

That truck he transcanned was ''the coolest thing he ever saw''. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime}}

When the AllSpark was destroyed, Optimus was ''bathed'' in its power and became a living receptacle: he could destroy or heal with the merest thought. He still remained dedicated to peace, and altered his exterior decorations to match the ones he bore as a young leader, before the beginning of the war. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|First Strike Optimus Prime}}

When the war turned out to ''not'' be over though, and with more Decepticons appearing on Earth, he was forced to alter himself to be used for stealth missions—something he finds dishonourable but knows has to be done. He is now sensor transparent and silent. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys|Nightwatch Optimus Prime}} In this form, he came under surprise attack by an equally stealth-modified Starscream, leader of the new Decepticons! {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Nightwatch Optimus Prime vs. Stealth Starscream}}

Once the Decepticons were beaten on Earth, Optimus was given intelligence by [[Sector Seven]]. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Brawlers|Fire Blast Optimus Prime}}

===Beast Wars Diorama Story===
[[Beast Wars (event)|On Earth in the past and in another universe]], a contingent of [[Maximal]]s, led by [[Optimus Primal]], battled a group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] in a forest. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Convoy Chapter}}

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], Optimus Prime, and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]. Optimus Prime made fast friends with [[Optimus Primal]]; they joined their forces and double-teamed the injured [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who had just taken a blast to the face from [[Tigatron]]. Starscream then joined the Predacons. The two Optimuses commemorated their accomplishment of teamwork by shaking hands. The Maximals and Ratchet looked up with approval. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and joined the Predacons. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from Prime's universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Gimlet Chapter}}

The Decepticon Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. Fortuantely for the Autobots and Maximals, [[Motorarm (BWII)|Motorarm]] arrived to assist. The two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. With [[Motorarm (BWII)|Motorarm]] leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Motorarm Chapter}}

===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:AllianceOptimusHoloDriver.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Peter Cullen|Optimus Prime]] driving Optimus Prime! Sheer awesomeness!]]

Following the battle of [[Mission City]], and the destruction of Megatron and the AllSpark, Optimus Prime was left to ferry the body of his first lieutenant [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] out of the city in an abandoned trailer. Trusting [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] and his men, Prime asked the human soldiers to help the Autobots escape from the city, before [[Sector Seven]] and other untrustworthy humans could arrive. A month later, [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]] managed to convince Lennox and [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] to call upon the assistance of Optimus Prime and the Autobots to escort the Decepticon remains, thereby hopefully reactivating the Decepticon [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] somehow. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}}

Optimus, Ironhide, Ratchet and Bumblebee arrived at Sector Seven's Nevada desert base to escort to a naval base at [[California|San Diego, California]]. Optimus insisted on escorting Jazz's remains personally, and thanked Lennox for arranging a proper burial-at-sea for his fallen lieutenant. When he noticed the AllSpark shard seemingly reacting to the Decepticon bodies, he handed the fragment to [[Vine|Professor Vine]] for safekeeping until he returned. Shortly after leaving the base, Optimus had second thoughts about leaving the fragment in Sector Seven's possession, and ordered Bumblebee and Ironhide to turn around and retrieve the only remaining piece of the AllSpark. {{storylink|Alliance issue 2|Alliance #2}}

[[Image:Alliance3_OptimusPrime_Lennox.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"So erm, want to go back to my place?" "Prime, are you trying to get onto me?" "No dude, I just want to show you my collection of faces and heads!"]]

The convoy returned to the Sector Seven base after learning of Wreckage and Starscream's attacks. [[Salani]] retrieved the AllSpark shard and returned it to Optimus Prime, who felt the last piece of their heritage should stay with him. Weeks later, the Autobots and the soldiers with whom they served traveled aboard a [[United States Navy|US Navy]] carrier for Jazz's burial-at-sea and to observe the disposal of the Decepticons. Optimus deeply appreciated the humans' paying last respects to their fallen comrade, though he was concerned that even the great depths of the [[Laurentian Abyss]] were not enough to keep the Decepticon bodies hidden. Below deck, Optimus and Lennox agreed to a formal [[NEST|alliance between the Autobots and humans]] as the first line of offense and defense against the Decepticons. During training on the island of [[Diego Garcia]], Optimus Prime reminded the Autobots that they must work together with the humans as a team, never forgetting that division was what caused the war on Cybertron in the first place. When they were alone, Optimus Prime and Major Lennox complimented each other's leadership and the dedication of their respective troops. When Lennox commented that it was because of the Autobots that he and his soldiers were alive today, Optimus refuted this, saying it was because of humans such as Lennox and Sam, and that the Autobots were only part of the problem. Soon, both [[NEST]] leaders learned that the Decepticons had returned to Earth. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3|Alliance #3}}

By November 2008, Sideswipe had arrived on Earth, but was recklessly pursuing the Decepticon Demolishor in South America. Optimus was chastised by Admiral Morshower for this "grey area" in the Autobot ranks, but the Autobot leader assured Morshower he would settle it. Human relations were so strained the exasperated Optimus decided to forcibly bring Sideswipe in to end his rampage; however, Ironhide requested he go calm his former student down. Optimus agreed, but made his position clear: if Sideswipe could not be negotiated with... he would be ''dealt'' with. Ironhide eventually was able to calm his student, but not before Demolishor was let loose upon human civilians, AND the authorities were attacking Cybertronians on sight. Luckily, Optimus and a strike team had already arrived and had the authorities stand down, and Sideswipe joined the Autobot ranks. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 2|Tales of the Fallen #2}}

[[Image:Alliance4_Prime_killingspree.jpg|thumb|300px|Freedom is the right of all '''non-Decepticon''' sentient beings.]]

NEST was deployed to [[San Francisco]], where the Decepticons [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Dead End (Movie)|Dead End]] were wreaking havoc. Flushed out of hiding, the Decepticons managed to evade the other Autobots, but Optimus Prime quickly put down Dead End by ramming him head-on. When asked by Prime, he commented that he was fine, but he wasn't sure if Dead End was. On the way back to base, Lennox and Optimus Prime discussed Swindle's last words and were concerned that this was just the first wave of Decepticons coming to Earth, and that they were after [[Sam Witwicky]]. Optimus convinced Lennox that no matter what, it was Sam's destiny to become involved in this conflict, and they agreed to send Bumblebee back to the States to resume his role as the boy's guardian. Later, when Optimus observed the distrust for the Autobots held by Lennox's superiors, he suggested that they must work harder and that continued success would satisfy those above them. During the subsequent hunt for Decepticons around the world, Optimus Prime personally destroyed [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]], [[Dropkick]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]. As NEST's ranks grew, together they celebrated their victories and mourned those who made the ultimate sacrifice. One event brought joy and hope to the team: The arrival of Autobot refugees who were eager to protect their new homeworld. This joy was tempered by the fact more and more Decepticons were being sighted on Earth, and Optimus believed that there was some unknown that threatened their new home, their species and their alliance with the humans. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat''===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}

{{bigquote|I know Megatron. I know all of you. You would not have taken the AllSpark and left this world in peace. You would have subdued it and made slaves of its people. Even in the absence of the AllSpark, my conscience and that of my friends could not have allowed that.|Optimus Prime to [[Macerator]]}}

Optimus attended an initial [[NEST]] briefing about sightings of Starscream in [[Zambia]], and was placed in joint command with Lennox of a team to go there to investigate. He also advised some new Autobot arrivals about how best to fit in on Earth. In Zambia, they quickly tracked down three Decepticons, [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]], [[Macerator]] and [[Dropkick]] waiting at the Zambezi River. Optimus, Ironhide and Ratchet waded in to face their opponents, unaware that it was a trap — as they fought, they were dragged downriver towards Victoria Falls. Although the other two Autobots escaped the trap, Optimus was held fast by Macerator and plunged off the falls. While Macerator was caught mid-air by Starscream, Optimus managed to cling to an outcropping. He was rescued by the other Autobots present, utilizing [[Beachbreak]]'s tow line. Enraged by the rescue, Starscream killed Beachbreak, something Optimus regarded as a result of his own failure to lead. The team tracked Payload, Macerator and Dropkick downriver to the Kariba dam, where Optimus rammed two of the Decepticons and then fought with Macerator at length. He eventually triumphed, decapitating the Decepticon. As Dropkick retreated, Optimus stopped Ironhide from firing as he might have hit some of the humans nearby. They instead went to look for Payload, who had been swept away by raging waters from the dam emergency release.

Back at [[Diego Garcia]], two more Decepticon contacts were made in [[Australia]] and [[Peru]]. Optimus opted to lead the team checking Australia. After exploring the Outback for a number of days, the team discussed whether the Decepticons might be hunting for energy to resurrect Megatron, but Optimus doubted there was an energy source on the planet that could do so. They eventually encountered [[Kickback (ROTF)|Kickback]], [[Trample]] and [[Tread]], three [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicon]]s mining for minerals. Optimus found Kickback's sonic charge weapon to be a challenge, but with some help from Lennox, killed the Decepticon.

After they returned to base, Optimus's input into the conversation on how the Decepticons might revive Megatron was for the most part unhelpful. The subsequent appearance of [[Jolt (Movie)|Deadend]] and [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] in [[Rome]] led the Autobots to take another trip, but Optimus found Rome's narrow streets frustrating as he was unable to navigate them in his truck form. After [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knockout]] dealt to the two Decepticons, a furious Starscream challenged Optimus to one-on-one combat in the nearby Colosseum. Naturally it was a trap — Starscream had allied himself with a human, [[Bruno Carrera]], and together they trapped Optimus in a pit and set Barricade on him. With the help of four humans, Optimus broke free, threw Barricade into the pit and sealed him there. He then had only to show his face outside to where Starscream was fighting Ironhide, Ratchet and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]], and the would-be Decepticon leader fled. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan5_Optimustwins.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Your slang is bad and you should ''feel'' bad!"]]

Since coming to Earth, Optimus has had to strive daily to gain credibility with the human powers-that-be. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

Even Optimus doesn't believe [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap's]] stories anymore! When those same twins arrived, Optimus was absent on a 'need to know' mission {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}} in [[Australia]] with [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]]. When [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] landed on the continent, the two Autobots interrupted their mission to bring the bot in. It proved far more difficult than you'd expect, with the Decepticon able to outdistance them in the long run and better suited to the terrain. Optimus was knocked offroad when Sideways blasted him with exhaust, and Arcee reported her alt mode was too out of its comfort zone to keep up... which gave Optimus an idea.

That idea was to take ''away'' the terrain, blasting Sideways off the road and into the grass with projectile weaponry. Violence works!

Optimus took the prisoner to Diego Garcia, and on arrival was greeted with the sight of the twins brawling on the runway. He bawled them out over improper conduct, but before he could go further [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] made an attack. Taking fire, Optimus began barking out orders... only to be tripped up by Skids. Once he was up, Scorponok and Sideways had both done a runner. Knowing that the enemy could ''not'' have got this close without NEST security being compromised, Optimus was convinced by [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe's]] argument that the twins had turned traitor and had them taken away for questions. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

When the twins were sprung by Decepticons, Prime agreed with [[Theodore Galloway]] that the Autobots would make finding the twins a number one priority. However, Optimus was left suspicious when a [[Soundwave (ROTF)|mysterious "friend"]] tipped the Autobots off about the twins. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}} Soon, it came out that the twins were being framed and by tracking the two, Optimus and his men found out about a Decepticon base near [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. Optimus led a raid on it, taking down the [[Purple generic drones|drone army]] stationed there. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Brazil), [[Reiner Schöne]] (German), [[Alessandro Rossi]] (Italian), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Guy Nadon]] (French-Canadian)

[[Image:ROTF-DemolishorPrime.jpg|thumb|right|250px|With the Legends and Voyager toys, this scene is ''just'' possible.]]
After the events in [[Mission City]] two years ago, Optimus Prime and the Autobots became part of a Transformer/human military group called [[NEST]], which hunted down the remaining Decepticons across the world. When [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] and [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] were detected in [[Shanghai]], NEST was deployed there, including the Autobots [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Once Demolishor made himself known by transforming into robot mode and crushing dozens of cars along the highway, [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] radioed an overhead C-17 to release the Autobot leader. Optimus Prime parachuted out of a NEST cargo plane and landed in vehicle mode. He leapt off a bridge onto the Decepticon's head as he plowed through it. When the massive Constructicon refused his order to pull over, Optimus unleashed several blasts of his [[ion blaster]] into Demolishor's head. These shots, coupled with Ironhide destroying his tires, sent the titan crashing to the ground and into a warehouse. As he and Ironhide approached the dying Decepticon, Optimus asked if he had any last words. With his dying breath, the Constructicon stated that [[The Fallen]] would rise again. Optimus responded in the negative and unceremoniously executed him.

Returning to [[Diego Garcia]], Prime entered a briefing with [[Theodore Galloway]], the National Security Adviser who had been appointed liaison by the [[President of the United States|President]], and [[Morshower|General Morshower]], the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was watching by satellite feed. Prime relayed the warning of The Fallen to them, but Galloway made no effort to conceal his hostility toward the Autobots. He noted that while they had given them intelligence and the sole remaining AllSpark fragment, Galloway took issue with their refusal to share weapons technology and their continued sending of transmissions into space. Prime told Galloway that the Autobots were aware of humanity's history of warfare, and Morshower said that all the transmissions had been vetted by NEST officers. Galloway also pointed out that despite Megatron's death and burial in the Laurentian Abyss and the destruction of the AllSpark, the Decepticons had not left Earth as Optimus had hoped, leading him to conclude that the Autobots were the ones who the Decepticons were after. When asked if the Autobots would leave Earth peacefully if told to, Optimus replied that they would honor their request, but warned Galloway to consider what would happen if the Autobots left but the Decepticons did not.

Unknown to Prime, the Decepticon [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] had been monitoring transmissions and spied on the briefing. Dispatching [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to the island, he had his agent steal the remaining AllSpark fragment, killing several soldiers in the process. The incident left the Autobots with rather chilly relations with the United States. Seeking outside help, Optimus dispatched Bumblebee to retrieve Sam Witwicky from college in an effort to secure his testimony on the Autobots' behalf. Meeting Sam at an abandoned cemetery near his college, Optimus explained the situation. Sam was not receptive; in fact, he was quite hostile, saying that he had just started college and was trying to have a normal life. Knowing that fate often called at inconvenient times, Optimus impressed upon Sam the importance of what was going on, but Sam reiterated that the Cybertronian War was not his, and that they didn't need him. Optimus relayed his fear that it soon would be, and silently said that they needed him more than he realized.

[[Image:ROTFPrimevsMegsandScreamer.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Stick em' up!]]
Prime's fear soon came to pass, but in the last way he could imagine: the Decepticons had used the AllSpark shard to resurrect Megatron, who had learned that the knowledge of the AllSpark had been passed to Sam by a fragment Sam had touched, and soon captured him, Mikaela, and Sam's college roommate [[Leo Spitz]]. Heading to rescue the three humans, Optimus and Bumblebee ambushed the Decepticons in the [[Broadwater Metal Works|abandoned industrial complex]] where the teens were being held, just as [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]] was about to perform fatal neurosurgery on Sam. Knocking Megatron and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] out of the building, Optimus managed to whisk Sam away from the plant. Optimus made it as far as the nearby forest when Megatron arrived. Going one-on-one with the Decepticon leader, Prime managed to hold his own, all the while trash-talking Megatron. Megatron then called for Starscream and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]], who quickly arrived. Prime was forced to run interference between Megatron and Starscream, who pursued Sam.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus vs Grindor.jpg|thumb|right||250px|''Frenzy is red,'' '' Rumble is blue,'' ''this poem doesn't rhyme,'' ''NOW GIVE ME YOUR FACE !'' ]]
As the battle raged, Megatron told Prime that the boy was the key to finding another energon source, then shattered his [[mouthplate]] and sent him flying back with a point blank shot from his [[fusion cannon]]. Megatron asked if the boy's life was greater than the future of their race, but Prime knew that he would never stop with a single life. Declaring that he'd take them all on, Optimus Prime unsheathed his [[Dual Energon Swords]] and fought a three-on-one fight against the Decepticons. Surprisingly, not only did he manage to hold his own, he was actually winning, managing to stab Megatron multiple times, slice off Starscream's arm and use it as a club, and rip apart Grindor's head. However, Megatron managed to stab his own sword through Optimus Prime's chest, following with a point blank shot through his injured back. Critically injured, Optimus implored the still-observing Sam to run. Although the rest of the Autobots soon arrived and drove off Megatron and Starscream, Optimus Prime was [[The_many_deaths_of_Optimus_Prime|dead]].

[[Image:ROTF Optimus death.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"You're so weak!" "Then why have I spent this whole fight kicking your a—"*BOOM*]]
Soon after, The Fallen made his presence known and demanded Sam Witwicky be turned over to him or the world would be destroyed. Galloway used this as a reason to shut down NEST and ordered the Autobots returned to Diego Garcia under guard, along with Prime's corpse (which Galloway callously denounced as a piece of scrap metal). Fortunately, Bumblebee, and [[Skids (ROTF)|the]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Twins]] managed to spirit Sam, Mikaela, and Leo away before The Fallen made his announcement. With help from their former enemy Seymour Simmons and the Decepticon-turned-Autobot [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]], the group discovered that Sam's mind contained the Language of the Primes, to which group The Fallen had once belonged. The human/Autobot group managed to locate the Seeker [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], who told them of how the [[Dynasty of Primes]] forged a [[star harvester]] to use a star's energy to replenish the AllSpark, and the [[Matrix of Leadership]], needed to activate the harvester, until they were betrayed by The Fallen, who tried to harvest [[Sun|Sol]] in defiance of the Primes' rule of the sanctity of life. Sam hit upon the idea to use the Matrix to restore Optimus to life, similar to how the Decepticons had used the AllSpark fragment to resurrect Megatron. Having been teleported to [[Egypt]] by Jetfire, the group managed to relay the information to Major Lennox and Sergeant Epps, who faked engine trouble over Petra, where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] was located. Unfortunately, the Matrix had turned to dust in the thousands of years since its entombment, but Sam still believed that it could be used to revive Optimus.

[[Image:ROTF movie Powered-Up Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|250px|I'm bringing sexy back.]]
However, the Decepticons were still looking for the harvester and the Matrix needed to activate it. Sam was technically killed in the [[Operation: Firestorm|battle]], during which he communed with the six Primes from the tomb, who restored the Matrix. Jamming it in the fallen Autobot's chest, Sam used the Matrix to restore Optimus Prime to life. Unfortunately, The Fallen soon arrived and stole the Matrix. Having been fatally injured by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], Jetfire offered his parts to Optimus, as only a Prime could defeat The Fallen, and snuffed out his own spark. After Ratchet and [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] finished attaching Jetfire's wings and thrusters to Prime's body, Optimus hurried to the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], which had been constructed around the harvester, and damaged the machine before it could destroy Earth's sun.

[[Image:TheFallen-ROTFfacegotten.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Your face is insufficient. GIVE ME YOUR SPARK!]]
Optimus Prime then faced Megatron and the Fallen. This against the odds battle went far better for Optimus, as he used Megatron's own fusion cannon to shoot off half his face and his afterburners to send him through some ruins. Optimus then battled the Fallen, using his Energon Sword to slice through his face. The Fallen countered by ripping off his left wing and striking him with it, but Optimus managed to grab the Fallen's own spear and impale him with it. Telling the traitorous Prime he had picked the wrong planet, Optimus used the spear to rip off The Fallen's face plate. As The Fallen tried to flee, Optimus Prime punched through his abdomen and crushed his spark core, killing The Fallen and forcing Megatron and Starscream to retreat.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus Sam ship.JPG|thumb|right|250px|"So why did you want his face?" "Okay, I'll tell you."*cuts to credits*]]
On the return voyage home, Optimus thanked Sam for saving his life, as the boy thanked the Autobot leader for believing in him. Following this, Optimus Prime sent another transmission into space, detailing recent events so that the pasts of both races would be remembered, and also declaring that Humanity and the Autobots would face the future together. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{--}}

===Titan Magazines post-''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Following the later Fallen incident, Optimus continued operations against the Decepticons. [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt's]] over-enthusiasm began to muck that up, causing damage and getting NEST into trouble, despite Optimus' attempts to point this out to him. Optimus had to confine him to base. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}}

[[Image:Titan10_Optimusgetsout.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Never had a human face before. GIVE ME IT ANYWAY!]]

Soon after that, he was drawn out into a trap by [[Trophy White]] and the [[Free Men]], who wanted to take his head as a trophy. Optimus worked out their plan and allowed himself to be captured by the deranged hunter, in order to keep the fight away from civilians. He pretended to be securely chained down and listened to White's sociopathic ravings, before (at the moment he considered funniest) breaking free and taking White prisoner. Shockingly, he found keeping the severed heads of animals as trophies to be ''bad'', and destroyed Trophy's trophies. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10| Bring Me the Head of Optimus Prime}}

When there was a Decepticon breakout in [[South Africa]], Optimus ordered his men to let the prisoners flee: a battle outside [[World Cup|a major sports event]] would cause unacceptable civilian casualties. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}} This led to a major collapse in Autobot popularity, and open battles with Decepticons in cities were just risking further alienation. In response, Prime created of a secret covert unit (even under NEST's radar) that would monitor the Decepticons, wait for windows of opportunity out of the public eye, and then hit hard and fast. While this worked, Optimus was left disquieted: the tactics he was using were too akin to the Decepticons, and a fine line was being walked. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.18|Shadow War}}

{{-}}

===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Eric Edwards]] (English), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin-American Spanish)

[[Image:CyberMissions1 Optimus.jpg|right|thumb|250px|]]
Optimus Prime recorded some information on the Autobot-Decepticon war for preservation in [[Vector Sigma]]. Bumblebee and Ironhide were reviewing it when [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] launched their attack. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 1}} The next morning, Optimus had been informed of the attack and Soundwave's capture, and he ordered Ironhide to wait for reinforcements to assist in pursuing Bludgeon. Bludgeon made that difficult for Ironhide. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 2}} Later, Optimus contacted Ratchet to inform him that [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] was causing chaos in [[Mission City]], and he reminded the Autobot medic to be careful. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 3}}

He and Sideswipe tracked Megatron to a disused factory, only to lose the scent. Megatron, having cloaked his spark signature, jumped out of hiding to attack them, and Optimus used his swords to attack the Decepticon. An appeal for Megatron to surrender was answered by a blast from Megatron's cannon bringing the roof down on the two Autobots, and the Decepticon escaped. Optimus promised that Megatron would no longer be able to hide. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 4}}

When Ironhide went missing after the incident with Bludgeon, Optimus searched for him, and Bumblebee revealed he was last near a cave with a load of [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]. That same cave happened to be where [[Mindwipe (ROTF)|Mindwipe]] was hiding. As Optimus went to rescue his friend, Mindwipe tried to hypnotize the Autobot leader, but Optimus was able to resist the hypnosis and defeat Mindwipe, leaving a confused Ironhide to wonder what was going on. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 5}}

Reports of [[Smolder]] attacking a building in [[Scramble City (city)|Scramble City]] resulted in Optimus dispatching Bumblebee and Ratchet to investigate. He filled them in on the situation en route. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 9}} During another mission, Optimus warned Sideswipe and Ratchet that they were being tracked, moments before the pair were attacked by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and Mindwipe. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 10}}

Bumblebee reported to Optimus that he'd managed to pinpoint the location where Megatron and Starscream were meeting, leading Optimus to confront the two Decepticons in an Arctic region. When Megatron expressed surprise that he'd come to fight them without backup, Optimus assured him that the Autobots were never far from their leader's side. While Starscream went to attack the others, Optimus and Megatron continued to fight, with Optimus emerging the eventual victor. As Megatron tried to goad him into finishing the fight, Optimus announced that the Autobots protected all sentient life, and that included the Decepticons. He subsequently allowed Megatron to flee. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 12}}

{{quote|By showing even one such as him the power of mercy, Megatron might realize that we'll never give up, no matter the cost.|Optimus Prime|"Cyber Missions 12"}}

Prime set up an elaborate trap involving a hologram of Soundwave to lure the Decepticons to a spot in the wilderness. The ploy worked, and Optimus attacked Megatron while his men attacked Megatron's troops. At one point during the battle, Megatron threw a train car at him, and he simply somersaulted along its length. Though Megatron boasted that the Decepticons would win through sheer determination, Optimus knocked him to the ground and gave a speech about building alliances, which was the cue for the [[human]]s to turn up in force and surround the Decepticons. Optimus informed Megatron that he could either leave the planet peacefully or be destroyed. Once the rest of the Decepticons fled, Megatron delivered a final threat before taking off. Prime celebrated with another speech, before admiring the huge Autobot [[insignia]] Bumblebee had stomped into the ground. {{storylink|Decepticons Attack}}

===Transformers Annual 2011===
An alert of Decepticon activity in [[Tokyo]] sent Optimus, Ironhide, Ratchet and Sideswipe to investigate. He intervened in Sideswipe and Barricade's battle to lift the Decepticon into the air, only to find himself under attack by Grindor. Ordering Sideswipe and Ratchet to cover him, Optimus scaled the side of a nearby office block so he could punch the helicopter out of the air. Standing over the two Decepticons, Optimus was surprised when they informed him that they were simply providing a diversion. Optimus realised that Sam was in danger, and rushed back to America in time to find Starscream attempting to abduct the boy. He jumped on Starscream's back, causing the Decepticon to flee and saving Sam from a kidnapping. {{storylink|Sam in Danger}}

===IDW Post ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:Nefarious2 Prime on Soundwave.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Ass-whooping. Noun. To have your posterior presented to you with overwhelming force.]]
Lennox reported to Optimus via videolink on the halting of [[Alice]]'s rampage. Optimus mentioned that they should be more aggressive in tracking down Decepticons, but Lennox reminded him that NEST was low on resources. They decided on some "improvisations" in the form of newly-arrived Autobots. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 1|Nefarious #1}} Optimus was witness to Galloway balling out Lennox over the battle at [[Kingdom Petrochemicals]], but kept quiet. Afterwards, Lennox and Optimus discussed the [[Initiative|mysterious humans]] who had been seen at the petrochemical plant. When [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] came under attack from [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], Optimus parachuted in and bested Soundwave. Soundwave attempted to persuade Prime to let him go, but Prime decided that instead they would take him into NEST custody for interrogation. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 2|Nefarious #2}}

Optimus oversaw the preparations of the facilities for holding Soundwave, rather than face having to tell Major Lennox what they'd done. He was only delaying the inevitable, and Lennox was even more annoyed when the plane carrying Soundwave was shot down. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 3|Nefarious #3}} When NEST received a distress call from Galloway, who was under attack from [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]], Optimus sent [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to assist. He also reminded Ironhide that just because the man was a "pain in the aft" didn't mean they could avoid helping him. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 4|Nefarious #4}}

[[Image:Nefarious5 Prime already too late.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"They've already put the bomp in the bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp"]]
Soundwave led the Autobots to the location of the [[Initiative]] base in [[California]], but the base was gone. Despite this, Optimus still trusted Soundwave as he believe the organization they faced had access to Cybertronian technology. Soundwave pinpointed the mobile base as being in [[Utah]], so the Autobots headed there. Part way, Optimus felt the power of something very like the [[AllSpark]] being used and began to realize what they were up against. They reached Utah and began an assault on the [[Initiative base]], only to find themselves facing brainwashed Transformers. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 5|Nefarious #5}}

As the battle continued, Optimus tried to call out for their foe to surrender the AllSpark they possessed, however [[Carter Newell]], head of the Initiative, responded by trying to use the artifact to terminate all Cybertronian life. An injury courtesy of [[Reedman]] aborted the attempt, and Newell tried to flee. Optimus was forced to ram the truck he was in to obtain the AllSpark, but realized the only way to halt the rapidly-destabilizing Cube was to
feed it his own [[spark]]. Luckily that turned out to be unnecessary, as [[Fortress (ROTF)|Fortress]] took the AllSpark from him and carried it into space, where it exploded. Optimus later noted that the Initiative data banks had been [[Soundwave (ROTF)|picked clean]] and wondered if anyone else could make an attempt to recreate the AllSpark. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 6|Nefarious #6}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin American-Spanish)

Sometime before the [[AllSpark]] was jettisoned into space, Optimus Prime personally witnessed the attack on [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s ship, the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' and assumed that the ship was destroyed.

Three years after the battle in Egypt, Optimus arrived with human [[NEST]] operatives in Chernobyl to investigate a report about the presence of Cybertronian technology on site. However, this investigation was interrupted by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his tamed [[Driller]]. After driving them off, Optimus examined the piece of technology and identified it as a fuel cell from the ''Ark''. Optimus returned to NEST headquarters and refused to transform or speak to anyone until National Intelligence Director [[Charlotte Mearing]] arrived. He demanded an explanation from her, which she offered along with the corroborating testimony from none other than [[Buzz Aldrin]] himself. Prime explained that the ''Ark'' carried important technology that would have been to used to win the Cybertronian Civil War, and was piloted by his predecessor and mentor, Sentinel Prime. Optimus mounted an expedition to the [[Moon]] aboard the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'' with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] to explore what was left of the Ark.

The two Autobots explored the ship and opened the crash vault in which Sentinel Prime had locked himself. Optimus pulled Sentinel from the vault and brought his former mentor back to Earth where he used the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to revive Sentinel. The former Prime awoke and attacked in confusion. After calming his mentor down, Optimus explained that they recovered five pieces of his technology, but Sentinel was disturbed by this news, explaining that purpose of the "pillars" was to form a [[space bridge]]. Optimus declared their peaceful uses to the humans, but Director Mearing objected, citing possible uses like transporting weapons and troops to the planet. The pillars were placed in human custody.

After this meeting, Optimus took Sentinel for a tour on the countryside at sunset, during which Sentinel commented on the peaceful beauty of Earth. Optimus bowed and offered the Matrix of Leadership to him, declaring him the rightful Autobot leader. Sentinel refused, saying that while he was Optimus's master on Cybertron, here, Optimus was the more experienced of the two.

After learning from [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] that the Decepticons were targeting Sentinel because he alone could control the pillars, the Autobots were ordered to protect him. Running behind the group, Optimus returned to the NEST base only to find that Sentinel had betrayed the Autobots and NEST, killed [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and escaped with the pillars. Mearing declared the subterfuge and defeat as the fault of the Autobot leader. Optimus voiced no defense at this accusation.

Optimus subsequently tracked his mentor to the National Mall reflecting pool and attempted to stop him from bringing an invasion force to Earth. Sentinel fought and bested Optimus but spared his life, commenting that Optimus would come around to his way of thinking. Prime refused to be part of Sentinel's plan. Later, Sentinel denounced Prime and his Autobots as rebels, and demanded that human beings exile them. Fearing an attack from at least 200 hidden and entrenched Decepticon troops, human leaders ordered the Autobots off the planet.

Prime complied with the order and gathered his troops to leave Earth immediately in the ''Xantium''. Despite Sam's pleadings to reveal his plan to fight back (and inform the Decepticons who had bugged him), Optimus replied they had no plan. He reminded Sam that the human was his friend and the fight against the Decepticons would now be his own. Shortly after takeoff, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacked and destroyed the ship. Optimus and the Autobots were presumed dead.

However, the Autobots had hid themselves in one of the disengaged boosters and survived, thanks to the ''Xantium'''s builders, the [[Wreckers]]. Optimus and the other Autobots headed for Decepticon-controlled Chicago and arrived there just in time to rescue Sam, [[Robert Epps|Epps]], and a team of former NEST soldiers. Optimus explained that the Decepticons would never leave Earth in peace, and that Earth's leaders needed to believe they had gone so that they could see the truth. As the other Autobots arrived on-scene, Prime announced that they were going to take the battle to the Decepticons in the name of freedom.

On route to Sentinel's location and that of the master pillar, Optimus and the Autobots were ambushed from below by Shockwave and his Driller. The Driller disengaged Optimus's trailer, but the Wreckers distracted the Decepticon assassin. Optimus managed to recover the flight tech from his trailer and attack the Driller from the air just as it bared down on Sam, [[Carly Spencer]], Epps and his soldiers. Optimus swooped through a building and punched a fatal blow through the Driller. Shockwave, angered by the destruction of his pet, shot at Optimus from the street. Optimus fell through a nearby unfinished building and was caught up in the wires of a construction crane. While the Wreckers tried to get him loose, Sentinel engaged the pillars and started to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit. The Wreckers managed to free their leader, who swooped into the main battlefield and killed eleven Decepticons single-handed. Charging toward Shockwave, who had already been damaged by NEST soldiers, Optimus ran his armored fist through his side and tore out his eye. He then used his enemy's cannon to blast the control pillar, temporarily stalling the transportation of Cybertron.

Optimus demanded his former master to come down and confront him. Sentinel complied with gusto, but when Optimus started to get the upper hand, Sentinel called upon Decepticon forces to fire at his former pupil. Pinned down by the enemy fire, Optimus called on the Autobots to destroy the control pillar. Sentinel engaged him again, this time cutting off Optimus's right arm. Once again, Sentinel had Optimus at his mercy.

As Sentinel prepared to deliver the final blow, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] charged up, shot Sentinel in the back and proceeded to heavily damage the older Prime. Megatron then proposed a truce on the condition that he would be in charge again. After all, what would Optimus be without him? Optimus replied that it was "Time to find out." He swung his axe into Megatron's head and ripped it out, taking Megatron's head and spine with it.

Damaged and helpless, Sentinel explained that Prime had to see why he had betrayed his own side. Optimus refused by telling Sentinel he had betrayed himself. Despite his former master's plea for mercy, Optimus grabbed Megatron's fusion shotgun and fired two shots, executing Sentinel. After the battle, Optimus declared that the Autobots would never forsake the defense of Earth or its people.

{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots}}

===''Transformers'' (Glu)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers (Glu)}}

===''Transformers'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC/Wii/PS2====
====Autobot campaign====
Optimus Prime provided intelligence and missions to Bumblebee in his search for the AllSpark. Eventually, the clues led the Autobot to Sam Witwicky. After saving Sam from Barricade, Bumblebee finally completed preparations for the Autobots to arrive on Earth.

Once on Earth, and having informed the two teenagers of their mission, Prime and the Autobots were discovered by Sector Seven. Optimus sent Jazz on a high-speed <strike>destruction</strike> distraction mission, then sent Ironhide to rescue Jazz from a double-threat posed by the government agents and various Decepticon scouts.

When Bumblebee was captured, Optimus Prime transformed and chased the helicopter which from which the small Autobot was tied. After a lengthy pursuit, Optimus managed to catch the net, only to be thrown off by another Cybertronian [[transition form|meteor]]. As Bumblebee was carried away, Optimus promised he would not fail him again. Jazz informed him that the meteor was not an Autobot and Optimus confronted the new threat, who turned out to be the Decepticon triplechanger [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]. The two battled it out across [[Tranquility]] before Optimus finally destroyed him, and in doing so, overheard [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s transmission revealing the location of the AllSpark.

Optimus then returned to an intel role as he guided Bumblebee in his mission to retrieve the AllSpark from Hoover Dam. Unfortunately, the Decepticons managed to free Megatron, leading to the final battle in Mission City.

As the Autobots engaged in an all-out urban war with the Decepticons to protect Sam and the AllSpark, things seemed to take a turn for the worse as Megatron finally arrived. But before the Decepticon leader could claim the Cube, Optimus Prime attacked.

The two leaders duked it out until Megatron was finally on the ground, seemingly devoid of life. Optimus knelt to take the AllSpark as Sam handed it to him, but Megatron suddenly awoke, leaping at the Autobot with his chain-flail out, and making one last attempt at defeating his adversary. Optimus grabbed the chain, pulling Megatron in closer, and with the AllSpark clutched in his fist, delivered a punch through Megatron's spark. As Megatron died Optimus reflected on the losses and rewards of this battle, as the Autobots have a new home. Optimus planned to guard the humans in secret, "For freedom is the right of all sentient beings." {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====Decepticon campaign====
After all the Autobots we´re killed on Mission City, Sam and Mikaela informed the deaths to Prime, Optimus decided to defeat Megatron, In the final battle, Optimus Prime was beaten to the ground, and as he desperately crawled for the AllSpark, Megatron smashed his head with his flail, before using the Cube to destroy humanity. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====''Transformers: Autobots''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

Arriving late on Earth, Optimus meets up with the other Autobots to give further commands to his troops. [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]], the new rookie, is eager to help in the cause, but Optimus tells him to sit back while the grown-ups take care of business. Getting fed up with the bureaucracy, Create-A-Bot finally defies orders and completes a mission against Optimus's counsel. After nearly getting himself and the other Autobots killed, Create-A-Bot apologizes to Optimus personally. Taking pity on the newcomer, Optimus lets him off with a stern warning, and they move out together to face Megatron. During the fight, Create-A-Bot sacrifices himself to save his commander. Megatron defeated, Optimus commends the young Autobot as a war hero, and sends out an interstellar message to any Cybertronians living among the stars. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

====''Transformers: Decepticons''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

Landing on Earth, Optimus Prime quickly joins the other Autobots to attempt to stop the Decepticons. Prime didn't appear on the battlefield until Megatron himself was released and Starscream escaped with the AllSpark. He stepped in to thwart the maniacal leader of the Decepticons, but alas, was struck down, left in the streets while Megatron gave chase to his traitorous second-in-command. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}

====''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English)
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

===Datafile Decoder===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Datafile Decoder}}

===AllSpark Wars===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|AllSpark Wars}}

===Allspark Highway===
The Autobots needed to race the Allspark to safety, and Optimus Prime teamed with his fellow Autobots to drive through the Decepticon defenses and get their prize to a secure location. {{storylink|Allspark Highway}}

===Autobot Stronghold===
The Decepticons were invading an Autobot stronghold in the city, and Optimus Prime and the Autobots placed themselves at key positions to defend it from attack. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

===Transformers: Battle for the Matrix===

{{Note|Battle for the Matrix is a simplified retelling of the events of [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]. It can be played from the perspective of either Bumblebee or Optimus Prime.}}
[[Image:Optimusprime battleforthematrix.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle for the Matrix}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English) [[Dariusz Odija]] (Polish)
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF game Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|One shall stand, one sha— oh, you know the drill.]]
Optimus Prime served as the Autobots all around fighter. Weapons wise, he possessed dual laser rifles and dual shell cannons. In melee combat, he possessed [[Dual Energon Swords|Dual Energy Swords]] in each hand. Finally, with his valiant leader ability, he could generate a shield around himself which would prevent his energy from dropping past 1%.

After overseeing Ironhide's defeat of [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and Ratchet's rescue of Ironhide, Optimus Prime took to the field when a previously unknown Decepticon named [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] began attacking the [[Shanghai]] waterfront. Optimus was finally able to defeat him, but Demolishor gave a single warning before he was killed: "The Fallen shall rise again". Optimus and the Autobots were at a loss as to what he meant. Back in the United States, Sam Witwicky gave Mikaela Banes a fragment of the AllSpark that he had discovered, which the Decepticons soon sought. Prime dispatched Bumblebee to rescue her. Following this, the Decepticons launched a raid on the city's oil refinery, where Ratchet rescued several engineers. Finally, Ironhide escorted a NEST team to safety in the city's canals.

Their victories were short lived. The Decepticons soon learned about the AllSpark shard on Diego Garcia, stealing it to revive Megatron. Although [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] managed to save the fleet, Megatron was reborn. He soon made an attack on Sam, trying to access information in his mind downloaded from the AllSpark. Bumblebee managed to rescue him. In light of these attacks, Optimus decided to give NEST the [[Axiom Gun]] to better defend themselves against the Decepticons. The escort came under Decepticon assault, but Prime was able to beat back the attackers and deliver the Axiom Gun to NEST. Soon afterwards, Bumblebee escorted Sam to meet with [[Seymour Simmons]], who told him of Jetfire, who then took the boy to Egypt.

While there, Jetfire explained what was going on: Eons ago, Optimus's ancestors, the [[Thirteen original Transformers|13 founders]] of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], built a star harvester to convert the energy of the sun into [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]. When they discovered the humans, they upheld their rule of the sanctity of life, but one of the Primes defied the rule and murdered his twelve brothers. This Prime was known as The Fallen, but the star harvester was hidden from him. While Sam made inquires to the [[Tomb of the Primes|Tomb of the Twelve]], Megatron and Starscream arrived in an attempt to learn the harvester's location and kill Sam. Optimus Prime was able to defeat both Decepticons with Jetfire's help, but Jetfire was stabbed in the back by Megatron. Dying, Jetfire offered his parts to Optimus, as only a Prime could defeat The Fallen.

Finding the harvester at the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], Optimus challenged The Fallen. Despite The Fallen's powerful command of telekinesis and pyrokinesis, Optimus Prime was able to get past his defenses and kill The Fallen by stabbing him through the face. On the return trip home, Sam expressed gratitude at seeing the sunrise, and told Optimus he would have to trust him on it. Optimus Prime replied that he had always trusted Sam, and always would. {{Storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
When the revenant Megatron and the Decepticons rampaged across the United States of America, Optimus Prime faced him in a major city on the East Coast. The two leaders engaged in a titanic struggle that shook the city, but despite being aided by many Autobot drone units, Optimus was seemingly destroyed. However, much later, Optimus Prime reappeared when Megatron's master, The Fallen, activated the Star Harvester to drain Earth's Sun. The Autobot leader revealed that The Fallen's promise to make Megatron a Prime was a lie, as Primes were born, not made. When Megatron demanded his reward, The Fallen reneged on his promise. As the master and disciple of evil began to fight, Optimus left to find a way to disable the Harvester. {{Storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}
{{-}}

===Transformers Battle Universe===
At the edge of time, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] needed a new host, Optimus Prime was among several warriors (and [[Optimus Prime|Prime]]s) summoned from the multiverse to battle for control of the prize. {{storylink|Transformers Battle Universe}}

===Starscream Showdown===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Starscream Showdown}}

===Transformers RPMs: Devastator's Demise===
[[Image:Devastatorsdemise optimus.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Optimus Prime is both fast and sturdy. His firepower blows obstacles to smithereens.

In order to defeat [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]], Bumblebee, Optimus and Ironhide must drive through Cairo and avoid obstacles.{{storylink|Transformers RPMs: Devastator's Demise}}
{{-}}

===Hunt for the Decepticons===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Hunt for the Decepticons}}
{{-}}
===Revenge of the Fallen (mobile game)===
[[Image:ROTFMobile Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|60px]]
After [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s destruction, Optimus hoped that they'd seen the last of the Decepticons and the Autobots began working with [[NEST]]. A signal in [[Shanghai]] led Optimus to discover a Decepticon invasion force there. He fought the foe solo, and followed an [[AllSpark]] signal to [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Starscream managed to escape, and NEST reported that HQ was under attack. As he had to hang around to help clean up the mess in Shanghai, Optimus sent [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to help. Bumblebee was defeated by Starscream, but told Optimus that Starscream had said something about the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Believing he knew where the Decepticons were headed, Optimus went to find an old friend, [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]].

In Egypt, Optimus lost contact with NEST while investigating an area. He told Bumblebee to rendezvous with Jetfire at the [[Great Pyramid of Giza|Great Pyramid]], warning Bumblebee that he believed an energy signature he was detecting was [[The Fallen]]. Bumblebee later reported that [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] had defeated Jetfire and taken the Matrix. By the time Optimus reached the site, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had taken Bumblebee hostage and had possession of the Matrix. Optimus combined Jetfire's parts with his own, gaining enough strength to defeat Megatron. Exhausted by the fight, Prime was then confronted by The Fallen, but used the power of the Matrix to defeat the ancient Decepticon. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Glu)}}

{{--}}
===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====

==Commercial appearances==
* As part of the hype buildup to the movie's release, Optimus Prime made a brief cameo at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, interacting with host Sarah Silverman. The scene spliced Silverman into pre-existing movie footage, but featured new dialogue recorded for the event by Peter Cullen. Prime heavily hinted that he wanted to present an award, but was rejected for a regular MTV fan.

* According to a tie-in advertisement for [[Burger King]], Prime likes his Whoppers with no onions, no cheese, extra pickles, with a side of ????. However, due to a cruel twist of fate, he can never enjoy the sweet taste of beefy victory (and all because he needed a driver for him to receive his order). He saved the world from the Decepticons, and still he can't even have it his way? Where's the justice?

* Optimus Prime (in truck mode) made an appearance at [[BotCon 2007]], alongside the [[Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]]. He was available for pictures all weekend. He made a second appearance at [[BotCon 2009]].

* Optimus threw a trailer during his appearance on an [[M&M's]] commercial.

* During the 2009 NBA Finals, a commercial aired where [[The Master Builders|Optimus made a slam dunk]] and shattered the backboard.

* On [[July 6]]th 2009, Optimus appeared on ''The Late Show With David Letterman'' to declare the "Top Ten Things That Sound Cool When Said By A Giant Robot". Optimus said it was nice to be there, although David was ''clearly'' concerned by having an 28-feet tall robot in the studio because of a bad history of robots messing up the place, and during the presentation Letterman decided there was something about Prime he didn't like. Anyway, the top ten was:
<ol>
<li value="10">"Jergens lotion leaves my hands silky smooth."</li>
<li value="9">"Do you have these khakis in size 114?"</li>
<li value="8">"My perfect night involves a pint of Haagen-Dazs and season three of ''Sex and the City''."</li>
<li value="7">"Man do I love me some 'taters."</li>
<li value="6">"It was so hot in Central Park, I saw a squirrel rubbing sunblock on his nuts."</li>
<li value="5">"You seemed a little pitchy, dawg."</li>
<li value="4">"Brody Jenner has added you as a friend on Facebook."</li>
<li value="3">"Live from New York, it's Saturday night."</li>
<li value="2">"My parents wanted me to be a Rabbi."</li>
<li value="1">"All the slammin' shorties in the house say 'Yeah'."<ref>[http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/video_player/index/php/991507.phtml Lateshow CBS archive video of Optimus's guest spot.]</ref></li>
</ol>

* To promote the DVD and Blu-ray release of ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Paramount set up a website where US fans could request Optimus call up their friends, warning them of Starscream's attempts to recruit human civilian allies.

*In the Discovery Channel promo, "The World Is Just Awesome," Optimus made a brief cameo, singing the words "boom-de-ya-da, boom-de-ya-da."<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0jZzBEKIMc Discovery commercial] on YouTube.</ref>

*Prime (voiced by Cullen, but not animated by ILM) appeared to promote a NASA competition to vote for videos made by children about NASA's impact on commonplace technology.<ref>[http://ipp.gsfc.nasa.gov/optimus/ NASA Optimus Prime]</ref>

*Optimus appeared in truck mode at [[Toy Fair 2011]]. He got a $115 parking ticket.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357327/Transformers-truck-gets-parking-ticket-toy-fair.html ''Daily Mail'' article on Prime's fine.]</ref>

*Optimus was seen firing a basketball from his blaster in an ESPN commercial with [[Mark Cuban]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZwdQYvSXl4&feature=player_embedded Mark Cuban looking for Optimus Prime to be his new "big man." Transformers 3 ESPN]</ref>

==Toys==
{{main|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise]]''

==Notes==
[[Image:moviecullen.jpg|right|150px|thumb|GIVE ME MY FACE]]

[[Image:Movie Primetruck before.jpg|right|150px|thumb|8:30 pm: "Trick My Truck". Tonight's guest: [[Alpha Trion (disambiguation)|Alpha Trion]].]]
* When Optimus' design was first revealed, [[GEEWUN|many fans of the Generation 1 series objected to the flames seen on Prime's body]]. When asked in an interview why he put the flames on, [[Michael Bay]] claimed he liked them because it was "cool". It was later revealed on a special featurette on the DVD that the flames were added because, apparently, red is not very good to film on camera, so Bay chose a blue truck but used the flames so that when Optimus transformed, the layout would result in maintaining his iconic red chest.

* The announcement of [[Peter Cullen]] as Prime's voice actor in the movie is credited by some fans as alleviating many fan tensions about the movie. Not all tensions, mind you, as there are some who just will never be satisfied, but it put the fans in a good mood.

* Prime's ''Rise of the Chevy Autobots'' codename, "10-22", is [http://www.truckercountry.com/cb-terminology.html#10c CB radio slang] for "report in person to." As in "Bumblebee, 10-22 to 10-22." Cute, huh?

* [[TakaraTomy]] officially recognizes Optimus Prime's vehicle mode as a [http://www.kenworth.com/2100_vir_w900.asp Kenworth W900 truck], even though the vehicle used for filming was a modified Peterbilt 379, a different model from a different brand, although both are made by the PACCAR company.<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..2.* Article at Edmunds.com on some of the vehicles used in the movie]</ref>
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime truckrear.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]

* Prime's truck mode is apparently intended to haul a flatbed trailer, based on the presence of the large silver "headache rack", a piece of optional equipment that protects the driver in case a flatbed load breaks free during braking. It is generally not installed on trucks hauling enclosed container trailers.

[[Image:Movie Prime Trucklogomistake.jpg|right|150px|thumb|In the darkness, a PA will misread "Truck A" as "Truck B", and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth — Revelation 11:7.]]

* When 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, which looks rather more like that of Peterbilt. Then, Prime has an Autobot sigil on his grill while driving to meet the other Autobots.

* According to the free trading cards from the Boston Globe, Optimus is 28 feet tall, weighs 4.3 metric tons, and his primary weapon is an [[Ion blaster|ion blaster]]. (Considering Optimus's height, however, this weight would seem implausible.)

* In the Japanese dub of the movie, he is given his original western name of Optimus Prime rather than the Japanese equivalent, Convoy. Just as Peter Cullen voiced Prime in the English version of the film, Tesshō Genda (the voice of G1 Convoy) reprised his role for the Japanese dub.

*The [[Milton Bradley]] [[Transformers Battling Card Game]] depicts Prime with a unique a magnetic grapple attack, fired from the side of his arm. It also declares his forearm gun to be a chain gun (it's an ion blaster in other sources), and has him using a "judo kick", which... while it may not be out of the realm of plausibility for Prime to have learned an Earth martial art, judo does not actually '''use''' kicks, being focused on throwing moves. Oops.

* The Optimus Prime computer generated model consisted of 10,108 individual parts, 1,830,898 polygons, 27,744 rig nodes, and 2336 texture maps. The volume of all pieces combined came to 5445 cubic feet.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12-17.</ref>

* It said in the Autobots game in the DS, Prime's father was killed by Megatron. However, since it is also widely known that Prime and Megatron were brothers, Megatron killed his own dad. Not that this is surprising, though.

* In Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' comics, Optimus's Cybertronian robot mode is exactly like his Earth mode, but with different weapons, yet his Cybertronian mode is a mostly silver protoform—with no truck windows. Odd.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus trailer super mode.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"One shall be scrawny...One shall be brawny"]]
* Optimus was supposed to combine with a trailer for ''Revenge of the Fallen'', something for which [[Ben Procter]] and [[Josh Nizzi]] drew up designs. In the end, Nizzi designed the combination with Jetfire.

* This incarnation of Optimus Prime doesn't do the best burials in the world, either—giving what can at best be described as a half-hearted goodbye to his [[Jazz (Movie)|first lieutenant]] at the end of the first movie, and unceremoniously dumping the parts of [[Jetfire (ROTF)|the converted Decepticon who had given him the power to defeat the Fallen]] at the conclusion of the second film. This is offset by how he's treated by humans when ''he'' dies.

* Of the Optimus Primes in all the existing continuities, this one is probably the most aggressive incarnation. Additionally, he seems obsessed with destroying the heads of his opponents. In ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'', Prime [[Decapitation|decapitates]] [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and tries pulling off [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head. In ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of The Fallen]]'', Optimus severely damages [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]]'s head before putting the lethal bullet in it, he tries pulling off [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream's]] head with his foot, ''rips apart'' [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor's]] head with hooks, shoots off part of Megatron's face, and ''rips off'' [[The Fallen]]'s face before killing him. In ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', he tears Megatron's head off with his battle axe and shoots both Shockwave and Sentinel Prime in the head. (He also slices or tears off Megatron, Starscream and Grindor's arms in the second film, but this was not immortalized with a classic one liner.) Maybe he took Jazz and Ironhide's deaths hard after all?

* According to [[TakaraTomy]] marketing director [[Masahiko Yamazaki]], for the Japanese dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', the [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] featured in that show would become a young version of this one. However, nothing in the show-itself has happened to support his claims.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Optimus Prime''' (オプティマス・プライム ''Oputimasu Puraimu'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''O Baak Man''' (Hong Kong, 柯柏文)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Optimusz Fővezér''' ("Prime Leader Optimus")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Optimis Prima'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Kē Bó Wén''' (Taiwan, 柯博文), '''Qíng Tīan Zhù''' (China, 擎天柱, "Pillar that Supports the Sky")
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Optimus Naikrashchiy''' (Оптимус Наiкращий, "Optimus the Best")

{{--}}

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/ProtoformOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
* [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/index.php?f_series=40&f_name=optimus&f_type=exact&Submit=Search Galleries of various different Optimus Prime toys from the Movie]

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention guests]]
[[Category:Cyber Missions characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:Live-action film ARG characters]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]

Optimus Prime (Movie)

2011-08-06T08:25:13Z

Fanaction2031:

{{factions|autobotfilm|{{factions/icons|custom=Cyberglyphics Prime Symbol.png|cLink=Dynasty of Primes|cPretty=Prime}}|NEST|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Optimus Prime}}{{suite}}

:''Optimus Prime is the [[Autobot]] leader from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]]. He has [[Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots|sometimes]] used the codename '''10-22'''.''

[[Image:Movieprime meettheautobots.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hello, pretty bird. GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]

'''Optimus Prime''' is the leader of the [[Autobot]]s. Long ago, he was the humble leader of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s science division, which studied the [[AllSpark]], and were protected by [[Lord High Protector]] [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s military. When Megatron was corrupted by [[The Fallen]], Optimus discovered that he was the last of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], hidden away when The Fallen destroyed their lineage. In response to Megatron's attempts to seize the AllSpark and conquer other worlds, Optimus assumed his proper [[Prime (rank)|title]] and rallied the Autobots to stand against the [[Decepticon]]s.

As obsessively as Megatron strives to achieve his objective, Optimus is equally as dedicated to stopping him, even at the cost of his life, his world, and—if necessary—his own people. It was on his order that the AllSpark was jettisoned into space, dooming Cybertron to a slow death and his people to a nomadic life. The sacrifices he has made weigh heavily on his [[spark]], but they must be done, for there is no other choice. He knows the ambitions that lurk in Megatron's spark, and they must never see the light of day. Lives must be kept free from the threat of Megatron's tyranny, no matter the cost.
This obsession with the defeat of Megatron has robbed Optimus of some of his early idealism. This has created a certain ruthlessness beneath his otherwise honest and caring personality. Prime is not one for second chances and is willing to consider any action that might lead to victory, short of directly sacrificing those he cares about.

{{bigquote|You may lose your faith in us, but never in yourself.|Optimus Prime's failed attempt to calm [[Sam Witwicky]] down.''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics===
It was Optimus Prime's [[Prima|ancestor]] who finally vanquished [[the Fallen]] to another [[sarcophagus|dimension]] in the battle for the [[Matrix of Leadership]], {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 4|Tales of the Fallen #4}} but his orphaned descendant who was hidden away from the Fallen grew up with no knowledge of what he was. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 3|Revenge of the Fallen #3}}

[[Image:Foundation1-literaldawn.jpg|left|thumb|300px|He's right, an actual literal dawn ''was'' involved. Put those knives away, English majors.]]

Eons after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were vanquished, Cybertron fell into dark times. The [[AllSpark]] had been buried somewhere within Cybertron and been dismissed as a legend, and the planet itself lacked a star to orbit. As energy became more and more scarce, Cybertronians segregated into tribes. [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], a being who claimed to be descended from [[Primus]] himself, found Optimus and recruited him into his cause. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} Optimus and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] helped Sentinel Prime locate the AllSpark and harness a star for Cybertron to orbit, and these fantastic acts united Cybertron for the first time in known history. But Sentinel Prime had grown old and weary and refused to lead the Cybertronians, and, in confidence, he revealed to Optimus that he was a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], and that he ought to succeed him as leader. But Optimus could not believe he was a Prime. However, he believed by investigating Cybertron's history he could bring some of the good the Primes created back to the world. Sentinel redrew his plans for Cybertron, having Optimus lead the archaeological [[Science Division]], while placing Megatron in charge of Cybertron's [[Defense Force]]. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}} Little did they know that Megatron had been eavesdropping, and Optimus's brother came to a jealousy-inspired conclusion. He didn't believe Optimus Prime had the ability to competently lead Cybertron, and that this series of events would one day pit the two against each other, until one was dead. Megatron vowed that it would not be him. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

[[Image:Defiance1 Megs Prime argument.jpg|right|350px|thumb|"Hey, I wanted a mouthplate!"]]

For two generations, Optimus and Megatron ruled Cybertron together. The two personalities created a balance; Prime was fair while Megatron was firm. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Movie Prequel #1}} After an increase in [[Malcontent]]s disrupting Sentinel's order, Megatron intimidated Optimus into giving him supreme power in defense of the planet. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}} When ''Lord'' Protector Megatron toured the excavation site near the AllSpark [[Simfur Temple|temple]] at [[Simfur]], he and Optimus clashed over several issues. While Optimus wanted to take the investigation slowly, all Megatron cared about was whether the site contained power similar to the AllSpark. Optimus nettled Megatron when he reminded the Protector that the science sector was in charge of scientific and archaeological discoveries, and that the defense forces had a tendency to treat such discoveries as hostile, to which Megatron responded that if and when he was leader, he could make such decisions. When a [[The Fallen|mysterious relic]] was uncovered, Optimus disagreed with Megatron's order for it to be removed from the ground. Just as the two were about to launch into yet another argument, aliens previously encountered by Commander [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacked Cybertron. Megatron blackmailed Optimus into moving the relic into his personal quarters by reminding the science leader that the science division would like to protect the only intact relic from harm. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1|Defiance #1}}

Optimus ordered his science teams to help the survivors on both sides, in the hopes of finding out who was responsible and why they attacked. While he went off to find Megatron, he ordered the others to continue searching for survivors while [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] examined the alien remains. Optimus was shocked and appalled when Megatron ordered him to marshal his forces for war. Optimus objected, as his science division was not trained for combat, but Megatron retorted that the scientists should have known that aliens were after the AllSpark. He endured Megatron's insane fury when he accused the Protector of betraying that upon which their society was built. Later, Optimus called upon a meeting with his science division to ask them to stay by his side and continue on with their mission of peaceful research, as they were protectors, not soldiers. While the aerial-based Cybertronians followed Megatron into space, Optimus confided in [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] and [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] that Megatron sought to divide their planet, and he asked the former for help breaking into the High Protector's personal quarters. {{storylink|Defiance issue 2|Defiance #2}}

[[Image:Defiance3_OptimusPrime_battle.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Man...Prime ain't foolin' around.]]

After noting that Megatron had restored the artifact to pristine condition, Optimus had to leave the military leader's quarters just before he returned. Back at [[Burthov]], he came upon [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Arcee, and [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] scanning the pieces of the other artifacts. Arcee then discovered that the pieces all contained the same symbol on them, and that the same symbol was on Optimus' head. Ratchet declared that the symbol was proof of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], and it indicated Optimus himself was a [[Dynasty of Primes|Prime]]. Ratchet and the other Autobots began to dub him "Optimus Prime", although a humble Optimus noted they did not know what it meant and for all they knew, he could just be from a line of record clerks. As they discussed the revelations, Prowl was forced by Megatron to arrest Optimus, but this turned out to be a trap to kill him. Optimus bested Starscream and blew up [[Metrotitan (ROTF)|Metrotitan]], while Megatron formed his new faction, the [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Defiance issue 3|Defiance #3}} Optimus found Sentinel, Elita-One and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] under attack at the excavation site. He and [[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] rescued them and escaped through a tunnel. Optimus also informed Sentinel of the marking on his head that proved he was right all along: he was a Prime too. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}}

[[Image:Ark Bridge Defiance4.jpg||thumb|300px|right|]]
Retreating to Burthov with his fellow scientists and Prowl's security officers, Optimus was acknowledged as the leader of the group, with Prowl serving as his lieutenant. He and Prowl were discussing sites for a new base when Jazz informed them that Captain Ironhide of the [[Defense Force]] wanted to see Optimus. Learning of Megatron's new starship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', Optimus Prime was convinced by his advisers that their side needed a ship of their own to prepare for any eventualities. The Autobots found themselves at an advantage when the ''Nemesis'' left Cybertron with the balance of the Decepticon forces, and Optimus himself took the fight to their enemies. However, years of bloody war devastated the planet, and Optimus saw no end in sight. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

Sentinel came up with a solution: a "torch" that would end the war without requiring the mass murder of the Decepticons. It required the AllSpark to activate, so Ironhide led the Autobots to Simfur Temple. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} Elita-One successfully activated the torch, while Optimus fought off Megatron so she could deliver it to Sentinel. Sentinel boarded the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] and arrived at Simfur, but to Optimus and Megatron's disbelief, Starscream blew the ship up. The Autobots fell back. With the Decepticons exhausted, Optimus ordered Wheeljack to pilot the second [[Ark (Movie)|Ark]] to take the AllSpark from Simfur. To Elita-One's concern, Optimus declared he would be going on a suicide mission to kill Megatron. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Optimus, Ironhide and Elita-One made their way through Megatron's soldiers guarding his [[Lord High Protector citadel|citadel]]. Optimus demanded Megatron face him, but the Decepticon leader responded by dropping the [[smelting pool]] on him. Ironhide pushed Optimus out of the way, but Optimus's face was heavily damaged. Optimus entered Megatron's chamber alone as Ironhide was attacked by Starscream and [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]. Optimus found Megatron surrounded by hungry [[hatchling]]s, gloating that Optimus was too weak to do what was necessary to win the war. Wheeljack then messaged Optimus, asking if they would go forward with removing the AllSpark. Optimus responded affirmatively, and Chromia and Arcee removed the Cube, darkening the skies of Cybertron. Optimus escaped, leaving Megatron to fend off his ravenous hatchlings, and rescued Ironhide. Returning to oversee the AllSpark's transportation, Optimus recognized his relationship with Elita-One had been forever scarred, and observed he still had a long way to go to being a great leader. {{storylink|Foundation|Foundation #1-4}}

[[Image:Optimusprimemovieprequel.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All Primes are required to have window boobs.]]

The AllSpark was successfully ejected into space at [[Tyger Pax]], where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] distracted Megatron. Prime and the Autobots were held up in [[Simfur]] during the launch. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Movie Prequel #1}} As they prepared to leave Cybertron on board the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'' to go after the AllSpark, Optimus Prime had some doubts about his decision, feeling that in buying them some time in the war, he had sentenced their world to death. [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] disagreed, pointing out that had Megatron been able to claim the Cube, all those that opposed him would have been destroyed, and that Prime had turned death into a fighting chance for the Autobots. Bolstered by Prowl's words, Prime resolved to rebuild their shattered home once they retrieved the AllSpark. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream #1}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

Bumblebee remembered Optimus Prime's orders that they must launch the AllSpark into space, for it was better to lose it to the depths of space than allow Lord Megatron to corrupt it with his evil. For wherever there is hope, there is life. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:OptimusMovie_GeoffSenior.JPG|250px|thumb|Starting as he means to go on.]]

When war broke out, Optimus studied the entire history of intergalactic warfare from any datatrack he could find—he studied whole campaigns to desperate last stands, gaining a focused "playbook" of warfare strategy. He understands warfare on a practical and psychological level, and in desperate battles knows to show no mercy to opponents beyond a swift death. <ref>''Autobot VS Decepticon Smackdown! - Megatron V. Optimus Prime'', #4</ref>

Optimus was the focus of constant attacks by assassin drones and killed them all. In the aftermath of one, he witnessed a prophetic vision of the [[Mission City]] battle and realised the AllSpark's ejection could spread war to other planets—but too late to stop the launch... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 1|Prelude: Optimus Prime}}

{{note|The following event is unique to the Titan Magazines comics continuity, and thus does not occur anywhere else.}}

Almost immediately after the final battle against Megatron, Optimus Prime had to lead the Autobots against a horde of [[Zombie|zombie]] Decepticons. Despite having no idea how they could be stopped and having had his power drained by fighting Megatron, Optimus continued to fight the monsters rather than let them run amok. Ratchet worked out a solution just in time before Optimus fell. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|Starscream's Militia}}

{{notetitantlg}}

In the alternate reality, Megatron defeated Optimus and took the AllSpark at [[Mission City]]. Prime's body was now partially frozen and in Decepticon hands. He was the last and only hope of the Earth resistance, and so Bumblebee and [[Mikaela Banes]] were not happy to find him offline. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

She thawed him out while Bumblebee distracted Megatron, and the revived Prime challenged Megatron to a solo duel... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 12|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}} Unfortunately, Megatron's link to the AllSpark meant Optimus could not do any lasting damage and was never going to win. Luckily, Bumblebee and Mikaela saved the day, hitting the distracted Megatron with an old [[Sector Seven]] nanovirus. (Which means ''they'' were the last and only hope, but oh well.) Despite Megatron dying as a result and the AllSpark being destroyed elsewhere, Prime could take no satisfaction in victory: this battle was won, but the war remained... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

[[Image:Optimus_Titan12.JPG|left|250px|thumb|"Megatron's face must be cut off...no MATTER THE COST!"]]

He became resigned to the fact that Humanity, battered by Decepticon occupation, would view both Autobot and Decepticon as hostile invaders. When [[NATO]] was manipulated into attacking the Autobots, Optimus refused to allow his men to return fire, and after the crisis passed, he was sure that [[Starscream (Movie)|the Decepticons' unknown new commander]] was up to something bigger. Optimus also placed the last AllSpark fragment in the care of Ratchet, though he was worried exposure to Megatron might have corrupted it. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14|Aftermath Part 1}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}} He was ''not'' happy when Ratchet "took care" of the fragment by bringing [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] back with it, who was left corrupted and amoral by it. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}}

Optimus Prime soon worked out that while the AllSpark's transformation of Earth had been halted, the damage had been done: the organic Earth and the technological transformation were now fighting for supremacy, killing the planet in the process. He called in a specialist team to investigate and limit the damage, while working with [[President of the United States|President Allen]]. In secret, he organised for [[Nucleon]] to be retrieved from the dead Cybertron and brought to Earth, as there was a long shot it could save the planet. He didn't tell the humans out of concern that if they knew about the plan and it failed, their hopes would be raised and dashed. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Return to Cybertron: Part 1}} It was bad enough that Nucleon was so unstable it could turn destructive... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|Return to Cybertron: Part 2}}

When the team on Cybertron sent a distress signal and reported [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade's]] Decepticons had captured the Nucleon, Optimus led the entirety of the Earth-bound Autobots (save Camshaft's team) to Cybertron as back-up. He was then surprised to see Cybertron coming to ''them'', looking [[Unicron|a lot meaner these days]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}} The planet's possessor, Unicron, shot down the Straxus and the Autobots survived only by evacuating it in time in [[protoform]] modes.

Optimus landed next to Stockade's old equipment and, after being filled in by [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], he effortlessly formed an alliance with Stockade against Unicron. His plan was to drain the Nucleon away so Unicron couldn't use it as a power source, while the bulk of the Transformers provided a distraction, which turned out to be going underground and shooting up Unicron's body. The plan worked, Nucleon was secured for Earth, and Optimus extended an offer for Stockade to join them on Earth whenever he wished. Optimus was left optimistic that Autobots and Decepticons had come together in a common cause. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

On returning to Earth, he found the Decepticons had seized the Autobot base and six hundred square miles around it; he made the decision to withdraw to [[Washington, D.C.]], knowing that this meant leaving Mikaela in Decepticon hands. Upon landing at an air base, the Decepticon-controlled President Allen lured him into a trap, and he found himself fighting Jazz, now a Decepticon hired gun. Optimus lured him away from humans and prepared to engage him, but when a second assassin named [[Kullt]] turned up, Jazz gunned it down out of annoyance. Optimus had viewed Jazz as a lost cause but now stated there was still some Autobot in him: he ''could'' have let Kullt do the work for him and then killed him, but he saved Prime instead.

The battle made it clear to Optimus that Allen was under Decepticon mental control. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}}

[[Image:Optimus Titan22.JPG|200px|thumb|Freedom is not dispensed here, sentient fools, only DEATH!]]

As he'd promised Bumblebee, Optimus took the Autobots to get Mikaela back; he himself went first, launching himself in [[Protoform|protoform]] mode to land in Savannah like a bomb and tearing his way through [[Swindle (Movie)|drone hordes]]. He was quickly gunned down by aerial units and about to be killed by Starscream, but this whole flashy attack had been a diversion—allowing other Autobots a chance to hit the distracted air forces and nab Mikaela. After the battle, Optimus remarked Starscream was no Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

Optimus seemed to quickly bond with [[General Seward]], his military liaison at Andrews Air Base, but that didn't help when the mind-controlled President Allen had the government order the Autobots out of America. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part One}} However, Prime had anticipated this. Almost two weeks before, he'd had Ironhide task [[Tom Banachek]] to identify all the Decepticon puppets for him. With Allen making the expected move, he dispatched Ironhide and Bumblebee to set things up so that the following day, when the Autobots all departed, Allen would try to nuke them out of the sky and be fooled by a decoy ship into thinking he'd killed them. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part Three}}

To protect the Earth while they were undercover on Cybertron, Optimus had made a deal with Stockade to start a [[Decepticon Civil War]]. Optimus didn't trust Stockade to not renege on the deal and just take control of Earth for himself, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part Two}} but he ensured the Decepticons were set up for the Autobot's final strike: forcibly teleporting all of the enemy to Cybertron via Unicron's leftover teleportational engines, then stranding Cybertron in a remote solar system. Optimus led the troops to Earth and witnessed Megatron's return from the dead... only to ''thwack'' him flying. The next minute, both Megatron ''and'' Stockade (why wait for him to renege?) were teleported away, along with their forces.

This left the Autobots stranded on Earth and with a lot of clean-up to do. But Optimus had ''finally'' brought about the end of the war... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part Three}}
{{-}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday''===
Optimus Prime led the search for the AllSpark in the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'', a transport vessel. When they came across an abandoned solar system, they located [[Ghost 1|a vessel]] of strangely Cybertronian design, seemingly of Decepticon make. When the vessel fled to the surface of a planet, Prime dispatched Bumblebee to investigate while he and the other Autobots battled Decepticons from the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]''. Prime managed to defeat [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] all on his own. After losing touch with Bumblebee, Prime went down to locate him on the planet, where they were attacked by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and the alien ship. They fell into a cavern network, where they were further attacked by [[Worm-thing|indigenous worms]].

During their flight from the creatures, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee came across the alien vessel. Prime realized that they were trying to surrender, so the Autobots communicated with its crew. Optimus explained that they came in peace, "freedom is the right of all sentient beings," Starscream tricks everyone, and so on. However, the creatures, who called themselves "[[Human|humans]]", explained that they held Megatron, whom they called the Ice Man, on their home world, [[Earth]]. Realizing the destruction Megatron would wreak upon the humans if he escaped, and that the humans would be unable to defend themselves effectively, Prime vowed to see them return to their world to warn it. Prime was able to blast an opening in the cavern, and the group escaped. As they returned to the ''Ark'', Prime began to speculate that the AllSpark was what drew Megatron to Earth.

In the ensuing battle with the Decepticons, Prime was in the difficult position of fighting Starscream and protecting the human ship. His distractions allowed Bonecrusher to spear him with his tail. The difficult state nearly gave Starscream the chance to kill him, but the humans saved Prime's life by damaging Starscream, who destroyed them. Optimus Prime was inspired by their courage and sacrifice, and resolved to locate Earth before the Decepticons did—and hopefully before Megatron came back online. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Brazil), [[Reiner Schöne]] (German), [[Alessandro Rossi]] (Italian), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Guy Nadon]] (French-Canadian)

{{bigquote|A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes.|Optimus Prime on sacrificing his life to destroy the [[AllSpark]]}}

[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Having overenergized the previous night, Prime woke up abandoned in a field, with his wallet and clothes stolen.]]
The leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, came to Earth shortly after [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] sent his comrades a beacon. Upon atmospheric reentry, Prime managed to land outside of [[Tranquility]]'s inhabited areas. While Sam and Mikaela watched, Optimus transformed and left his landing place. From atop a hill, he quickly scanned the form of an Earth truck, thus configuring his body to transform into it. Prime, [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] met up with Bumblebee and his human friends, [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Mikaela Banes]] in an alley. In one of the most extended [[Transformation|transformations]] in the multiverse, Prime assumed his robotic form before the stunned humans. After confirming Sam's identity, Prime introduced himself and his team. When Mikaela asked of the Autobots' intentions, Prime explained the search for the AllSpark, the betrayal of Megatron, and why Sam was important to their search.

[[Image:Movie PrimeSam parentsfreakout.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Optimus Prime will watch you fornicate. And there is nothing you can do about it.]]
Glasses that belonged to Sam's ancestor, [[Archibald Witwicky|Captain Archibald Witwicky]], contained the location of the AllSpark encoded across its lenses, so Optimus Prime ordered his troops to wait outside Sam's house while Sam and Mikaela searched inside for the glasses. Much to Sam's exasperation, Optimus Prime, in his impatience, clumsily ruined his parents' garden, and the Autobots' heavy footsteps convinced them there was an earthquake. Prime's attempts to hide, such as having the Autobots transform into vehicle mode right in the backyard, were also less than satisfactory. Ultimately, Sam came so close to a panic attack that Prime was forced to order the Autobots to fall back. As Prime lectured his team on their supposed inability to remain quiet, Ratchet got himself shocked by walking into some powerlines, causing further problems. When [[Ron Witwicky|the]] [[Judy Witwicky|parents]] came to investigate, Prime's attempt to avoid discovery caused the house to shake, though this was to their benefit, as the father assumed that the damage to the yard was the result of an earthquake. Ironhide suggested that they kill the parents, but Optimus scolded his old friend. Despite all this, their presence remained undetected until [[Sector Seven]] arrived (in a convoy of GMC Yukons) and abducted Sam, Mikaela, and Sam's parents.

[[Image:Movie Optimus Prime S7 mad.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Get out of the car...what's left of it anyway!]]
Optimus Prime sent the Autobots in pursuit of the SUV that contained Sam, Mikaela, and Sector Seven's director, [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]]. Prime intercepted the vehicle carrying their young human friends, ripping the roof of the vehicle off, with the other Autobots disarming the agents, and made it perfectly clear to Simmons how pissed off he was at him for trying to apprehend the two children, regarding this as a bad move on Simmons' behalf. Optimus then ordered his comrades to relieve the agents of their weapons, and attempted to interrogate Simmons. The agents' lack of surprise at their appearance indicated that they had seen Cybertronians before, but Simmons refused to reveal any information. With a Sector Seven backup team en route, Prime ordered the Autobots to scatter, while he took Sam and Mikaela. While hiding under a bridge, Mikaela and Sam slipped and fell off Prime's shoulder. Bumblebee managed to catch them before impact, but was captured, and Sam and Mikaela recaptured, by the organization after their retreat. Now in possession of the glasses which could tell him the location of the AllSpark, Optimus regretfully left Bumblebee in Sector Seven's hands, knowing that if they went after him, they would have to use deadly force.

After regrouping the next day, Prime used the glasses to locate the AllSpark. Jazz again raised objections to leaving Bumblebee behind, but Prime remained firm in his belief of not harming the humans. Ironhide seemed okay with using deadly force, stating the humans were too violent, but Prime countered that when their time had come, the Cybertronians had been [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|little different]]. Going on to explain the potential he saw in the humans, as well as reminding them that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", Prime revealed to the Autobots his real plan for the AllSpark: if they could not defeat the Decepticons, Prime intended to merge the Cube with his [[Spark|spark]]. Though this would destroy the AllSpark, Ratchet cautioned Prime against this, as it would also kill him. Prime believed that this was acceptable, vowing not to let another race suffer the mistakes of the Transformers. The glasses placed the AllSpark at [[Hoover Dam]] where, luckily, Bumblebee and the young humans were taken.

[[Image:Movie2007 Prime sword.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Swiss army Prime.]]
Optimus Prime's team met up with Sector Seven, Bumblebee, Sam, and Mikaela en route, who had planned to hide the AllSpark in nearby [[Mission City]]. While on the highway, he was attacked by [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]], who managed to tackle Optimus and drag him over the edge of a freeway overpass. During the battle, Optimus struck the rage-filled Transformer so hard his [[Optic|optic]] popped out. As the Decepticon swung his claw wildly, Optimus drew his sword from his right arm and sliced off one of Bonecrusher's arms, before brutally finishing off his enemy by [[Decapitation|driving the blade through]] Bonecrusher's neck, severing his head.

Optimus arrived at Mission City just in time to observe Megatron discarding the remains of Jazz, and challenged him. Millennia in the ice had done nothing to lessen Megatron's hatred of his brother, and he launched himself in jet mode at the Autobot leader. Optimus leaped and grabbed hold of the wings, which was a really bad idea, as Megatron drove himself and Prime through an office block. As they flew out of the building onto the street below, Megatron transformed and leapt on top of Prime, declaring the humans undeserving of life. Prime rejected his claims, saying that they deserved to choose for themselves. Megatron threw Prime across the street, declaring that if he wished to defend the humans, Prime could die with them. He then formed his [[Fusion cannon|fusion cannon]] from his forearms. The power up time allowed Prime to draw his [[Ion blaster|ion blaster]] and fire, hitting Megatron. The Decepticon used the momentum to spin around, then used the fusion cannon to blast Prime across the street into another building. Megatron then resumed the hunt for Sam and the AllSpark.

[[Image:Movie2007 Prime truck.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He knows he's a sexy truck.]]
Tracking Megatron to the deserted building, Prime barely managed to catch Sam after Megatron knocked him off the roof. Telling the boy to hold onto the Cube, Prime attempted to scale down the building, but Megatron jumped on Prime, causing them both to fall down hard onto the street below. Sam survived, however, and Optimus told the boy that if he could not defeat Megatron, Sam must put the AllSpark into his chest which would destroy it. As Sam sought cover, Optimus faced down Megatron, and informed him that, "At the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall fall". Unfortunately, Megatron, even after years of stasis, proved to be far too powerful for Prime to defeat alone. The unit led by Lennox and the Raptor squadron laid down suppressing fire as Megatron reached for the AllSpark, until Optimus finally took him down by sweeping his legs. Still, Megatron continued, crawling toward the cube. Believing he had lost, Optimus implored Sam to put the AllSpark into his chest. Sam instead thrust it into Megatron's chest, killing the Decepticon leader and destroying the AllSpark.

[[Image:Movie2007 Prime AllSpark shard.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership|Dorito of leadership]]]]
As Optimus watched his brother die, he regretfully said there was little other choice. He also told Sam he owed him a debt of gratitude for saving his life, but was then informed that Jazz had not survived (Jazz was flapping around disrespectfully like a ragdoll during this sequence). Prime briefly eulogized his comrade, then commented that they had gained new comrades in the humans, and was honored by their bravery. Bumblebee, who had finally regained his voice, requested permission to remain with Sam Witwicky, to which the young human eagerly agreed, and Optimus approved. He noticed a fragment of the AllSpark in Megatron's chest cavity and removed it, then permitted the humans to dispose of the Decepticon corpses by dumping them into the deepest part of the ocean.

[[Image:Movie Optimus ending.JPG|right|300px|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Though Megatron was killed and his Decepticons were defeated, the AllSpark was destroyed, leaving the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. The Autobots elected to remain on Earth, and Prime sent a message into deep space to any surviving Autobots in the Galaxy to come to their new home on Earth, their long years of searching having finally having come to an end. As the other Autobots rested (and watched Sam and Mikaela make out on Bumblebee's hood) Optimus Prime looked to the sky, hoping his message had been heard. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
{{-}}

{{note|The [[Movie Adaptation Issue Number Four|comic book adaptation]] depicts Optimus Prime also defeating [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] during the highway altercation with Bonecrusher. However, the later comic [[The Reign of Starscream issue 1|''The Reign of Starscream'' #1]] depicts Ironhide doing the deed.}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

That truck he transcanned was ''the coolest thing he ever saw''. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime}}

When the AllSpark was destroyed, Optimus was ''bathed'' in its power and became a living receptacle: he could destroy or heal with the merest thought. He still remained dedicated to peace, and altered his exterior decorations to match the ones he bore as a young leader, before the beginning of the war. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|First Strike Optimus Prime}}

When the war turned out to ''not'' be over though, and with more Decepticons appearing on Earth, he was forced to alter himself to be used for stealth missions—something he finds dishonourable but knows has to be done. He is now sensor transparent and silent. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys|Nightwatch Optimus Prime}} In this form, he came under surprise attack by an equally stealth-modified Starscream, leader of the new Decepticons! {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Nightwatch Optimus Prime vs. Stealth Starscream}}

Once the Decepticons were beaten on Earth, Optimus was given intelligence by [[Sector Seven]]. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Brawlers|Fire Blast Optimus Prime}}

===Beast Wars Diorama Story===
[[Beast Wars (event)|On Earth in the past and in another universe]], a contingent of [[Maximal]]s, led by [[Optimus Primal]], battled a group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] in a forest. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Convoy Chapter}}

Some time into the battle, a warp opened, bringing with it [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], Optimus Prime, and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]. Optimus Prime made fast friends with [[Optimus Primal]]; they joined their forces and double-teamed the injured [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who had just taken a blast to the face from [[Tigatron]]. Starscream then joined the Predacons. The two Optimuses commemorated their accomplishment of teamwork by shaking hands. The Maximals and Ratchet looked up with approval. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Tigatron Chapter}} [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] later appeared and joined the Predacons. As the battled raged, the [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] from Prime's universe came in through the warp. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Gimlet Chapter}}

The Decepticon Megatron brought along [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], and the two Megatrons combined their troops into a fearsome force against the Autobots and Maximals. Fortuantely for the Autobots and Maximals, [[Motorarm (BWII)|Motorarm]] arrived to assist. The two factions then took formation against each other with the intention of combining their energies to attack the opposing side. With [[Motorarm (BWII)|Motorarm]] leading the charge, the Maximals and the Autobots attacked first. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story|Motorarm Chapter}}

===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:AllianceOptimusHoloDriver.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Peter Cullen|Optimus Prime]] driving Optimus Prime! Sheer awesomeness!]]

Following the battle of [[Mission City]], and the destruction of Megatron and the AllSpark, Optimus Prime was left to ferry the body of his first lieutenant [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] out of the city in an abandoned trailer. Trusting [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] and his men, Prime asked the human soldiers to help the Autobots escape from the city, before [[Sector Seven]] and other untrustworthy humans could arrive. A month later, [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]] managed to convince Lennox and [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] to call upon the assistance of Optimus Prime and the Autobots to escort the Decepticon remains, thereby hopefully reactivating the Decepticon [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] somehow. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}}

Optimus, Ironhide, Ratchet and Bumblebee arrived at Sector Seven's Nevada desert base to escort to a naval base at [[California|San Diego, California]]. Optimus insisted on escorting Jazz's remains personally, and thanked Lennox for arranging a proper burial-at-sea for his fallen lieutenant. When he noticed the AllSpark shard seemingly reacting to the Decepticon bodies, he handed the fragment to [[Vine|Professor Vine]] for safekeeping until he returned. Shortly after leaving the base, Optimus had second thoughts about leaving the fragment in Sector Seven's possession, and ordered Bumblebee and Ironhide to turn around and retrieve the only remaining piece of the AllSpark. {{storylink|Alliance issue 2|Alliance #2}}

[[Image:Alliance3_OptimusPrime_Lennox.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"So erm, want to go back to my place?" "Prime, are you trying to get onto me?" "No dude, I just want to show you my collection of faces and heads!"]]

The convoy returned to the Sector Seven base after learning of Wreckage and Starscream's attacks. [[Salani]] retrieved the AllSpark shard and returned it to Optimus Prime, who felt the last piece of their heritage should stay with him. Weeks later, the Autobots and the soldiers with whom they served traveled aboard a [[United States Navy|US Navy]] carrier for Jazz's burial-at-sea and to observe the disposal of the Decepticons. Optimus deeply appreciated the humans' paying last respects to their fallen comrade, though he was concerned that even the great depths of the [[Laurentian Abyss]] were not enough to keep the Decepticon bodies hidden. Below deck, Optimus and Lennox agreed to a formal [[NEST|alliance between the Autobots and humans]] as the first line of offense and defense against the Decepticons. During training on the island of [[Diego Garcia]], Optimus Prime reminded the Autobots that they must work together with the humans as a team, never forgetting that division was what caused the war on Cybertron in the first place. When they were alone, Optimus Prime and Major Lennox complimented each other's leadership and the dedication of their respective troops. When Lennox commented that it was because of the Autobots that he and his soldiers were alive today, Optimus refuted this, saying it was because of humans such as Lennox and Sam, and that the Autobots were only part of the problem. Soon, both [[NEST]] leaders learned that the Decepticons had returned to Earth. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3|Alliance #3}}

By November 2008, Sideswipe had arrived on Earth, but was recklessly pursuing the Decepticon Demolishor in South America. Optimus was chastised by Admiral Morshower for this "grey area" in the Autobot ranks, but the Autobot leader assured Morshower he would settle it. Human relations were so strained the exasperated Optimus decided to forcibly bring Sideswipe in to end his rampage; however, Ironhide requested he go calm his former student down. Optimus agreed, but made his position clear: if Sideswipe could not be negotiated with... he would be ''dealt'' with. Ironhide eventually was able to calm his student, but not before Demolishor was let loose upon human civilians, AND the authorities were attacking Cybertronians on sight. Luckily, Optimus and a strike team had already arrived and had the authorities stand down, and Sideswipe joined the Autobot ranks. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 2|Tales of the Fallen #2}}

[[Image:Alliance4_Prime_killingspree.jpg|thumb|300px|Freedom is the right of all '''non-Decepticon''' sentient beings.]]

NEST was deployed to [[San Francisco]], where the Decepticons [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Dead End (Movie)|Dead End]] were wreaking havoc. Flushed out of hiding, the Decepticons managed to evade the other Autobots, but Optimus Prime quickly put down Dead End by ramming him head-on. When asked by Prime, he commented that he was fine, but he wasn't sure if Dead End was. On the way back to base, Lennox and Optimus Prime discussed Swindle's last words and were concerned that this was just the first wave of Decepticons coming to Earth, and that they were after [[Sam Witwicky]]. Optimus convinced Lennox that no matter what, it was Sam's destiny to become involved in this conflict, and they agreed to send Bumblebee back to the States to resume his role as the boy's guardian. Later, when Optimus observed the distrust for the Autobots held by Lennox's superiors, he suggested that they must work harder and that continued success would satisfy those above them. During the subsequent hunt for Decepticons around the world, Optimus Prime personally destroyed [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]], [[Dropkick]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]. As NEST's ranks grew, together they celebrated their victories and mourned those who made the ultimate sacrifice. One event brought joy and hope to the team: The arrival of Autobot refugees who were eager to protect their new homeworld. This joy was tempered by the fact more and more Decepticons were being sighted on Earth, and Optimus believed that there was some unknown that threatened their new home, their species and their alliance with the humans. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat''===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}

{{bigquote|I know Megatron. I know all of you. You would not have taken the AllSpark and left this world in peace. You would have subdued it and made slaves of its people. Even in the absence of the AllSpark, my conscience and that of my friends could not have allowed that.|Optimus Prime to [[Macerator]]}}

Optimus attended an initial [[NEST]] briefing about sightings of Starscream in [[Zambia]], and was placed in joint command with Lennox of a team to go there to investigate. He also advised some new Autobot arrivals about how best to fit in on Earth. In Zambia, they quickly tracked down three Decepticons, [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]], [[Macerator]] and [[Dropkick]] waiting at the Zambezi River. Optimus, Ironhide and Ratchet waded in to face their opponents, unaware that it was a trap — as they fought, they were dragged downriver towards Victoria Falls. Although the other two Autobots escaped the trap, Optimus was held fast by Macerator and plunged off the falls. While Macerator was caught mid-air by Starscream, Optimus managed to cling to an outcropping. He was rescued by the other Autobots present, utilizing [[Beachbreak]]'s tow line. Enraged by the rescue, Starscream killed Beachbreak, something Optimus regarded as a result of his own failure to lead. The team tracked Payload, Macerator and Dropkick downriver to the Kariba dam, where Optimus rammed two of the Decepticons and then fought with Macerator at length. He eventually triumphed, decapitating the Decepticon. As Dropkick retreated, Optimus stopped Ironhide from firing as he might have hit some of the humans nearby. They instead went to look for Payload, who had been swept away by raging waters from the dam emergency release.

Back at [[Diego Garcia]], two more Decepticon contacts were made in [[Australia]] and [[Peru]]. Optimus opted to lead the team checking Australia. After exploring the Outback for a number of days, the team discussed whether the Decepticons might be hunting for energy to resurrect Megatron, but Optimus doubted there was an energy source on the planet that could do so. They eventually encountered [[Kickback (ROTF)|Kickback]], [[Trample]] and [[Tread]], three [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicon]]s mining for minerals. Optimus found Kickback's sonic charge weapon to be a challenge, but with some help from Lennox, killed the Decepticon.

After they returned to base, Optimus's input into the conversation on how the Decepticons might revive Megatron was for the most part unhelpful. The subsequent appearance of [[Jolt (Movie)|Deadend]] and [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] in [[Rome]] led the Autobots to take another trip, but Optimus found Rome's narrow streets frustrating as he was unable to navigate them in his truck form. After [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knockout]] dealt to the two Decepticons, a furious Starscream challenged Optimus to one-on-one combat in the nearby Colosseum. Naturally it was a trap — Starscream had allied himself with a human, [[Bruno Carrera]], and together they trapped Optimus in a pit and set Barricade on him. With the help of four humans, Optimus broke free, threw Barricade into the pit and sealed him there. He then had only to show his face outside to where Starscream was fighting Ironhide, Ratchet and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]], and the would-be Decepticon leader fled. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan5_Optimustwins.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Your slang is bad and you should ''feel'' bad!"]]

Since coming to Earth, Optimus has had to strive daily to gain credibility with the human powers-that-be. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

Even Optimus doesn't believe [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap's]] stories anymore! When those same twins arrived, Optimus was absent on a 'need to know' mission {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}} in [[Australia]] with [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]]. When [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] landed on the continent, the two Autobots interrupted their mission to bring the bot in. It proved far more difficult than you'd expect, with the Decepticon able to outdistance them in the long run and better suited to the terrain. Optimus was knocked offroad when Sideways blasted him with exhaust, and Arcee reported her alt mode was too out of its comfort zone to keep up... which gave Optimus an idea.

That idea was to take ''away'' the terrain, blasting Sideways off the road and into the grass with projectile weaponry. Violence works!

Optimus took the prisoner to Diego Garcia, and on arrival was greeted with the sight of the twins brawling on the runway. He bawled them out over improper conduct, but before he could go further [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] made an attack. Taking fire, Optimus began barking out orders... only to be tripped up by Skids. Once he was up, Scorponok and Sideways had both done a runner. Knowing that the enemy could ''not'' have got this close without NEST security being compromised, Optimus was convinced by [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe's]] argument that the twins had turned traitor and had them taken away for questions. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

When the twins were sprung by Decepticons, Prime agreed with [[Theodore Galloway]] that the Autobots would make finding the twins a number one priority. However, Optimus was left suspicious when a [[Soundwave (ROTF)|mysterious "friend"]] tipped the Autobots off about the twins. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}} Soon, it came out that the twins were being framed and by tracking the two, Optimus and his men found out about a Decepticon base near [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. Optimus led a raid on it, taking down the [[Purple generic drones|drone army]] stationed there. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Brazil), [[Reiner Schöne]] (German), [[Alessandro Rossi]] (Italian), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Guy Nadon]] (French-Canadian)

[[Image:ROTF-DemolishorPrime.jpg|thumb|right|250px|With the Legends and Voyager toys, this scene is ''just'' possible.]]
After the events in [[Mission City]] two years ago, Optimus Prime and the Autobots became part of a Transformer/human military group called [[NEST]], which hunted down the remaining Decepticons across the world. When [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] and [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] were detected in [[Shanghai]], NEST was deployed there, including the Autobots [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Once Demolishor made himself known by transforming into robot mode and crushing dozens of cars along the highway, [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] radioed an overhead C-17 to release the Autobot leader. Optimus Prime parachuted out of a NEST cargo plane and landed in vehicle mode. He leapt off a bridge onto the Decepticon's head as he plowed through it. When the massive Constructicon refused his order to pull over, Optimus unleashed several blasts of his [[ion blaster]] into Demolishor's head. These shots, coupled with Ironhide destroying his tires, sent the titan crashing to the ground and into a warehouse. As he and Ironhide approached the dying Decepticon, Optimus asked if he had any last words. With his dying breath, the Constructicon stated that [[The Fallen]] would rise again. Optimus responded in the negative and unceremoniously executed him.

Returning to [[Diego Garcia]], Prime entered a briefing with [[Theodore Galloway]], the National Security Adviser who had been appointed liaison by the [[President of the United States|President]], and [[Morshower|General Morshower]], the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was watching by satellite feed. Prime relayed the warning of The Fallen to them, but Galloway made no effort to conceal his hostility toward the Autobots. He noted that while they had given them intelligence and the sole remaining AllSpark fragment, Galloway took issue with their refusal to share weapons technology and their continued sending of transmissions into space. Prime told Galloway that the Autobots were aware of humanity's history of warfare, and Morshower said that all the transmissions had been vetted by NEST officers. Galloway also pointed out that despite Megatron's death and burial in the Laurentian Abyss and the destruction of the AllSpark, the Decepticons had not left Earth as Optimus had hoped, leading him to conclude that the Autobots were the ones who the Decepticons were after. When asked if the Autobots would leave Earth peacefully if told to, Optimus replied that they would honor their request, but warned Galloway to consider what would happen if the Autobots left but the Decepticons did not.

Unknown to Prime, the Decepticon [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] had been monitoring transmissions and spied on the briefing. Dispatching [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to the island, he had his agent steal the remaining AllSpark fragment, killing several soldiers in the process. The incident left the Autobots with rather chilly relations with the United States. Seeking outside help, Optimus dispatched Bumblebee to retrieve Sam Witwicky from college in an effort to secure his testimony on the Autobots' behalf. Meeting Sam at an abandoned cemetery near his college, Optimus explained the situation. Sam was not receptive; in fact, he was quite hostile, saying that he had just started college and was trying to have a normal life. Knowing that fate often called at inconvenient times, Optimus impressed upon Sam the importance of what was going on, but Sam reiterated that the Cybertronian War was not his, and that they didn't need him. Optimus relayed his fear that it soon would be, and silently said that they needed him more than he realized.

[[Image:ROTFPrimevsMegsandScreamer.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Stick em' up!]]
Prime's fear soon came to pass, but in the last way he could imagine: the Decepticons had used the AllSpark shard to resurrect Megatron, who had learned that the knowledge of the AllSpark had been passed to Sam by a fragment Sam had touched, and soon captured him, Mikaela, and Sam's college roommate [[Leo Spitz]]. Heading to rescue the three humans, Optimus and Bumblebee ambushed the Decepticons in the [[Broadwater Metal Works|abandoned industrial complex]] where the teens were being held, just as [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]] was about to perform fatal neurosurgery on Sam. Knocking Megatron and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] out of the building, Optimus managed to whisk Sam away from the plant. Optimus made it as far as the nearby forest when Megatron arrived. Going one-on-one with the Decepticon leader, Prime managed to hold his own, all the while trash-talking Megatron. Megatron then called for Starscream and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]], who quickly arrived. Prime was forced to run interference between Megatron and Starscream, who pursued Sam.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus vs Grindor.jpg|thumb|right||250px|''Frenzy is red,'' '' Rumble is blue,'' ''this poem doesn't rhyme,'' ''NOW GIVE ME YOUR FACE !'' ]]
As the battle raged, Megatron told Prime that the boy was the key to finding another energon source, then shattered his [[mouthplate]] and sent him flying back with a point blank shot from his [[fusion cannon]]. Megatron asked if the boy's life was greater than the future of their race, but Prime knew that he would never stop with a single life. Declaring that he'd take them all on, Optimus Prime unsheathed his [[Dual Energon Swords]] and fought a three-on-one fight against the Decepticons. Surprisingly, not only did he manage to hold his own, he was actually winning, managing to stab Megatron multiple times, slice off Starscream's arm and use it as a club, and rip apart Grindor's head. However, Megatron managed to stab his own sword through Optimus Prime's chest, following with a point blank shot through his injured back. Critically injured, Optimus implored the still-observing Sam to run. Although the rest of the Autobots soon arrived and drove off Megatron and Starscream, Optimus Prime was [[The_many_deaths_of_Optimus_Prime|dead]].

[[Image:ROTF Optimus death.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"You're so weak!" "Then why have I spent this whole fight kicking your a—"*BOOM*]]
Soon after, The Fallen made his presence known and demanded Sam Witwicky be turned over to him or the world would be destroyed. Galloway used this as a reason to shut down NEST and ordered the Autobots returned to Diego Garcia under guard, along with Prime's corpse (which Galloway callously denounced as a piece of scrap metal). Fortunately, Bumblebee, and [[Skids (ROTF)|the]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Twins]] managed to spirit Sam, Mikaela, and Leo away before The Fallen made his announcement. With help from their former enemy Seymour Simmons and the Decepticon-turned-Autobot [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]], the group discovered that Sam's mind contained the Language of the Primes, to which group The Fallen had once belonged. The human/Autobot group managed to locate the Seeker [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], who told them of how the [[Dynasty of Primes]] forged a [[star harvester]] to use a star's energy to replenish the AllSpark, and the [[Matrix of Leadership]], needed to activate the harvester, until they were betrayed by The Fallen, who tried to harvest [[Sun|Sol]] in defiance of the Primes' rule of the sanctity of life. Sam hit upon the idea to use the Matrix to restore Optimus to life, similar to how the Decepticons had used the AllSpark fragment to resurrect Megatron. Having been teleported to [[Egypt]] by Jetfire, the group managed to relay the information to Major Lennox and Sergeant Epps, who faked engine trouble over Petra, where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] was located. Unfortunately, the Matrix had turned to dust in the thousands of years since its entombment, but Sam still believed that it could be used to revive Optimus.

[[Image:ROTF movie Powered-Up Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|250px|I'm bringing sexy back.]]
However, the Decepticons were still looking for the harvester and the Matrix needed to activate it. Sam was technically killed in the [[Operation: Firestorm|battle]], during which he communed with the six Primes from the tomb, who restored the Matrix. Jamming it in the fallen Autobot's chest, Sam used the Matrix to restore Optimus Prime to life. Unfortunately, The Fallen soon arrived and stole the Matrix. Having been fatally injured by [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], Jetfire offered his parts to Optimus, as only a Prime could defeat The Fallen, and snuffed out his own spark. After Ratchet and [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] finished attaching Jetfire's wings and thrusters to Prime's body, Optimus hurried to the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], which had been constructed around the harvester, and damaged the machine before it could destroy Earth's sun.

[[Image:TheFallen-ROTFfacegotten.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Your face is insufficient. GIVE ME YOUR SPARK!]]
Optimus Prime then faced Megatron and the Fallen. This against the odds battle went far better for Optimus, as he used Megatron's own fusion cannon to shoot off half his face and his afterburners to send him through some ruins. Optimus then battled the Fallen, using his Energon Sword to slice through his face. The Fallen countered by ripping off his left wing and striking him with it, but Optimus managed to grab the Fallen's own spear and impale him with it. Telling the traitorous Prime he had picked the wrong planet, Optimus used the spear to rip off The Fallen's face plate. As The Fallen tried to flee, Optimus Prime punched through his abdomen and crushed his spark core, killing The Fallen and forcing Megatron and Starscream to retreat.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus Sam ship.JPG|thumb|right|250px|"So why did you want his face?" "Okay, I'll tell you."*cuts to credits*]]
On the return voyage home, Optimus thanked Sam for saving his life, as the boy thanked the Autobot leader for believing in him. Following this, Optimus Prime sent another transmission into space, detailing recent events so that the pasts of both races would be remembered, and also declaring that Humanity and the Autobots would face the future together. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{--}}

===Titan Magazines post-''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Following the later Fallen incident, Optimus continued operations against the Decepticons. [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt's]] over-enthusiasm began to muck that up, causing damage and getting NEST into trouble, despite Optimus' attempts to point this out to him. Optimus had to confine him to base. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}}

[[Image:Titan10_Optimusgetsout.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Never had a human face before. GIVE ME IT ANYWAY!]]

Soon after that, he was drawn out into a trap by [[Trophy White]] and the [[Free Men]], who wanted to take his head as a trophy. Optimus worked out their plan and allowed himself to be captured by the deranged hunter, in order to keep the fight away from civilians. He pretended to be securely chained down and listened to White's sociopathic ravings, before (at the moment he considered funniest) breaking free and taking White prisoner. Shockingly, he found keeping the severed heads of animals as trophies to be ''bad'', and destroyed Trophy's trophies. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10| Bring Me the Head of Optimus Prime}}

When there was a Decepticon breakout in [[South Africa]], Optimus ordered his men to let the prisoners flee: a battle outside [[World Cup|a major sports event]] would cause unacceptable civilian casualties. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}} This led to a major collapse in Autobot popularity, and open battles with Decepticons in cities were just risking further alienation. In response, Prime created of a secret covert unit (even under NEST's radar) that would monitor the Decepticons, wait for windows of opportunity out of the public eye, and then hit hard and fast. While this worked, Optimus was left disquieted: the tactics he was using were too akin to the Decepticons, and a fine line was being walked. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.18|Shadow War}}

{{-}}

===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Eric Edwards]] (English), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin-American Spanish)

[[Image:CyberMissions1 Optimus.jpg|right|thumb|250px|]]
Optimus Prime recorded some information on the Autobot-Decepticon war for preservation in [[Vector Sigma]]. Bumblebee and Ironhide were reviewing it when [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] launched their attack. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 1}} The next morning, Optimus had been informed of the attack and Soundwave's capture, and he ordered Ironhide to wait for reinforcements to assist in pursuing Bludgeon. Bludgeon made that difficult for Ironhide. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 2}} Later, Optimus contacted Ratchet to inform him that [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] was causing chaos in [[Mission City]], and he reminded the Autobot medic to be careful. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 3}}

He and Sideswipe tracked Megatron to a disused factory, only to lose the scent. Megatron, having cloaked his spark signature, jumped out of hiding to attack them, and Optimus used his swords to attack the Decepticon. An appeal for Megatron to surrender was answered by a blast from Megatron's cannon bringing the roof down on the two Autobots, and the Decepticon escaped. Optimus promised that Megatron would no longer be able to hide. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 4}}

When Ironhide went missing after the incident with Bludgeon, Optimus searched for him, and Bumblebee revealed he was last near a cave with a load of [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]. That same cave happened to be where [[Mindwipe (ROTF)|Mindwipe]] was hiding. As Optimus went to rescue his friend, Mindwipe tried to hypnotize the Autobot leader, but Optimus was able to resist the hypnosis and defeat Mindwipe, leaving a confused Ironhide to wonder what was going on. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 5}}

Reports of [[Smolder]] attacking a building in [[Scramble City (city)|Scramble City]] resulted in Optimus dispatching Bumblebee and Ratchet to investigate. He filled them in on the situation en route. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 9}} During another mission, Optimus warned Sideswipe and Ratchet that they were being tracked, moments before the pair were attacked by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and Mindwipe. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 10}}

Bumblebee reported to Optimus that he'd managed to pinpoint the location where Megatron and Starscream were meeting, leading Optimus to confront the two Decepticons in an Arctic region. When Megatron expressed surprise that he'd come to fight them without backup, Optimus assured him that the Autobots were never far from their leader's side. While Starscream went to attack the others, Optimus and Megatron continued to fight, with Optimus emerging the eventual victor. As Megatron tried to goad him into finishing the fight, Optimus announced that the Autobots protected all sentient life, and that included the Decepticons. He subsequently allowed Megatron to flee. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 12}}

{{quote|By showing even one such as him the power of mercy, Megatron might realize that we'll never give up, no matter the cost.|Optimus Prime|"Cyber Missions 12"}}

Prime set up an elaborate trap involving a hologram of Soundwave to lure the Decepticons to a spot in the wilderness. The ploy worked, and Optimus attacked Megatron while his men attacked Megatron's troops. At one point during the battle, Megatron threw a train car at him, and he simply somersaulted along its length. Though Megatron boasted that the Decepticons would win through sheer determination, Optimus knocked him to the ground and gave a speech about building alliances, which was the cue for the [[human]]s to turn up in force and surround the Decepticons. Optimus informed Megatron that he could either leave the planet peacefully or be destroyed. Once the rest of the Decepticons fled, Megatron delivered a final threat before taking off. Prime celebrated with another speech, before admiring the huge Autobot [[insignia]] Bumblebee had stomped into the ground. {{storylink|Decepticons Attack}}

===Transformers Annual 2011===
An alert of Decepticon activity in [[Tokyo]] sent Optimus, Ironhide, Ratchet and Sideswipe to investigate. He intervened in Sideswipe and Barricade's battle to lift the Decepticon into the air, only to find himself under attack by Grindor. Ordering Sideswipe and Ratchet to cover him, Optimus scaled the side of a nearby office block so he could punch the helicopter out of the air. Standing over the two Decepticons, Optimus was surprised when they informed him that they were simply providing a diversion. Optimus realised that Sam was in danger, and rushed back to America in time to find Starscream attempting to abduct the boy. He jumped on Starscream's back, causing the Decepticon to flee and saving Sam from a kidnapping. {{storylink|Sam in Danger}}

===IDW Post ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:Nefarious2 Prime on Soundwave.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Ass-whooping. Noun. To have your posterior presented to you with overwhelming force.]]
Lennox reported to Optimus via videolink on the halting of [[Alice]]'s rampage. Optimus mentioned that they should be more aggressive in tracking down Decepticons, but Lennox reminded him that NEST was low on resources. They decided on some "improvisations" in the form of newly-arrived Autobots. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 1|Nefarious #1}} Optimus was witness to Galloway balling out Lennox over the battle at [[Kingdom Petrochemicals]], but kept quiet. Afterwards, Lennox and Optimus discussed the [[Initiative|mysterious humans]] who had been seen at the petrochemical plant. When [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] came under attack from [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], Optimus parachuted in and bested Soundwave. Soundwave attempted to persuade Prime to let him go, but Prime decided that instead they would take him into NEST custody for interrogation. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 2|Nefarious #2}}

Optimus oversaw the preparations of the facilities for holding Soundwave, rather than face having to tell Major Lennox what they'd done. He was only delaying the inevitable, and Lennox was even more annoyed when the plane carrying Soundwave was shot down. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 3|Nefarious #3}} When NEST received a distress call from Galloway, who was under attack from [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]], Optimus sent [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to assist. He also reminded Ironhide that just because the man was a "pain in the aft" didn't mean they could avoid helping him. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 4|Nefarious #4}}

[[Image:Nefarious5 Prime already too late.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"They've already put the bomp in the bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp"]]
Soundwave led the Autobots to the location of the [[Initiative]] base in [[California]], but the base was gone. Despite this, Optimus still trusted Soundwave as he believe the organization they faced had access to Cybertronian technology. Soundwave pinpointed the mobile base as being in [[Utah]], so the Autobots headed there. Part way, Optimus felt the power of something very like the [[AllSpark]] being used and began to realize what they were up against. They reached Utah and began an assault on the [[Initiative base]], only to find themselves facing brainwashed Transformers. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 5|Nefarious #5}}

As the battle continued, Optimus tried to call out for their foe to surrender the AllSpark they possessed, however [[Carter Newell]], head of the Initiative, responded by trying to use the artifact to terminate all Cybertronian life. An injury courtesy of [[Reedman]] aborted the attempt, and Newell tried to flee. Optimus was forced to ram the truck he was in to obtain the AllSpark, but realized the only way to halt the rapidly-destabilizing Cube was to
feed it his own [[spark]]. Luckily that turned out to be unnecessary, as [[Fortress (ROTF)|Fortress]] took the AllSpark from him and carried it into space, where it exploded. Optimus later noted that the Initiative data banks had been [[Soundwave (ROTF)|picked clean]] and wondered if anyone else could make an attempt to recreate the AllSpark. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 6|Nefarious #6}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Blas Garcia]] (Latin American-Spanish)

Sometime before the [[AllSpark]] was jettisoned into space, Optimus Prime personally witnessed the attack on [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s ship, the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' and assumed that the ship was destroyed.

Three years after the battle in Egypt, Optimus arrived with human [[NEST]] operatives in Chernobyl to investigate a report about the presence of Cybertronian technology on site. However, this investigation was interrupted by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his tamed [[Driller]]. After driving them off, Optimus examined the piece of technology and identified it as a fuel cell from the ''Ark''. Optimus returned to NEST headquarters and refused to transform or speak to anyone until National Intelligence Director [[Charlotte Mearing]] arrived. He demanded an explanation from her, which she offered along with the corroborating testimony from none other than [[Buzz Aldrin]] himself. Prime explained that the ''Ark'' carried important technology that would have been to used to win the Cybertronian Civil War, and was piloted by his predecessor and mentor, Sentinel Prime. Optimus mounted an expedition to the [[Moon]] aboard the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'' with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] to explore what was left of the Ark.

The two Autobots explored the ship and opened the crash vault in which Sentinel Prime had locked himself. Optimus pulled Sentinel from the vault and brought his former mentor back to Earth where he used the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to revive Sentinel. The former Prime awoke and attacked in confusion. After calming his mentor down, Optimus explained that they recovered five pieces of his technology, but Sentinel was disturbed by this news, explaining that purpose of the "pillars" was to form a [[space bridge]]. Optimus declared their peaceful uses to the humans, but Director Mearing objected, citing possible uses like transporting weapons and troops to the planet. The pillars were placed in human custody.

After this meeting, Optimus took Sentinel for a tour on the countryside at sunset, during which Sentinel commented on the peaceful beauty of Earth. Optimus bowed and offered the Matrix of Leadership to him, declaring him the rightful Autobot leader. Sentinel refused, saying that while he was Optimus's master on Cybertron, here, Optimus was the more experienced of the two.

After learning from [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] that the Decepticons were targeting Sentinel because he alone could control the pillars, the Autobots were ordered to protect him. Running behind the group, Optimus returned to the NEST base only to find that Sentinel had betrayed the Autobots and NEST, killed [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and escaped with the pillars. Mearing declared the subterfuge and defeat as the fault of the Autobot leader. Optimus voiced no defense at this accusation.

Optimus subsequently tracked his mentor to the National Mall reflecting pool and attempted to stop him from bringing an invasion force to Earth. Sentinel fought and bested Optimus but spared his life, commenting that Optimus would come around to his way of thinking. Prime refused to be part of Sentinel's plan. Later, Sentinel denounced Prime and his Autobots as rebels, and demanded that human beings exile them. Fearing an attack from at least 200 hidden and entrenched Decepticon troops, human leaders ordered the Autobots off the planet.

Prime complied with the order and gathered his troops to leave Earth immediately in the ''Xantium''. Despite Sam's pleadings to reveal his plan to fight back (and inform the Decepticons who had bugged him), Optimus replied they had no plan. He reminded Sam that the human was his friend and the fight against the Decepticons would now be his own. Shortly after takeoff, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacked and destroyed the ship. Optimus and the Autobots were presumed dead.

However, the Autobots had hid themselves in one of the disengaged boosters and survived, thanks to the ''Xantium'''s builders, the [[Wreckers]]. Optimus and the other Autobots headed for Decepticon-controlled Chicago and arrived there just in time to rescue Sam, [[Robert Epps|Epps]], and a team of former NEST soldiers. Optimus explained that the Decepticons would never leave Earth in peace, and that Earth's leaders needed to believe they had gone so that they could see the truth. As the other Autobots arrived on-scene, Prime announced that they were going to take the battle to the Decepticons in the name of freedom.

On route to Sentinel's location and that of the master pillar, Optimus and the Autobots were ambushed from below by Shockwave and his Driller. The Driller disengaged Optimus's trailer, but the Wreckers distracted the Decepticon assassin. Optimus managed to recover the flight tech from his trailer and attack the Driller from the air just as it bared down on Sam, [[Carly Spencer]], Epps and his soldiers. Optimus swooped through a building and punched a fatal blow through the Driller. Shockwave, angered by the destruction of his pet, shot at Optimus from the street. Optimus fell through a nearby unfinished building and was caught up in the wires of a construction crane. While the Wreckers tried to get him loose, Sentinel engaged the pillars and started to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit. The Wreckers managed to free their leader, who swooped into the main battlefield and killed eleven Decepticons single-handed. Charging toward Shockwave, who had already been damaged by NEST soldiers, Optimus ran his armored fist through his side and tore out his eye. He then used his enemy's cannon to blast the control pillar, temporarily stalling the transportation of Cybertron.

Optimus demanded his former master to come down and confront him. Sentinel complied with gusto, but when Optimus started to get the upper hand, Sentinel called upon Decepticon forces to fire at his former pupil. Pinned down by the enemy fire, Optimus called on the Autobots to destroy the control pillar. Sentinel engaged him again, this time cutting off Optimus's right arm. Once again, Sentinel had Optimus at his mercy.

As Sentinel prepared to deliver the final blow, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] charged up, shot Sentinel in the back and proceeded to heavily damage the older Prime. Megatron then proposed a truce on the condition that he would be in charge again. After all, what would Optimus be without him? Optimus replied that it was "Time to find out." He swung his axe into Megatron's head and ripped it out, taking Megatron's head and spine with it.

Damaged and helpless, Sentinel explained that Prime had to see why he had betrayed his own side. Optimus refused by telling Sentinel he had betrayed himself. Despite his former master's plea for mercy, Optimus grabbed Megatron's fusion shotgun and fired two shots, executing Sentinel. After the battle, Optimus declared that the Autobots would never forsake the defense of Earth or its people.

{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots}}

===''Transformers'' (Glu)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers (Glu)}}

===''Transformers'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC/Wii/PS2====
====Autobot campaign====
Optimus Prime provided intelligence and missions to Bumblebee in his search for the AllSpark. Eventually, the clues led the Autobot to Sam Witwicky. After saving Sam from Barricade, Bumblebee finally completed preparations for the Autobots to arrive on Earth.

Once on Earth, and having informed the two teenagers of their mission, Prime and the Autobots were discovered by Sector Seven. Optimus sent Jazz on a high-speed <strike>destruction</strike> distraction mission, then sent Ironhide to rescue Jazz from a double-threat posed by the government agents and various Decepticon scouts.

When Bumblebee was captured, Optimus Prime transformed and chased the helicopter which from which the small Autobot was tied. After a lengthy pursuit, Optimus managed to catch the net, only to be thrown off by another Cybertronian [[transition form|meteor]]. As Bumblebee was carried away, Optimus promised he would not fail him again. Jazz informed him that the meteor was not an Autobot and Optimus confronted the new threat, who turned out to be the Decepticon triplechanger [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]. The two battled it out across [[Tranquility]] before Optimus finally destroyed him, and in doing so, overheard [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s transmission revealing the location of the AllSpark.

Optimus then returned to an intel role as he guided Bumblebee in his mission to retrieve the AllSpark from Hoover Dam. Unfortunately, the Decepticons managed to free Megatron, leading to the final battle in Mission City.

As the Autobots engaged in an all-out urban war with the Decepticons to protect Sam and the AllSpark, things seemed to take a turn for the worse as Megatron finally arrived. But before the Decepticon leader could claim the Cube, Optimus Prime attacked.

The two leaders duked it out until Megatron was finally on the ground, seemingly devoid of life. Optimus knelt to take the AllSpark as Sam handed it to him, but Megatron suddenly awoke, leaping at the Autobot with his chain-flail out, and making one last attempt at defeating his adversary. Optimus grabbed the chain, pulling Megatron in closer, and with the AllSpark clutched in his fist, delivered a punch through Megatron's spark. As Megatron died Optimus reflected on the losses and rewards of this battle, as the Autobots have a new home. Optimus planned to guard the humans in secret, "For freedom is the right of all sentient beings." {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====Decepticon campaign====
After all the Autobots we´re killed on Mission City, Sam and Mikaela informed the deaths to Prime, Optimus decided to defeat Megatron, In the final battle, Optimus Prime was beaten to the ground, and as he desperately crawled for the AllSpark, Megatron smashed his head with his flail, before using the Cube to destroy humanity. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====''Transformers: Autobots''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

Arriving late on Earth, Optimus meets up with the other Autobots to give further commands to his troops. [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]], the new rookie, is eager to help in the cause, but Optimus tells him to sit back while the grown-ups take care of business. Getting fed up with the bureaucracy, Create-A-Bot finally defies orders and completes a mission against Optimus's counsel. After nearly getting himself and the other Autobots killed, Create-A-Bot apologizes to Optimus personally. Taking pity on the newcomer, Optimus lets him off with a stern warning, and they move out together to face Megatron. During the fight, Create-A-Bot sacrifices himself to save his commander. Megatron defeated, Optimus commends the young Autobot as a war hero, and sends out an interstellar message to any Cybertronians living among the stars. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

====''Transformers: Decepticons''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

Landing on Earth, Optimus Prime quickly joins the other Autobots to attempt to stop the Decepticons. Prime didn't appear on the battlefield until Megatron himself was released and Starscream escaped with the AllSpark. He stepped in to thwart the maniacal leader of the Decepticons, but alas, was struck down, left in the streets while Megatron gave chase to his traitorous second-in-command. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}

====''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English)
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

===Datafile Decoder===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Datafile Decoder}}

===AllSpark Wars===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|AllSpark Wars}}

===Allspark Highway===
The Autobots needed to race the Allspark to safety, and Optimus Prime teamed with his fellow Autobots to drive through the Decepticon defenses and get their prize to a secure location. {{storylink|Allspark Highway}}

===Autobot Stronghold===
The Decepticons were invading an Autobot stronghold in the city, and Optimus Prime and the Autobots placed themselves at key positions to defend it from attack. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

===Transformers: Battle for the Matrix===

{{Note|Battle for the Matrix is a simplified retelling of the events of [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]. It can be played from the perspective of either Bumblebee or Optimus Prime.}}
[[Image:Optimusprime battleforthematrix.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle for the Matrix}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English) [[Dariusz Odija]] (Polish)
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF game Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|One shall stand, one sha— oh, you know the drill.]]
Optimus Prime served as the Autobots all around fighter. Weapons wise, he possessed dual laser rifles and dual shell cannons. In melee combat, he possessed [[Dual Energon Swords|Dual Energy Swords]] in each hand. Finally, with his valiant leader ability, he could generate a shield around himself which would prevent his energy from dropping past 1%.

After overseeing Ironhide's defeat of [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and Ratchet's rescue of Ironhide, Optimus Prime took to the field when a previously unknown Decepticon named [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] began attacking the [[Shanghai]] waterfront. Optimus was finally able to defeat him, but Demolishor gave a single warning before he was killed: "The Fallen shall rise again". Optimus and the Autobots were at a loss as to what he meant. Back in the United States, Sam Witwicky gave Mikaela Banes a fragment of the AllSpark that he had discovered, which the Decepticons soon sought. Prime dispatched Bumblebee to rescue her. Following this, the Decepticons launched a raid on the city's oil refinery, where Ratchet rescued several engineers. Finally, Ironhide escorted a NEST team to safety in the city's canals.

Their victories were short lived. The Decepticons soon learned about the AllSpark shard on Diego Garcia, stealing it to revive Megatron. Although [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] managed to save the fleet, Megatron was reborn. He soon made an attack on Sam, trying to access information in his mind downloaded from the AllSpark. Bumblebee managed to rescue him. In light of these attacks, Optimus decided to give NEST the [[Axiom Gun]] to better defend themselves against the Decepticons. The escort came under Decepticon assault, but Prime was able to beat back the attackers and deliver the Axiom Gun to NEST. Soon afterwards, Bumblebee escorted Sam to meet with [[Seymour Simmons]], who told him of Jetfire, who then took the boy to Egypt.

While there, Jetfire explained what was going on: Eons ago, Optimus's ancestors, the [[Thirteen original Transformers|13 founders]] of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], built a star harvester to convert the energy of the sun into [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]. When they discovered the humans, they upheld their rule of the sanctity of life, but one of the Primes defied the rule and murdered his twelve brothers. This Prime was known as The Fallen, but the star harvester was hidden from him. While Sam made inquires to the [[Tomb of the Primes|Tomb of the Twelve]], Megatron and Starscream arrived in an attempt to learn the harvester's location and kill Sam. Optimus Prime was able to defeat both Decepticons with Jetfire's help, but Jetfire was stabbed in the back by Megatron. Dying, Jetfire offered his parts to Optimus, as only a Prime could defeat The Fallen.

Finding the harvester at the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], Optimus challenged The Fallen. Despite The Fallen's powerful command of telekinesis and pyrokinesis, Optimus Prime was able to get past his defenses and kill The Fallen by stabbing him through the face. On the return trip home, Sam expressed gratitude at seeing the sunrise, and told Optimus he would have to trust him on it. Optimus Prime replied that he had always trusted Sam, and always would. {{Storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
When the revenant Megatron and the Decepticons rampaged across the United States of America, Optimus Prime faced him in a major city on the East Coast. The two leaders engaged in a titanic struggle that shook the city, but despite being aided by many Autobot drone units, Optimus was seemingly destroyed. However, much later, Optimus Prime reappeared when Megatron's master, The Fallen, activated the Star Harvester to drain Earth's Sun. The Autobot leader revealed that The Fallen's promise to make Megatron a Prime was a lie, as Primes were born, not made. When Megatron demanded his reward, The Fallen reneged on his promise. As the master and disciple of evil began to fight, Optimus left to find a way to disable the Harvester. {{Storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}
{{-}}

===Transformers Battle Universe===
At the edge of time, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] needed a new host, Optimus Prime was among several warriors (and [[Optimus Prime|Prime]]s) summoned from the multiverse to battle for control of the prize. {{storylink|Transformers Battle Universe}}

===Starscream Showdown===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Starscream Showdown}}

===Transformers RPMs: Devastator's Demise===
[[Image:Devastatorsdemise optimus.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Optimus Prime is both fast and sturdy. His firepower blows obstacles to smithereens.

In order to defeat [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]], Bumblebee, Optimus and Ironhide must drive through Cairo and avoid obstacles.{{storylink|Transformers RPMs: Devastator's Demise}}
{{-}}

===Hunt for the Decepticons===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Hunt for the Decepticons}}
{{-}}
===Revenge of the Fallen (mobile game)===
[[Image:ROTFMobile Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|60px]]
After [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s destruction, Optimus hoped that they'd seen the last of the Decepticons and the Autobots began working with [[NEST]]. A signal in [[Shanghai]] led Optimus to discover a Decepticon invasion force there. He fought the foe solo, and followed an [[AllSpark]] signal to [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Starscream managed to escape, and NEST reported that HQ was under attack. As he had to hang around to help clean up the mess in Shanghai, Optimus sent [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to help. Bumblebee was defeated by Starscream, but told Optimus that Starscream had said something about the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Believing he knew where the Decepticons were headed, Optimus went to find an old friend, [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]].

In Egypt, Optimus lost contact with NEST while investigating an area. He told Bumblebee to rendezvous with Jetfire at the [[Great Pyramid of Giza|Great Pyramid]], warning Bumblebee that he believed an energy signature he was detecting was [[The Fallen]]. Bumblebee later reported that [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] had defeated Jetfire and taken the Matrix. By the time Optimus reached the site, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had taken Bumblebee hostage and had possession of the Matrix. Optimus combined Jetfire's parts with his own, gaining enough strength to defeat Megatron. Exhausted by the fight, Prime was then confronted by The Fallen, but used the power of the Matrix to defeat the ancient Decepticon. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Glu)}}

{{--}}
===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====

==Commercial appearances==
* As part of the hype buildup to the movie's release, Optimus Prime made a brief cameo at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, interacting with host Sarah Silverman. The scene spliced Silverman into pre-existing movie footage, but featured new dialogue recorded for the event by Peter Cullen. Prime heavily hinted that he wanted to present an award, but was rejected for a regular MTV fan.

* According to a tie-in advertisement for [[Burger King]], Prime likes his Whoppers with no onions, no cheese, extra pickles, with a side of ????. However, due to a cruel twist of fate, he can never enjoy the sweet taste of beefy victory (and all because he needed a driver for him to receive his order). He saved the world from the Decepticons, and still he can't even have it his way? Where's the justice?

* Optimus Prime (in truck mode) made an appearance at [[BotCon 2007]], alongside the [[Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]]. He was available for pictures all weekend. He made a second appearance at [[BotCon 2009]].

* Optimus threw a trailer during his appearance on an [[M&M's]] commercial.

* During the 2009 NBA Finals, a commercial aired where [[The Master Builders|Optimus made a slam dunk]] and shattered the backboard.

* On [[July 6]]th 2009, Optimus appeared on ''The Late Show With David Letterman'' to declare the "Top Ten Things That Sound Cool When Said By A Giant Robot". Optimus said it was nice to be there, although David was ''clearly'' concerned by having an 28-feet tall robot in the studio because of a bad history of robots messing up the place, and during the presentation Letterman decided there was something about Prime he didn't like. Anyway, the top ten was:
<ol>
<li value="10">"Jergens lotion leaves my hands silky smooth."</li>
<li value="9">"Do you have these khakis in size 114?"</li>
<li value="8">"My perfect night involves a pint of Haagen-Dazs and season three of ''Sex and the City''."</li>
<li value="7">"Man do I love me some 'taters."</li>
<li value="6">"It was so hot in Central Park, I saw a squirrel rubbing sunblock on his nuts."</li>
<li value="5">"You seemed a little pitchy, dawg."</li>
<li value="4">"Brody Jenner has added you as a friend on Facebook."</li>
<li value="3">"Live from New York, it's Saturday night."</li>
<li value="2">"My parents wanted me to be a Rabbi."</li>
<li value="1">"All the slammin' shorties in the house say 'Yeah'."<ref>[http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/video_player/index/php/991507.phtml Lateshow CBS archive video of Optimus's guest spot.]</ref></li>
</ol>

* To promote the DVD and Blu-ray release of ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Paramount set up a website where US fans could request Optimus call up their friends, warning them of Starscream's attempts to recruit human civilian allies.

*In the Discovery Channel promo, "The World Is Just Awesome," Optimus made a brief cameo, singing the words "boom-de-ya-da, boom-de-ya-da."<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0jZzBEKIMc Discovery commercial] on YouTube.</ref>

*Prime (voiced by Cullen, but not animated by ILM) appeared to promote a NASA competition to vote for videos made by children about NASA's impact on commonplace technology.<ref>[http://ipp.gsfc.nasa.gov/optimus/ NASA Optimus Prime]</ref>

*Optimus appeared in truck mode at [[Toy Fair 2011]]. He got a $115 parking ticket.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357327/Transformers-truck-gets-parking-ticket-toy-fair.html ''Daily Mail'' article on Prime's fine.]</ref>

*Optimus was seen firing a basketball from his blaster in an ESPN commercial with [[Mark Cuban]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZwdQYvSXl4&feature=player_embedded Mark Cuban looking for Optimus Prime to be his new "big man." Transformers 3 ESPN]</ref>

==Toys==
{{main|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise]]''

==Notes==
[[Image:moviecullen.jpg|right|150px|thumb|GIVE ME MY FACE]]

[[Image:Movie Primetruck before.jpg|right|150px|thumb|8:30 pm: "Trick My Truck". Tonight's guest: [[Alpha Trion (disambiguation)|Alpha Trion]].]]
* When Optimus' design was first revealed, [[GEEWUN|many fans of the Generation 1 series objected to the flames seen on Prime's body]]. When asked in an interview why he put the flames on, [[Michael Bay]] claimed he liked them because it was "cool". It was later revealed on a special featurette on the DVD that the flames were added because, apparently, red is not very good to film on camera, so Bay chose a blue truck but used the flames so that when Optimus transformed, the layout would result in maintaining his iconic red chest.

* The announcement of [[Peter Cullen]] as Prime's voice actor in the movie is credited by some fans as alleviating many fan tensions about the movie. Not all tensions, mind you, as there are some who just will never be satisfied, but it put the fans in a good mood.

* Prime's ''Rise of the Chevy Autobots'' codename, "10-22", is [http://www.truckercountry.com/cb-terminology.html#10c CB radio slang] for "report in person to." As in "Bumblebee, 10-22 to 10-22." Cute, huh?

* [[TakaraTomy]] officially recognizes Optimus Prime's vehicle mode as a [http://www.kenworth.com/2100_vir_w900.asp Kenworth W900 truck], even though the vehicle used for filming was a modified Peterbilt 379, a different model from a different brand, although both are made by the PACCAR company.<ref>[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121424?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..2.* Article at Edmunds.com on some of the vehicles used in the movie]</ref>
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime truckrear.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]

* Prime's truck mode is apparently intended to haul a flatbed trailer, based on the presence of the large silver "headache rack", a piece of optional equipment that protects the driver in case a flatbed load breaks free during braking. It is generally not installed on trucks hauling enclosed container trailers.

[[Image:Movie Prime Trucklogomistake.jpg|right|150px|thumb|In the darkness, a PA will misread "Truck A" as "Truck B", and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth — Revelation 11:7.]]

* When 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, which looks rather more like that of Peterbilt. Then, Prime has an Autobot sigil on his grill while driving to meet the other Autobots.

* According to the free trading cards from the Boston Globe, Optimus is 28 feet tall, weighs 4.3 metric tons, and his primary weapon is an [[Ion blaster|ion blaster]]. (Considering Optimus's height, however, this weight would seem implausible.)

* In the Japanese dub of the movie, he is given his original western name of Optimus Prime rather than the Japanese equivalent, Convoy. Just as Peter Cullen voiced Prime in the English version of the film, Tesshō Genda (the voice of G1 Convoy) reprised his role for the Japanese dub.

*The [[Milton Bradley]] [[Transformers Battling Card Game]] depicts Prime with a unique a magnetic grapple attack, fired from the side of his arm. It also declares his forearm gun to be a chain gun (it's an ion blaster in other sources), and has him using a "judo kick", which... while it may not be out of the realm of plausibility for Prime to have learned an Earth martial art, judo does not actually '''use''' kicks, being focused on throwing moves. Oops.

* The Optimus Prime computer generated model consisted of 10,108 individual parts, 1,830,898 polygons, 27,744 rig nodes, and 2336 texture maps. The volume of all pieces combined came to 5445 cubic feet.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12-17.</ref>

* It said in the Autobots game in the DS, Prime's father was killed by Megatron. However, since it is also widely known that Prime and Megatron were brothers, Megatron killed his own dad. Not that this is surprising, though.

* In Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' comics, Optimus's Cybertronian robot mode is exactly like his Earth mode, but with different weapons, yet his Cybertronian mode is a mostly silver protoform—with no truck windows. Odd.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus trailer super mode.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"One shall be scrawny...One shall be brawny"]]
* Optimus was supposed to combine with a trailer for ''Revenge of the Fallen'', something for which [[Ben Procter]] and [[Josh Nizzi]] drew up designs. In the end, Nizzi designed the combination with Jetfire.

* This incarnation of Optimus Prime doesn't do the best burials in the world, either—giving what can at best be described as a half-hearted goodbye to his [[Jazz (Movie)|first lieutenant]] at the end of the first movie, and unceremoniously dumping the parts of [[Jetfire (ROTF)|the converted Decepticon who had given him the power to defeat the Fallen]] at the conclusion of the second film. This is offset by how he's treated by humans when ''he'' dies.

* Of the Optimus Primes in all the existing continuities, this one is probably the most aggressive incarnation. Additionally, he seems obsessed with destroying the heads of his opponents. In ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'', Prime [[Decapitation|decapitates]] [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and tries pulling off [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s head. In ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of The Fallen]]'', Optimus severely damages [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]]'s head before putting the lethal bullet in it, he tries pulling off [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream's]] head with his foot, ''rips apart'' [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor's]] head with hooks, shoots off part of Megatron's face, and ''rips off'' [[The Fallen]]'s face before killing him. In ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', he tears Megatron's head off with his battle axe and shoots both Shockwave and Sentinel Prime in the head. (He also slices or tears off Megatron, Starscream and Grindor's arms in the second film, but this was not immortalized with a classic one liner.) Maybe he took Jazz and Ironhide's deaths hard after all?

* According to [[TakaraTomy]] marketing director [[Masahiko Yamazaki]], for the Japanese dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', the [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] featured in that show would become a young version of this one. However, nothing in the show-itself has happened to support his claims.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Optimus Prime''' (オプティマス・プライム ''Oputimasu Puraimu'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''O Baak Man''' (Hong Kong, 柯柏文)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Optimusz Fővezér''' ("Prime Leader Optimus")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Optimis Prima'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Kē Bó Wén''' (Taiwan, 柯博文), '''Qíng Tīan Zhù''' (China, 擎天柱, "Pillar that Supports the Sky")
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Optimus Naikrashchiy''' (Оптимус Наiкращий, "Optimus the Best")

{{--}}

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/ProtoformOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
* [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/index.php?f_series=40&f_name=optimus&f_type=exact&Submit=Search Galleries of various different Optimus Prime toys from the Movie]

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention guests]]
[[Category:Cyber Missions characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:Live-action film ARG characters]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]

Dylan Gould

2011-08-06T08:12:45Z

Fanaction2031:

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Dylan Gould is a [[human]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Dylangould.jpg|right|thumb|300px|McCreepy]]

'''Dylan Gould''' is the CEO of [[Hotchkiss Gould Investments]]. <ref name="dotmset">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndecember/4788376088/ Dark of the Moon set photo], July 2010</ref> He managed to snag the young [[Carly Spencer]] to help run his collection of exotic cars, a hobby which helps "keep him sane." He's inordinately fond of his new recruit, calling her "my duchess," giving her cars, and hooking up her boyfriend with career opportunities using his amazing connections because he's so hot and rich. That's not threatening to [[Sam Witwicky|said boyfriend]] at all, no.

{{quote|Not the couch! It's Ralph Lauren!|Dylan knows his priorities|[[Dark of the Moon (novel)|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' novelization]]}}
{{quote|So you show some respect, WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS YOU A JOB!|Dylan in all caps rage|''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon film]]}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' prequel comics===
{{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} According to Carly, for Dylan fighting robots is nothing more than kids' stuff. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Actor:'' [[Patrick Dempsey]] (English), [[Yasuhiko Nemoto]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Sergio Gutiérrez Coto]] (Latin-American Spanish-language dub voice)

{{charstubfiction}}
Dylan was secretly an agent for the Decepticons, specifically [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], which he justifies as merely "business" with a "client" he has inherited from his late father. He was killed by [[Sam Witwicky]] when he slammed him into a space bridge pillar, electrocuting him.
{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
====Human Alliance====
*'''Soundwave / Mr. Gould''' with '''Laserbeak''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:''
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gould, Dylan}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon humans]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]

Dylan Gould

2011-08-06T08:05:44Z

Fanaction2031:

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Dylan Gould is a [[human]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Dylangould.jpg|right|thumb|300px|McCreepy]]

'''Dylan Gould''' is the CEO of [[Hotchkiss Gould Investments]]. <ref name="dotmset">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndecember/4788376088/ Dark of the Moon set photo], July 2010</ref> He managed to snag the young [[Carly Spencer]] to help run his collection of exotic cars, a hobby which helps "keep him sane." He's inordinately fond of his new recruit, calling her "my duchess," giving her cars, and hooking up her boyfriend with career opportunities using his amazing connections because he's so hot and rich. That's not threatening to [[Sam Witwicky|said boyfriend]] at all, no.

{{quote|Not the couch! It's Ralph Lauren!|Dylan knows his priorities|[[Dark of the Moon (novel)|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' novelization]]}}
{{quote|So you show some respect, WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS YOU A JOB!|Dylan in ALL CAPS RAGE|''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon film]]}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' prequel comics===
{{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} According to Carly, for Dylan fighting robots is nothing more than kids' stuff. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Actor:'' [[Patrick Dempsey]] (English), [[Yasuhiko Nemoto]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Sergio Gutiérrez Coto]] (Latin-American Spanish-language dub voice)

{{charstubfiction}}
Dylan was secretly an agent for the Decepticons, specifically [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], which he justifies as merely "business" with a "client" he has inherited from his late father. He was killed by [[Sam Witwicky]] when he slammed him into a space bridge pillar, electrocuting him.
{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
====Human Alliance====
*'''Soundwave / Mr. Gould''' with '''Laserbeak''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:''
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gould, Dylan}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon humans]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]

Sam Witwicky

2011-08-06T07:38:15Z

Fanaction2031:

{{factions|autobotfilm}}
:''Sam [[Witwicky]] is a [[human]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as LadiesMan217.''

[[Image:Sam Witwicky.jpg|right|250px|thumb|If he wears a [[hard hat]], we quit.]]
'''Samuel James "Sam" Witwicky''' (b. [[October 10]], [[1990]] <ref>http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Timeline.cfm</ref>) is a typical adolescent human with an atypical destiny.

When he bought a car, it turned out to be [[Bumblebee (Movie)|an alien robot]]. Who knew? Also, his pheromone levels suggest that he wants to mate with [[Mikaela Banes]].

{{quote|You are the ''strangest'' boy I have ever met.|[[Mikaela Banes]]|''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]''}}
{{quote|Dude, what kind of tool ''are'' you?|[[Fassbinder]]|"[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]"}}
{{quote|I'm a killer, a stone cold killer.|Sam Witwicky|"[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]"}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:MoviePrequel3_Sam_madman.jpg|thumb|left|150px|]]

At age twelve, [[Ron Witwicky|Sam's father]] presented him with the heirlooms of his ancestor [[Archibald Witwicky]]. At first, thinking they would be priceless artifacts or treasure, Sam was not impressed with what he described as "junk" and made googly eyes with the arctic explorer's glasses. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Movie Prequel #3}}

Years later, Sam discovered the concept of riding around in cars to cruise for chicks. His best friend [[Miles Lancaster|Miles]] suggested an [[eBay|online auction]], but also convinced him to hold off on it until he was actually old enough to drive, as perhaps by then somebody would be interested in his family's heirlooms. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Movie Prequel #4}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

When Sam was presented with Archibald Witwicky's personal effects, at first he was excited at the prospect of becoming rich, but was less than impressed with the "junk" in the box, as well as his flippant remarks about Archibald's eventual fate. This reaction mildly annoyed his father. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Transformers'' (2007 film)===
:''Actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English), [[Fuminori Komatsu]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Sérgio Cantú]] (Portuguese-language dub voice), [[Víctor Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)
[[Image:Movie Sam classreport papers.jpg|250px|thumb|Is this a genealogy report or an auction?]]

After getting an undeserved A- for his genealogy report, Sam and his father went to buy a car. Though they passed a [[Jazz (G1)|Porsche]] car lot, Ron was actually playing a cruel joke on his son (real smart, considering that he'll eventually get [[wikipedia:Power_of_attorney|power of attorney]] someday). Going to [[Bobby Bolivia]]'s car lot, they went shopping for a used car. Sam spotted a Camaro that he liked, but Ron, ever the cheap man, refused to go over four thousand dollars. However, when all the windows in the car lot suddenly exploded, Bolivia agreed to four thousand.

[[Image:Movie Sam Bumble Lake.jpg|left|200px|thumb|That Charles Atlas course really works!]]

Taking his buddy Miles to the lake, they encountered Mikaela and her boyfriend [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]]. Trent pretty much told them to get lost, but Mikaela then dumped Trent. Realizing he had his one shot, Sam abandoned Miles and offered to give Mikaela a ride home. When his car had some engine trouble, Mikaela looked under the hood and was quite impressed with the layout of the Camaro's engine, though Sam was more impressed with the layout of Mikaela. After giving her a ride home, Mikaela asked Sam if he thought she was shallow. Sam awkwardly replied that he thought there was "more than meets the eye...with you". After berating himself for his lame pickup line, Mikaela waved goodbye from her porch, and Sam felt that he had made progress, and said he loved his car.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee firstsighting.jpg|250px|thumb|Nope, nothing out of the ordinary here, no sirree.]]

Later that night, his car suddenly left. Believing it was being stolen, Sam followed it to an abandoned junkyard. To his shock and horror, the car was [[Transformer|alive]]. Sam left his last words to his parents and [[Mojo]], where he acknowledged that he owned ''Busty Beauties'' that were given to him by his uncle [[Charles (Movie)|Charles]], then investigated. Some police came and arrested him, and an overzealous cop, believing him to be a junkie, called him "[[50 Cent]]". Returning home, [[Unicron|Satan's]] Camaro arrived, and Sam fled ignominiously on his [[Judy Witwicky|mother's]] pink bike. He hit the cement hard in front of Mikaela, and soon found a police car. He demanded the officer's help... at which point said police car turned into [[Barricade (Movie)|an even scarier car]]. After throwing Sam onto a nearby car, the cop car demanded the location of Sam's eBay items, but Sam fled and ran into Mikaela. The Camaro arrived and took them to a power plant, where the two cars fought it out, while Sam was chased by [[Frenzy (Movie)|a spastic abomination]] who pantsed him. Mikaela was able to cut off its head, which Sam punted.

[[Image:BarricadeVsSam.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Are you user name ladiesman217?!" "NO!" "Oh. Well, then never mind." "Really?" "No, I'm still gonna kill you."]]

Sam and Mikaela approached the Camaro, who could only speak through his radio, and offered a ride. Mikaela was hesitant, but Sam convinced her to get in. While driving, Sam had shotgun, but Mikaela refused to sit in the driver's seat. Sam suggested that she sit in his lap. Safety first, right? She agreed, then admitted to Sam that it was a smooth move on his part. Mikaela then asked if the robot was so advanced, then why did he turn into a piece of crap Camaro? Insulted, the car forced them out. As Sam lamented how four thousand dollars had driven off, the car returned as a 2009 Camaro. Taking the teens to an observatory, they watched as four meteors entered Earth's atmosphere, during which Mikaela instinctively reached out for Sam's hand. They were then escorted to an abandoned alley, where they met the biggest surprises of them all. Four other cars [[Transformation|transformed]] into robots. The lead robot, after inquiring about Sam's identity, introduced himself as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot|Autobots]], autonomous robotic lifeforms from a planet known as [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Prime introduced [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], his first lieutenant, [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], his weapons expert, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], their medical officer (who claimed that Sam's pheromone level indicated that he wanted to mate with Mikaela, embarrassing both teens), and identified the Camaro as Bumblebee, Sam's appointed guardian. Optimus explained their mission to locate the [[AllSpark]], the betrayal of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], and how Archibald Witwicky's [[glasses]] played a vital role in finding the AllSpark.

[[Image:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|thumb|250px|Oh great, now you get mugged by giant alien robots.]]

Going to his house, Sam frantically searched for the glasses, but the Autobots were somewhat impatient and totally wrecked his dad's backyard. After finding the glasses, government agents arrived. Their leader, [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]], took Sam and Mikaela into custody, separating Sam from his parents. Simmons went bad cop on Sam, threatening him with life imprisonment and revealing Mikaela's criminal record. Just as Simmons demanded answers about aliens, Prime intercepted the convoy, and the Autobots totally outclassed the agents. Sam demanded to know what [[Sector Seven]] was, but a backup team arrived. Prime took Sam and Mikaela to hide under a bridge, but they nearly fell to their deaths. Bumblebee saved them, but was captured, and Sam and Mikaela recaptured.

[[Image:Movie Sam Bumblebee capture.jpg|left|200px|thumb|If you thought this part of the hazing was bad, wait'll you see what they do with the scraplets.]]

Taken to [[Hoover Dam]], Simmons tried the awkward role of good cop, but Sam was uninterested in talking. [[Tom Banachek]] tried to bribe him, and Sam demanded the freeing of Bumblebee, his parents, and the expunging of Mikaela's criminal record. Taking them into the Dam, Sector Seven showed them [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E.-1]], who Sam recognized as Megatron. He explained Megatron's goals, and the purpose of the AllSpark. However, the spastic abomination that pantsed him sent a message to the Decepticons, who attacked. Sam implored Sector Seven to release Bumblebee, saying he could help, which [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] assisted by putting a gun to Simmons's chest. Bumblebee converted the AllSpark to a smaller form, and the soldiers escorted the two teens and Bumblebee to [[Mission City]], soon augmented by the Autobots.

[[Image:Movie Megatron Samonroof.jpg|250px|thumb|Why Mr. Witwicky, why, WHY do you persist!?]]

Upon reaching Mission City, an F-22 Raptor was spotted, which Ironhide recognized as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Starscream attacked, damaging Bumblebee's legs, and [[Brawl (Movie)|a tank]] attacked the soldiers. As the Autobots and the soldiers went to deal with the tank, Mikaela arrived with a tow truck to remove Bumblebee from the battle. Megatron soon arrived and killed Jazz, and Lennox ordered Sam to take the AllSpark to a building to be escorted out of the city. Despite his refusal to leave, Bumblebee handed the Cube to Sam, urging him to go. Sam was pursued by Megatron, Starscream, and [[Blackout (Movie)|a helicopter]], with Ratchet and Ironhide providing protection, but they were injured by Starscream, and Sam was forced to leave without them. During his flight, Sam dropped the AllSpark, causing [[Steering wheel robot|some]] [[Dispensor|nearby]] [[Xbox 360 robot|machines]] to come to life. Reaching the building, Sam ignited a flare, but his ride was destroyed by Starscream.

[[Image:Movie Sam defeats Megatron.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Now, light our darkest hour...]]

Cornered on the roof, Megatron demanded the AllSpark, in exchange for living to be [[Ravage (G1)|his]] [[Laserbeak (G1)|pet]], but Sam refused. Megatron used his flail to knock Sam off the roof, but Sam was saved by Optimus Prime. Telling Sam to hold onto the cube, Prime tried to scale down the building, but Megatron knocked them all off. Prime managed to shield Sam from any serious injury, however. Prime expressed admiration for Sam's efforts, and told him that if he couldn't defeat Megatron, Sam was to merge the Cube with his [[spark]], destroying both Prime and the AllSpark. However, Megatron was too powerful for Optimus to defeat alone, and Prime told Sam to push the cube into the Autobot's chest. Instead, Sam merged the AllSpark with Megatron, killing him. Optimus extended his thanks, telling him he owed Sam a debt of gratitude. Bumblebee, who could now speak, requested permission to stay with Sam, to which Sam eagerly agreed. Sam and Mikaela entered into a relationship, and made out on Bumblebee's hood while Ironhide and Ratchet observed.

Sam ''really'' loves having a car. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}

Sam held the key to Earth's survival, and his attempt to destroy Megatron with the AllSpark... failed. Sam was killed, and Mikaela and Bumblebee mourn him still. Bumblebee wondered if there was another reality where Sam's attempt succeeded and the Decepticons didn't conquer the United States... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

===IDW ''Revenge of The Fallen'' comics===
Shortly after the battle of Mission City, Sam and Mikaela were watching Ratchet reattach Bumblebee's legs when [[Dispensor|the transformed Mountain Dew machine]] suddenly attacked Sam. Fortunately, Ratchet crushed the creature before it could cause further havoc. Examining the liquid from its remains, Ratchet warned his human friends about the dangers in weight gain and tooth decay that the substance could cause to them. Amused, Sam and Mikaela promised to be careful. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}}

A few months later, after the Autobots and the [[United States military]] had agreed to operation under a formal military alliance as [[NEST]], Major Lennox became concerned over an ominous warning he had received from [[Swindle (Movie)|a Decepticon]] they had just destroyed. The Decepticons were looking for "it", and both Lennox and Optimus Prime feared they could be after Sam again. Though Lennox refused Prime's suggestion of placing Sam in protective custody at their base on [[Diego Garcia]], believing it was too much for the boy to handle, they agreed that somebody needed to keep an eye on Sam, and so Bumblebee once again assumed the role of his protector. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}

Sam was delighted to see Bumblebee return, but the delight stopped when Bumblebee "helped" to get a cat out of a tree by shaking the tree until it got off. After learning that Bumblebee had return to watch over him, Sam used the Autobot as his ride to the movies for a double date between him and Mikaela, and Miles with Mikaela's friend [[Lyndsey]]. Once there, he saw Trent's truck and hoped not to run into him. The night went without a hitch, and Sam was happy that Bumblebee behaved himself in front of Trent, but Bumblebee explained that he got back at Trent by flipping over his car, which displeased Sam. As the days went by, Bumblebee's attempt to integrate himself into Sam's life weren't go as smoothly as he had hoped. Without the team structure of the Autobots, Bumblebee grew more reckless and impulsive, from smashing a would-be car thief with the door he was attempting to unlock, to inadvertently giving Sam traffic tickets for running red lights. Eventually, Sam discussed his upcoming college plans with Bumblebee, explaining that the yellow guy might not be able to accompany him at school, he then to persuade his parents to let Bumblebee stay in the garage while he's at school, but Ron strenuously said no, stated that he could stay for the summer, but once Sam left for school, the Autobot had to leave too. Frustrated, Sam walked off to Mikaela's to cool off, but twenty minutes in, he was captured by Barricade, who chained him up and hung him from a hook over a junkyard car crusher. The Decepticon demanded that Sam tell him where the location of Bumblebee and the AllSpark fragment was, but Sam had no idea where either one was. As Barricade prepared to drop the young human into the crusher, Bumblebee arrived just in time and Sam safely fell onto a pile of tires while Barricade taunted Bumblebee about how Earth had made the Autobot soft, and that their last encounter was just luck. Barricade easily swat Bumblebee aside and went after Sam, but Bumblebee managed to pull himself out of the scrap and assaulted Barricade once more. Barricade had the upper hand against Bumblebee, so Sam came in to help by operating a crane. However, Sam had trouble controlling the vehicle and Barricade snapped the chain-hook off and tossed the crane aside before charging at the crane's occupant again. Bumblebee then used the abandoned chain-hook to knock Barricade into a pool of gasoline. He sent Sam off to a safer distance and fired his cannon at the gasoline-soaked Decepticon menace, causing a massive explosion. Bumblebee survived the explosion and Sam was happy to see him okay. He then asked what happened to Barricade, and Bumblebee told Sam he had a feeling they haven't seen the last of Barricade. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 1|Tales of the Fallen #1}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
Sam's parents took him to college, and ''god'' did he regret that when his mother kept holding his hand. He was slightly surprised when Bumblebee drove off without warning. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

[[Image:Titan6_Samabducted.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Is that Sam or Adam Sandler?]]

Weeks later, he went off to meet Mikaela when he was accosted by [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Annoyed, he pointed out he'd done his part and just wanted to be left alone, but the twins pushed him into taking a ride in Skids. They explained they'd been framed for a crime they didn't commit, they had vital intelligence of a secret Decepticon army, and they wanted Sam to inform Optimus because he trusted him. Sam, being a smart kid, didn't think much of wild stories by two strangers who'd abducted him, and said he'd ''think'' about it. When Bumblebee turned up and the twins accelerated, he stopped thinking and starting banging on Skids window in a desire to GTFO.

Luckily, Skids spat him out. Unluckily, he then saw Bumblebee get gunned down by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], come to recruit the twins. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' (movie)===
:''Actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English), [[Fuminori Komatsu]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Sérgio Cantú]] (Portuguese-language dub voice), [[Víctor Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)

About two years later, Sam had graduated from high school and was preparing to go to college. He still found it difficult to say "I love you" to Mikaela.

[[Image:ROTF Sam Cube fragment.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Damned bedbugs.]]
Sam found a shard of the AllSpark left inside his clothing from the battle in Mission City which a.) brought numerous kitchen devices to life and b.) imprinted a large collection of ancient Cybertronian knowledge onto his brain. After [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] destroyed the kitchen robots (and parts of the Witwickys' house with them), Sam handed the AllSpark shard to [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]]. In a wrenching heart-to-heart with Bumblebee, he dismissed him from his role as guardian, saying it was time for Bumblebee to rejoin the other Autobots (and Sam wasn't allowed to have a car at college anyway.)

Arriving at college, Sam met his roommate, [[Leo Spitz]], who operated a [[The Real Effing Deal|conspiracy website]] and was convinced that alien robots were hiding on Earth. At a frat party, Sam also met his fellow student [[Alice]], who immediately and forcefully attempted to seduce Sam. When Bumblebee showed up, Alice invited herself along on a ride with Sam, but Bumblebee did everything he could to convince her to leave. After finally getting rid of her, Bumblebee took Sam to Optimus Prime, who was convinced—for some reason—that Sam was in danger. Even more strangely, Optimus asked Sam to act as a go-between for the Autobots to humanity at large. Sam, wanting to be normal, declined.

[[Image:ROTF mental meltdown.jpg|thumb|right|250px|What do you mean, this movie is [http://theabyssgazes.blogspot.com/2010/03/teal-and-orange-hollywood-please-stop.html only orange and teal?]]]
Because no good deed goes unpunished, of course, Sam shortly thereafter began to see [[Cyberglyphics|strange symbols]]. He also developed a nasty eye tic and decided to assert in front of about three hundred of his colleagues that Einstein was wrong, that the first four dimensions were unfairly in the spotlight, and what about the other thirteen that nobody ever talks about? He began to write out the symbols in support of this theory on a blackboard in front of his class.

[[Image:ROTF must have brain.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Hey Doc, don't get all Egyptian-ish and take out my brain through my nose!]]
After recovering from this outburst, Sam believed it might have something to do with him touching the AllSpark shard, and he contacted his girlfriend to warn her not to touch the shard. Mikaela promptly boarded a plane to see Sam, but when she arrived, she found him in what appeared to be an intimate moment with Alice. Fortunately for Sam's relationship, Alice turned out to be a killer alien robot. Mikaela, Sam and Leo, who stumbled across Alice's robotic self by coincidence, tried to escape, but were captured by the Decepticons. After Sam's failure at relating to a thirty-foot-tall robot, Megatron ordered a small, glasses-wearing robot called [[Scalpel (ROTF)|The Doctor]] and his [[Scalpel's assistant|assistants]] to remove Sam's brain in order to access the information from the AllSpark shard, but Optimus Prime and Bumblebee managed to locate them and free Sam, Mikaela and Leo.

Together, they attempted to flee, but in order for Sam to escape, Optimus Prime had to fight off Megatron, Starscream and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] all by himself. After killing Grindor, Optimus was impaled by Megatron and died. Just then, the other Autobots arrived, causing Megatron and Starscream to retreat; Sam was safe, for the moment at least.

In a hijacked TV broadcast, The Fallen revealed his existence to the world public and demanded Sam to be surrendered to him. Decepticons landed around the globe, killing several thousand people. In Paris, one of them tracked down Sam's parents, [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]]. A manhunt began for Sam.

Sam hid out with Mikaela, Leo, Bumblebee and the Autobot twins, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Leo eventually suggested they ask his rival, "[[Robo-Warrior]]", owner of a [[GiantEffingRobots.com|competing website]], for help. To everyone's surprise, Robo-Warrior turned out to be none other than [[Seymour Simmons]], former agent of [[Sector Seven]]. Simmons revealed that symbols similar to those Sam was obsessed with had been found on numerous excavation sites around the world, but in order to read them, they might need a Decepticon. Mikaela just happened to be carrying around [[Wheelie (ROTF)|a Decepticon]], who when interrogated, suggested they track down one of the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], a species of Transformer that had been present on Earth for much of its history.

[[Image:ROTF Sam burns hand.jpg|thumb|right|250px| AHHH THE LIGHT IT BURNS!!!]]
At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, they discovered an old Decepticon named [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], disguised as an SR-71 Blackbird. Jetfire claimed to have defected to the Autobots and told them about The Fallen, who betrayed his brothers, the [[Seven Primes|Primes]], many millennia ago. The Fallen intended to destroy the Earth's sun in order to create [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]], the Transformers' source of energy. The symbols in Sam's head were a map to the location of the [[star harvester]], the weapon the Fallen intended to use to destroy the sun. Jetfire also revealed that only a Prime could stop The Fallen, and a key was needed to activate the harvester, the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Sam asks Jetfire whether the Matrix would also revive Optimus Prime, to which Jetfire responded that it might be possible given the unusual radiation that the Matrix generates.

[[Image:ROTF Matrix crumbles.jpg|thumb|left|250px|We came all the way to Kansas for this, and that benefactor didn't tell me my PS3 Controller would just crumble into dust!]]
Jetfire opened a [[space bridge]] and teleported himself as well as Sam, Mikaela, Leo, Simmons, Bumblebee and the Twins to [[Egypt]]. Between the Pyramids of Giza, they found the next clue and traveled to Jordan, after a stopover for the night in which Sam totally failed at declaring his love for Mikaela. On the way, Simmons called Lennox and instructed him to get his team, as well as the dead body of Optimus Prime, to Egypt. In Petra, they discovered the tomb of the Primes. Inside, Sam found the Matrix, which crumbled to dust when he touched it. Sam collected the dust regardless, and together, they traveled back to Egypt.

[[Image:ROTF-Mikaela-and-Sam-Running.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Run, Mikaela! Run for the sake of cool perspective shots!]]
Meanwhile, the NEST team parachuted down and prepared for [[Operation: Firestorm|battle]] near the pyramids, having realised the Decepticons were on their way. Before Sam and the others could get back to Lennox and his people, the Decepticons commenced their assault. While the Autobots and NEST fought the Decepticons, Megatron used Sam's parents to lure him into a trap. Sam, falling into the trap, stalled for time by offering to hand over the Matrix dust to the Constructicon [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], till he was rescued by Bumblebee. Sam ordered Bumblebee to get his parents to safety while he and Mikaela tried to reach Optimus Prime's body.

[[Image:Tf2009 mol.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Even Frisbees on Cybertron were co-opted into the [[Great War]].]]
Sam was mortally wounded by the blast of a shot fired by Megatron. While paramedics tried to reanimate him, the Matrix dust was spilled across his hand, and Sam encountered the dead Primes in a vision. The Primes told him that he was destined to find the Matrix and save the life of the last Prime. Sam returned to life, and the dust in his hand reassembled itself into the Matrix. Sam took the opportunity to tell Mikaela that he loved her. With the Matrix, Sam was able to revive Optimus Prime, who ultimately was able to defeat the Fallen.

[[Image:ROTF Sam back at school.jpg|thumb|right|250px| Did anyone miss me?]]
With the battle won, the Autobots, NEST, Sam and his friends returned to the USA on board of an aircraft carrier. Sam and Optimus Prime checked out the view from the back. Upon his return, Sam continued to attend college. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{note|In adaptations based on early drafts of the screenplay, Sam became a new vessel for the AllSpark as it transferred its knowledge from the Cube's remains to him. The information was transferred to the [[Matrix of Leadership]], and Sam would never be bothered by symbols again. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 2|Revenge of the Fallen #2}} {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}}}

===Transformers Annual 2011===
Just as Sam was getting bored with doing his homework, he was attacked by Starscream. He dashed out towards the garage, but Bumblebee, already alerted, proved no match for the Decepticon. Starscream was about to make off with Sam, when Optimus arrived and quickly sent Starscream packing. Sam surveyed the effect that the battle had had on his dad's garden and reflected that he was in for trouble when his dad got back. {{storylink|Sam in Danger}}

===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' comics===
Sam and Mikaela later broke up, making him somewhat "testy". {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2}} He was also invited to dinner at the [[White House]], having saved the world twice. where he meet [[Carly Brooks-Spencer]]. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3}}{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

{{storylink|Transformers: Space Case}}{{storylink|Transformers: Ratchet}}{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee}}{{storylink|Transformers: Arcee}}

Sam was returning from a fast food restaurant in [[Philadelphia]] when he found Bumblebee menacing a small robot calling itself "[[Brains]]". {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1}} He and Bumblebee brought the renegade Decepticon brain unit to Sam's college, where they met [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]], who realized Brains was a scrap drone like him. Sam asked Brains why he was in Philadelphia, and he responded that he was running for his life from a Decepticon trying to kill him. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] then smashed through the wall and attempted to reclaim Brains. Sam contacted NEST, and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] arrived to help. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2}} As the place quickly became a battlefield, and Sam was about to be killed by [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]], Carly appeared and saved him by using a weapon attached to one of the fallen Transformers around her to fend off the Decepticon. Both of them were saved from subsequent danger by the arrival of the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3}} later he and Carly began a relationship and moved to Washington DC along Brains and Wheelie. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' (film)===
:''Actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English), [[Fuminori Komatsu]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Víctor Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)
Sometime after [[Operation: Firestorm]], and following being dumped by Mikaela, Sam was awarded a medal for his heroism by [[Barack Obama]], and while at the White House he played it cool he met [[Carly Spencer]]. He later went on to move in with his new girlfriend in [[Washington, D.C.]]. They took in the small Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] as 'pets' while Bumblebee also continued to live with Sam, but he would frequently leave to continue his work with [[NEST]], leading him to buy a Bumblebee-like car to fill his place as a car.

Preparing to set out to find a new job, recieving a stuffed rabbit from Carly as a good luck charm, he complained about the government not allowing him to work with the Autobots, having to borrow money from Carly to pay for things, and the fact that his parents were coming to visit in a week's time. As Carly left for work, Sam reminded the small Autobots of their place and left to begin job hunting. Outside his parents had arrived early, and made it clear he had job interviews and not a job, and had to get a ride from them since his car refused to start. After a series of failed job interviews, Sam arrived at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. There his apparently failing attempt to win over [[Bruce Brazos]] succeeded, and was given a position as a mail carrier. Sam then went to visit Carly at [[Hotchkiss Gould Investments]] with the news that he had a job. He then met Carly's boss, [[Dylan Gould]], and came to find that he seemed to close to his girlfriend. He denied any jealousy as they prepared to leave, and before they did Dylan revealed that he was on the board for Accuretta Systems and had given a letter of recomendation for him, to Sam's confusion.

Almost as soon as he started, Sam found his job to be boring and unfulfilling. Recieving a quick visit from Carly, during which she revealed Dylan had loaned her a Mercedes SLS AMG to his dismay, she apparently helped in boosting Bruce's opinion of Sam. However one of Sam's co-workers, [[Jerry Wang]], confronted Sam and held him down in a toilet stall. There Jerry told the freaked out Sam that the Autobots were in danger and the Decepticons were killing humans. After giving Sam his manifesto, Jerry left and Bruce noticed that the two had been struggling in the stall together. Sam went through Jerry's notes, which contained information regarding the dark side of the moon. He was confused as to what it meant and went to Jerry's office to ask some questions, only for the strangely acting Jerry to pretend it had never happened and demanded he leave. Almost immediately after, Jerry fell out of the window to his death, and Bruce told Sam that he didn't care about what had happened earlier. However a [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|condor-like Decepticon]] suddenly attacked Sam, who barely managed to get out of the office.

Sam decided to head to the NEST base with Carly, however the guards refused to let him in and pretended he was in the wrong place. After arguing with the guards, Sam called for Bumblebee to help on a radio as the guards restrained him, and Bumblebee arrived and warned them off. Before they went in, Sam told Bumblebee that he was disappointed that he never saw him any more, and reported to [[William Lennox|Lennox]] about Jerry's death and his notes of the moon. Incidentally, NEST and the Autobots had discovered the crashed Autobot ship the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon, which had been the driving force of the American-Russian space race in the '60s, and had recently returned with the deactivated [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and five pillars that helped form a space bridge. The National Intelligence Director, [[Charlotte Mearing]], was not happy with Sam's presence, and after witnessing Optimus reactivate Sentinel with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], she warned Sam that while she was pleased with the information he had brought, he was nothing but a messenger and that his help wasn't necessary.

But upon arriving back at home with Bumblebee, he decided he wasn't going to let the matter go and called in [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] and his new assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] for help. The group went through piles of information and came to the conclusion that humans were working with the Decepticons, and had been doing so since the space race. When Carly got back she wasn't happy with Sam, reminding him they were going to Dylan's and believing that he wanted to put himself in danger. She asked Sam to let the situation go, but he refused, and she left. After tracking down a pair of Russian cosmonauts for more information, they learned that there were once hundreds of pillars but the Decepticons had stolen them before anyone had reached the ''Ark''. Realising that the Decepticons had left Sentinel, being the only one who could control the pillars, so that the Autobots could revive him, Sam called Mearing to warn her, and his group, aided by Bumblebee, [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]], began escorting Sentinel back to the NEST base. En-route they were attacked by the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], and during the ensuring chase Bumblebee was forced transform over a crashing truck, tossing Sam out above him and catching again as he reverted to vehicle mode. When they arrived back at base, Sentinel revealed that he had made a deal with Megatron to restore Cybertron, killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and stealing his pillars before leaving.

Sam rushed back home to find Carly before remembering she was at Dylan's. He went to his parents to tell them about his argument with her, and after an embarassing convsation in which Judy and Ron expressed their opinions of Sam's lovelife, he realised how much he loved Carly and warned his parents to leave the city. Arriving at Dylan's mansion, he convinced Carly to allow them the chance to talk by being rude to Dylan, however Dylan then revealed that his father was once one of the Decepticons allies. Sam and Carly tried to flee in the loaned Mercedes, only for it to reveal itself as Soundwave, who held Carly hostage and threatened while Dylan explained his position. He then demanded that Sam find out what the Autobot's plan to fight back against the hundreds of the Decepticons brought to Earth by the space bridge, forcing him to wear a [[Watch-bot]] so that he couldn't warn them. Before he left, Sam promised that he would kill Dylan for threatening Carly. He was taken to Mearing by NEST agents, and after she apologized for not believing him, they discovered that Sentinel had forced the government into exiling the Autobots. Sam was taken to the Autobot's ship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', where a group of Autobot's called the [[Wreckers]] were preparing the ship for launch. Sam pleaded for Optimus to ignore the governments demand for exile, and asked what their plan was, but Optimus said they had none. After the Autobots farewelled him, Sam watched as the ''Xantium'' took off and called Dylan to let him know they were gone, only to learn that the Decepticons had never intended to let the Autobots leave, and watched as the ship was destroyed.

He decided that he would find Dylan and save Carly, and with Simmons and Dutch's help he tracked Dylan's location to [[Chicago]]. [[Robert Epps|Epps]] decided to help Sam, and gathered a group of soldiers to accompany them. However during their trip the Decepticon forces invaded Chicago, and the group arrived on the devastated city outskirts. While the soldiers were reluctant to go in, Sam was determined, and Epps tried to convince him they didn't stand a chance. They were then attacked by a Decepticon [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighter]], which was brought down by Optimus Prime and the Wreckers, and as the rest of the Autobots arrived, the Autobots revealed that they had known the Decepticons would never let them go or leave Earth alone and hid in a booster rocket that disengaged before the ship was destroyed. With Bumblebee piloting the fighter, Sam infiltrated Dylan's building but was again attacked by Laserbeak, who dropped him over the side. Luckily Bumblebee caught him, and after Carly jumped onto the fighter, Sam held Laserbeak in place as Bumblebee blasted his head off. Once the fighter crash landed, they awaited the arrival of the rest of the Autobots. After Carly explained the Decepticon's plan to bring Cybertron into Earth's solar system, Epps came up with a plan to destroy the control pillar with a rocket shot from a high building, and before Sam and the other humans left, [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] handed out grappling hooks and boomsticks.

Sam and the others made it into a tall building, but before the rocket could be launched, Decepticon fighters began firing at the building, causing it to tilt, and a Decepticon protoform came in looking for them. Escaping by jumping out of the window and sliding down to a lower floor, the group's presence was discovered by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], who sent his [[Driller]] to finish the building. After the building slammed into another, Sam and the others escaped while Optimus arrived and killed the Driller. They began rushing toward the building with the pillars, which had started to activate, but Sam and Carly were seperated from Epps and his men. They were found by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who relished the opportunity to be alone with Sam, and started toying around with him. Sam fired the grappling hook into one of Starscream's eyes, and in his panic Sam was flung around and eventually crashed through a window. Taking advantage of the arrival of Lennox's team, Sam jmped onto Starscream's head and lodged the armed boomstick into his other eye, and was was again flung around while Leenox tried to free him. Starscream flew to the top of a building, and as his head exploded Bumblebee arrived to catch the falling pair.

They met up with Epp's team again and were joined by a larger force of soldiers, but Sam and Carly snuck across the river to find that Bumblebee, Dino, Sideswipe, Que and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] had been captured by Soundwave's forces. As they began executing their prisoners, starting with Que, Sam desperately tried to prepare another boomstick to save Bumblebee when his turn came. Luckily Bumblebee was saved when Wheelie and Brains took control of a Decepticon ship and caused a distraction that allow Byumblebee to kill Soundwave. Sam and Carly ended up in the middle of the battlefield, and Sam called to Optimus to warn him about the pillars, and luckily the process was stalled with the control pillar's fall. Sam insisted on helping and assured Carly she would be alright and he began rushing to the pillar, which Dylan was trying to reactivate. Sam tried to stop him, however he failed and was Dylan kicked him off the collapsed structure. But Sam refused to give up, and when Dylan said that Sam wasn't a hero he agreed, stating he was just the messenger, and knocked Dylan into the active pillar, killing him. Bumblebee and Ratchet arrived and destroyed the pillar, resulting in the partially-formed Cybertron to collapse in on itself.

After Optimus had killed Sentinel Prime and Megatron, Sam arrived with the others and hugged Carly in relief. Sam apologised for putting himself in danger, and that she was all he needed and would do anything to make it up for her. She forgave him, and Bumblebee took the opportunity to pass out rings, and Sam told him that he was going too fast and needed to slow down. Sam then stod among the Autobots and soldiers as they stood as heros for saving the world.

{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Transformers'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC/Wii/PS2====
=====Autobot campaign=====
Bumblebee was listening in on the Witwicky family's conversations, and discovered Sam's father had promised to buy him a car the next day. When Sam arrived at the used car lot, he felt as though the Camaro was calling to him and convinced his father to buy it. Later Sam and Mikaela were leaving school when they were attacked by Barricade. Sam was surprised when his car arrived and turned into a robot, and he and Mikaela fled at Bumblebee's prompting. Once Barricade was defeated, Sam thanked Bumblebee for saving him, and witnessed four other Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, arrive in Tranquillity. Sam nervously introduced himself and Optimus said they needed his help. Sam was surprised to learn his great granfather's glasses contained the location to the Allspark, and went to go retrieve it with Mikaela, only for them and Bumblebee to be captured by Sector 7.

Bumblebee's interference at the Sector 7 base inside Hoover Dam also allowed the two humans to be set free, and they escaped the Dam with the Allspark as Megatron began unfreezing. Escaping to Mission City, Sam and Mikaela were forced to flee as Barriacade returned. Once Bumblebee finally finished the Decepticon, Sam noted how insane the situation was. At the oment Megatron arrived, and Sam and Mikaela fled once again. Megatron discovered them hiding in a building, but Optimus arrived and apparently killed Megatron. As Sam prepared to hand the Allspark over to Optimus, Megatron charged, and Sam dropped the Allspark in surprise, which Optimus used to end the Deepticon leader's life.
{{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
Sam and Mikaela were innocently walking down the stret when Barricade arrived and attacked. Luckily Bumblebee, and the two humans got in and drove off. However Bumblebee was soon defeated by Barricade, and Barricade told Sam to give him the glasses. Sam then tossed the glasses away but Barricade got them. Once Barricade left, Sam and Mikaela were surrounded by Sector 7 vehicles.

Later during the Battle of Mission City, Scorponok threatened Sam, who ws prepared to hand over the Allspark but Ironhide arrived and told them to flee. However after Ironhide and Jazz were killed in the battle, he and Mikaela went to inform this to Optimus. Sam then witnessed the battle between Optimus and Megatron, the later of whom tracked Sam all across the city until Optimus was killed. Sam dropped the Allspark as he looked solemly at Optimus's remains, and Megatron used the Allspark to achieve ultimate power. What happened to him after the Decepticons won the battle is unknown. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

====''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

====Transformers Autobots====
Bumblebee was sent to retrive the glasses that Sam have, horever Barricade got there first and got the information. What he did to Sam is unknown. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers Autobots}}

====Transformers Decepticons====
Barricade went to retrive the glasses that Sam have, horever Bumblebee got there first and got the information.
{{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====
The Autobots did their best to keep Sam out of the increasingly intense war with the Decepticons, reassigning Bumblebee to rejoin Optimus Prime's unit. Unfortunately, the Decepticons led by Grindor kidnapped him, intent on extracting information from his brain (no doubt in a most unpleasant and final manner). Fortunately for Sam, a force of Autobots arrived to rescue him. Sam managed to warn them of Grindor's presence before being escorted to safety.

Following this, Sam was escorted by the Autobots to an unassuming deli where former Sector Seven agent Simmons now worked. From there, he led the Autobots to the conveniently close-by museum where he managed to awaken the ancient Transformer Jetfire while the Autobots held off a Decepticon assault outside. Jetfire teleported them to Egypt, where Sam explored a mysterious tomb while Optimus Prime personally battled Megatron and Starscream. Despite Jetfire's death in battle, the Autobots managed to drive off the Decepticons. During the final battle against the Fallen, Sam's only contribution was to beg Optimus not to lose.

He tended to start babbling when panicked and there were times when the Autobots must have surely wanted him to shut up. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
At first, the human germ was of no further interest to Starscream and his Decepticon forces. However, upon discovering his fellow human Mikaela possessed an Allspark shard, the Decepticons first kidnapped her to seize the shard and then visited his college town. After tearing their way through a unit of Autobots sent to stop them, Starscream managed to capture the boy despite his protests.

Seeing as how he and Mikaela weren't heard from after that, it...er... didn't look too good for them. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

====Wii/PS2====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)
After [[The Fallen]]'s defeat, [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] and Sam were heard talking to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Wii/PS2)}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
{{anchor|First Encounter}}
[[Image:Movie ScreenBattles SamMikaelaFrenzy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yes, run toward the crazy robot.]]
*'''First Encounter''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SB-01'''

: This Screen Battles pack features a largely unchanged Deluxe class [[Barricade (Movie)#First Encounter|Barricade]] figure but the Frenzy accessory has been cast in black plastic to better blend in with Barricade's chest. The pack also comes with unposable figurines of Sam Witwicky in a running pose, Frenzy menacing Sam and [[Mikaela Banes#First Encounter|Mikaela Banes]] holding the power saw she uses to attack [[Frenzy (Movie)#First Encounter|Frenzy]]. The set is packaged in a special window box with a diorama depicting the battle between Barricade and Bumblebee.

{{-}}
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Human Alliance====
[[Image:ROTF HumanAlliance Sam%26Bumblebee.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Sculpted [[Dull surprise|DULL SURPRISE]]!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-21'''

:The first human partner in the Human Alliance subset of the [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline]], Sam is an articulated 2.5 inch tall action figure designed to work with the larger scale, all-new Bumblebee figure and other Human Alliance scale Transformers. He can sit inside Bumblebee's vehicle interior, ride in special seats mounted on Bumblebee's arms or stand on his shoulder behind his head, with each location having a different weapon for Sam or any other Human Alliance human character figure to use. Despite this, he's much closer to being on scale with the Deluxe-class Bumblebee toy.
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
====Human Alliance====
[[Image:TF2010HASamWitwicky.jpg|thumb|250px|PUDDING]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (2010)

:Sam in this release is an all-new mold that matches his appearance during the final battle in Egypt during ''Revenge of the Fallen''. His proportions are... unfortunate.
{{--}}

===Dark of the Moon===
====Human Alliance====
[[Image:DOTM_HumanAlliance_Bumblebee_Sam.jpg|thumb|right|300px|thumb|Okay, you're still half yellow, we clearly need to go over this whole 'stealth' thing again...]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Human Alliance Sam is seemingly identical to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' figure, and is included with a primarily black "stealth" redeco of Human Alliance Bumblebee.

{{-}}
{{anchor|Daredevil}}
[[Image:DOTM_AutobotDaredevilSquad_toys.jpg|thumb|300px|thumb|And we're supposed to believe he stands up on his own holding that weight? Pssh.]]
*'''Autobot Daredevil Squad''' (Multi-pack, 2011)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RobotHeroes_BattlefortheAllspark.jpg|300px|thumb|right|So it doesn't strike anyone as odd that he's running towards [[Brawl (Movie)|another crazy robot]], or that he's the same size as his car, or that his car is melting?]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (multi-pack, 2009)

: The first human ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' figure, Sam is a small [[super deformed]] figure sculpted running with the [[AllSpark]] cube while grinning stupidly. He is only available in a multi-pack with [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)/toys|Starscream]], [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
* Sam was not given the nickname "[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]", nor [[Ron Witwicky|his father]] the nickname "[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]" (though [[Judy Witwicky|his wife]] does refer to him as "Spark"), because unlike their G1 counterparts the movie characters are not oil rig workers or mechanics. Earlier drafts of the script did have Sam earning the nickname "Spike" another way, but this was dropped before the script was finalized.<ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=350123&postcount=4134 Roberto Orci on Paramount's official ''Transformers'' movie forum] explaining why the names Spike and Sparkplug weren't used in the movie.</ref>

* Thanks to his brawl with Frenzy, the back of Sam's shirt is ripped, leaving a hole exposing his back. Interestingly, no one points this out to him or even notices during the time he gets a replacement jacket.

* He's not getting a Porsche. Srsly.

* He doesn't masturbate. Especially not to issues of ''[[Busty Beauties]]'', which he doesn't keep in a treasure chest under his bed.

* Sam's [[eBay]] username <tt>LadiesMan217</tt> is a reference to movie director [[Michael Bay]]'s birthday, [[February 17]]th. If 217 had the same meaning for Sam, that would make his date of birth February 17th, 1990. ladiesman217 is a registered user on eBay, with no items currently for sale.
** Except Sam's birthday, according to the [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Timeline.cfm Hasbro.com official timeline] that came out with the first movie, is [[October 10]]th, 1990.
***''Buuuut'' in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', the shot of Sam's driver's license has the date of birth as [[September 13]]th, 199'''1'''. Take your pick as to which is right.
***The [[:Image:Witwickytree.jpg|genealogy chart]] in [[Transformers (2007)|the 2007 movie]] indicates Sam was born in 1990.
* In the Japanese dub of the film, Sam's eBay username is changed from "LadiesMan217" to "playboy217", since "ladies' man" isn't a term the Japanese are familiar with. To better suit this joke in the Spanish version, his username is "[[wikipedia:Don_Juan|DonJuan217]]", named after the famed Spanish womanizer. In the IDW [[Movie Adaptation|comics adaptation]], his [[eBay|ePay]] username is "hotstud217". This is even more disturbing.

* In the Latin American dub of Transformers, Sam appears credited under the name of Sam "Spike" Witwicky.

* According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], he and writing partner [[Alex Kurtzman]] pitched the character of Sam as "Marty McFly on crack."<ref>[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1119191&postcount=1921 Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's forum] responding to criticisms of the human characters.</ref>

* Sam has blue eyes in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (comic series)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic adaption]].

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://myworld.ebay.com/ladiesman217/ ladiesman217 on eBay.]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Witwicky, Sam}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon humans]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Movie humans]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen humans]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) characters]]
[[Category:Witwicky family|Sam Witwicky]]

Sam Witwicky

2011-08-06T07:19:25Z

Fanaction2031: /* Dark of the Moon film */

{{factions|autobotfilm}}
:''Sam [[Witwicky]] is a [[human]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as LadiesMan217.''

[[Image:Sam Witwicky.jpg|right|250px|thumb|If he wears a [[hard hat]], we quit.]]
'''Samuel James "Sam" Witwicky''' (b. [[October 10]], [[1990]] <ref>http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Timeline.cfm</ref>) is a typical adolescent human with an atypical destiny.

When he bought a car, it turned out to be [[Bumblebee (Movie)|an alien robot]]. Who knew? Also, his pheromone levels suggest that he wants to mate with [[Mikaela Banes]].

{{quote|You are the ''strangest'' boy I have ever met.|[[Mikaela Banes]]|''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]''}}
{{quote|Dude, what kind of tool ''are'' you?|[[Fassbinder]]|"[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]"}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:MoviePrequel3_Sam_madman.jpg|thumb|left|150px|]]

At age twelve, [[Ron Witwicky|Sam's father]] presented him with the heirlooms of his ancestor [[Archibald Witwicky]]. At first, thinking they would be priceless artifacts or treasure, Sam was not impressed with what he described as "junk" and made googly eyes with the arctic explorer's glasses. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Movie Prequel #3}}

Years later, Sam discovered the concept of riding around in cars to cruise for chicks. His best friend [[Miles Lancaster|Miles]] suggested an [[eBay|online auction]], but also convinced him to hold off on it until he was actually old enough to drive, as perhaps by then somebody would be interested in his family's heirlooms. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Movie Prequel #4}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

When Sam was presented with Archibald Witwicky's personal effects, at first he was excited at the prospect of becoming rich, but was less than impressed with the "junk" in the box, as well as his flippant remarks about Archibald's eventual fate. This reaction mildly annoyed his father. {{Storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Transformers'' (2007 film)===
:''Actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English), [[Fuminori Komatsu]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Sérgio Cantú]] (Portuguese-language dub voice), [[Víctor Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)
[[Image:Movie Sam classreport papers.jpg|250px|thumb|Is this a genealogy report or an auction?]]

After getting an undeserved A- for his genealogy report, Sam and his father went to buy a car. Though they passed a [[Jazz (G1)|Porsche]] car lot, Ron was actually playing a cruel joke on his son (real smart, considering that he'll eventually get [[wikipedia:Power_of_attorney|power of attorney]] someday). Going to [[Bobby Bolivia]]'s car lot, they went shopping for a used car. Sam spotted a Camaro that he liked, but Ron, ever the cheap man, refused to go over four thousand dollars. However, when all the windows in the car lot suddenly exploded, Bolivia agreed to four thousand.

[[Image:Movie Sam Bumble Lake.jpg|left|200px|thumb|That Charles Atlas course really works!]]

Taking his buddy Miles to the lake, they encountered Mikaela and her boyfriend [[Trent DeMarco|Trent]]. Trent pretty much told them to get lost, but Mikaela then dumped Trent. Realizing he had his one shot, Sam abandoned Miles and offered to give Mikaela a ride home. When his car had some engine trouble, Mikaela looked under the hood and was quite impressed with the layout of the Camaro's engine, though Sam was more impressed with the layout of Mikaela. After giving her a ride home, Mikaela asked Sam if he thought she was shallow. Sam awkwardly replied that he thought there was "more than meets the eye...with you". After berating himself for his lame pickup line, Mikaela waved goodbye from her porch, and Sam felt that he had made progress, and said he loved his car.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee firstsighting.jpg|250px|thumb|Nope, nothing out of the ordinary here, no sirree.]]

Later that night, his car suddenly left. Believing it was being stolen, Sam followed it to an abandoned junkyard. To his shock and horror, the car was [[Transformer|alive]]. Sam left his last words to his parents and [[Mojo]], where he acknowledged that he owned ''Busty Beauties'' that were given to him by his uncle [[Charles (Movie)|Charles]], then investigated. Some police came and arrested him, and an overzealous cop, believing him to be a junkie, called him "[[50 Cent]]". Returning home, [[Unicron|Satan's]] Camaro arrived, and Sam fled ignominiously on his [[Judy Witwicky|mother's]] pink bike. He hit the cement hard in front of Mikaela, and soon found a police car. He demanded the officer's help... at which point said police car turned into [[Barricade (Movie)|an even scarier car]]. After throwing Sam onto a nearby car, the cop car demanded the location of Sam's eBay items, but Sam fled and ran into Mikaela. The Camaro arrived and took them to a power plant, where the two cars fought it out, while Sam was chased by [[Frenzy (Movie)|a spastic abomination]] who pantsed him. Mikaela was able to cut off its head, which Sam punted.

[[Image:BarricadeVsSam.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Are you user name ladiesman217?!" "NO!" "Oh. Well, then never mind." "Really?" "No, I'm still gonna kill you."]]

Sam and Mikaela approached the Camaro, who could only speak through his radio, and offered a ride. Mikaela was hesitant, but Sam convinced her to get in. While driving, Sam had shotgun, but Mikaela refused to sit in the driver's seat. Sam suggested that she sit in his lap. Safety first, right? She agreed, then admitted to Sam that it was a smooth move on his part. Mikaela then asked if the robot was so advanced, then why did he turn into a piece of crap Camaro? Insulted, the car forced them out. As Sam lamented how four thousand dollars had driven off, the car returned as a 2009 Camaro. Taking the teens to an observatory, they watched as four meteors entered Earth's atmosphere, during which Mikaela instinctively reached out for Sam's hand. They were then escorted to an abandoned alley, where they met the biggest surprises of them all. Four other cars [[Transformation|transformed]] into robots. The lead robot, after inquiring about Sam's identity, introduced himself as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot|Autobots]], autonomous robotic lifeforms from a planet known as [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Prime introduced [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], his first lieutenant, [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], his weapons expert, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], their medical officer (who claimed that Sam's pheromone level indicated that he wanted to mate with Mikaela, embarrassing both teens), and identified the Camaro as Bumblebee, Sam's appointed guardian. Optimus explained their mission to locate the [[AllSpark]], the betrayal of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], and how Archibald Witwicky's [[glasses]] played a vital role in finding the AllSpark.

[[Image:Movie Sam Mikaela meettheAutobots.jpg|thumb|250px|Oh great, now you get mugged by giant alien robots.]]

Going to his house, Sam frantically searched for the glasses, but the Autobots were somewhat impatient and totally wrecked his dad's backyard. After finding the glasses, government agents arrived. Their leader, [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]], took Sam and Mikaela into custody, separating Sam from his parents. Simmons went bad cop on Sam, threatening him with life imprisonment and revealing Mikaela's criminal record. Just as Simmons demanded answers about aliens, Prime intercepted the convoy, and the Autobots totally outclassed the agents. Sam demanded to know what [[Sector Seven]] was, but a backup team arrived. Prime took Sam and Mikaela to hide under a bridge, but they nearly fell to their deaths. Bumblebee saved them, but was captured, and Sam and Mikaela recaptured.

[[Image:Movie Sam Bumblebee capture.jpg|left|200px|thumb|If you thought this part of the hazing was bad, wait'll you see what they do with the scraplets.]]

Taken to [[Hoover Dam]], Simmons tried the awkward role of good cop, but Sam was uninterested in talking. [[Tom Banachek]] tried to bribe him, and Sam demanded the freeing of Bumblebee, his parents, and the expunging of Mikaela's criminal record. Taking them into the Dam, Sector Seven showed them [[Megatron (Movie)|N.B.E.-1]], who Sam recognized as Megatron. He explained Megatron's goals, and the purpose of the AllSpark. However, the spastic abomination that pantsed him sent a message to the Decepticons, who attacked. Sam implored Sector Seven to release Bumblebee, saying he could help, which [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] assisted by putting a gun to Simmons's chest. Bumblebee converted the AllSpark to a smaller form, and the soldiers escorted the two teens and Bumblebee to [[Mission City]], soon augmented by the Autobots.

[[Image:Movie Megatron Samonroof.jpg|250px|thumb|Why Mr. Witwicky, why, WHY do you persist!?]]

Upon reaching Mission City, an F-22 Raptor was spotted, which Ironhide recognized as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Starscream attacked, damaging Bumblebee's legs, and [[Brawl (Movie)|a tank]] attacked the soldiers. As the Autobots and the soldiers went to deal with the tank, Mikaela arrived with a tow truck to remove Bumblebee from the battle. Megatron soon arrived and killed Jazz, and Lennox ordered Sam to take the AllSpark to a building to be escorted out of the city. Despite his refusal to leave, Bumblebee handed the Cube to Sam, urging him to go. Sam was pursued by Megatron, Starscream, and [[Blackout (Movie)|a helicopter]], with Ratchet and Ironhide providing protection, but they were injured by Starscream, and Sam was forced to leave without them. During his flight, Sam dropped the AllSpark, causing [[Steering wheel robot|some]] [[Dispensor|nearby]] [[Xbox 360 robot|machines]] to come to life. Reaching the building, Sam ignited a flare, but his ride was destroyed by Starscream.

[[Image:Movie Sam defeats Megatron.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Now, light our darkest hour...]]

Cornered on the roof, Megatron demanded the AllSpark, in exchange for living to be [[Ravage (G1)|his]] [[Laserbeak (G1)|pet]], but Sam refused. Megatron used his flail to knock Sam off the roof, but Sam was saved by Optimus Prime. Telling Sam to hold onto the cube, Prime tried to scale down the building, but Megatron knocked them all off. Prime managed to shield Sam from any serious injury, however. Prime expressed admiration for Sam's efforts, and told him that if he couldn't defeat Megatron, Sam was to merge the Cube with his [[spark]], destroying both Prime and the AllSpark. However, Megatron was too powerful for Optimus to defeat alone, and Prime told Sam to push the cube into the Autobot's chest. Instead, Sam merged the AllSpark with Megatron, killing him. Optimus extended his thanks, telling him he owed Sam a debt of gratitude. Bumblebee, who could now speak, requested permission to stay with Sam, to which Sam eagerly agreed. Sam and Mikaela entered into a relationship, and made out on Bumblebee's hood while Ironhide and Ratchet observed.

Sam ''really'' loves having a car. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}

Sam held the key to Earth's survival, and his attempt to destroy Megatron with the AllSpark... failed. Sam was killed, and Mikaela and Bumblebee mourn him still. Bumblebee wondered if there was another reality where Sam's attempt succeeded and the Decepticons didn't conquer the United States... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

===IDW ''Revenge of The Fallen'' comics===
Shortly after the battle of Mission City, Sam and Mikaela were watching Ratchet reattach Bumblebee's legs when [[Dispensor|the transformed Mountain Dew machine]] suddenly attacked Sam. Fortunately, Ratchet crushed the creature before it could cause further havoc. Examining the liquid from its remains, Ratchet warned his human friends about the dangers in weight gain and tooth decay that the substance could cause to them. Amused, Sam and Mikaela promised to be careful. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}}

A few months later, after the Autobots and the [[United States military]] had agreed to operation under a formal military alliance as [[NEST]], Major Lennox became concerned over an ominous warning he had received from [[Swindle (Movie)|a Decepticon]] they had just destroyed. The Decepticons were looking for "it", and both Lennox and Optimus Prime feared they could be after Sam again. Though Lennox refused Prime's suggestion of placing Sam in protective custody at their base on [[Diego Garcia]], believing it was too much for the boy to handle, they agreed that somebody needed to keep an eye on Sam, and so Bumblebee once again assumed the role of his protector. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}

Sam was delighted to see Bumblebee return, but the delight stopped when Bumblebee "helped" to get a cat out of a tree by shaking the tree until it got off. After learning that Bumblebee had return to watch over him, Sam used the Autobot as his ride to the movies for a double date between him and Mikaela, and Miles with Mikaela's friend [[Lyndsey]]. Once there, he saw Trent's truck and hoped not to run into him. The night went without a hitch, and Sam was happy that Bumblebee behaved himself in front of Trent, but Bumblebee explained that he got back at Trent by flipping over his car, which displeased Sam. As the days went by, Bumblebee's attempt to integrate himself into Sam's life weren't go as smoothly as he had hoped. Without the team structure of the Autobots, Bumblebee grew more reckless and impulsive, from smashing a would-be car thief with the door he was attempting to unlock, to inadvertently giving Sam traffic tickets for running red lights. Eventually, Sam discussed his upcoming college plans with Bumblebee, explaining that the yellow guy might not be able to accompany him at school, he then to persuade his parents to let Bumblebee stay in the garage while he's at school, but Ron strenuously said no, stated that he could stay for the summer, but once Sam left for school, the Autobot had to leave too. Frustrated, Sam walked off to Mikaela's to cool off, but twenty minutes in, he was captured by Barricade, who chained him up and hung him from a hook over a junkyard car crusher. The Decepticon demanded that Sam tell him where the location of Bumblebee and the AllSpark fragment was, but Sam had no idea where either one was. As Barricade prepared to drop the young human into the crusher, Bumblebee arrived just in time and Sam safely fell onto a pile of tires while Barricade taunted Bumblebee about how Earth had made the Autobot soft, and that their last encounter was just luck. Barricade easily swat Bumblebee aside and went after Sam, but Bumblebee managed to pull himself out of the scrap and assaulted Barricade once more. Barricade had the upper hand against Bumblebee, so Sam came in to help by operating a crane. However, Sam had trouble controlling the vehicle and Barricade snapped the chain-hook off and tossed the crane aside before charging at the crane's occupant again. Bumblebee then used the abandoned chain-hook to knock Barricade into a pool of gasoline. He sent Sam off to a safer distance and fired his cannon at the gasoline-soaked Decepticon menace, causing a massive explosion. Bumblebee survived the explosion and Sam was happy to see him okay. He then asked what happened to Barricade, and Bumblebee told Sam he had a feeling they haven't seen the last of Barricade. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 1|Tales of the Fallen #1}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
Sam's parents took him to college, and ''god'' did he regret that when his mother kept holding his hand. He was slightly surprised when Bumblebee drove off without warning. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

[[Image:Titan6_Samabducted.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Is that Sam or Adam Sandler?]]

Weeks later, he went off to meet Mikaela when he was accosted by [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Annoyed, he pointed out he'd done his part and just wanted to be left alone, but the twins pushed him into taking a ride in Skids. They explained they'd been framed for a crime they didn't commit, they had vital intelligence of a secret Decepticon army, and they wanted Sam to inform Optimus because he trusted him. Sam, being a smart kid, didn't think much of wild stories by two strangers who'd abducted him, and said he'd ''think'' about it. When Bumblebee turned up and the twins accelerated, he stopped thinking and starting banging on Skids window in a desire to GTFO.

Luckily, Skids spat him out. Unluckily, he then saw Bumblebee get gunned down by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], come to recruit the twins. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' (movie)===
:''Actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English), [[Fuminori Komatsu]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Sérgio Cantú]] (Portuguese-language dub voice), [[Víctor Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)

About two years later, Sam had graduated from high school and was preparing to go to college. He still found it difficult to say "I love you" to Mikaela.

[[Image:ROTF Sam Cube fragment.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Damned bedbugs.]]
Sam found a shard of the AllSpark left inside his clothing from the battle in Mission City which a.) brought numerous kitchen devices to life and b.) imprinted a large collection of ancient Cybertronian knowledge onto his brain. After [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] destroyed the kitchen robots (and parts of the Witwickys' house with them), Sam handed the AllSpark shard to [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]]. In a wrenching heart-to-heart with Bumblebee, he dismissed him from his role as guardian, saying it was time for Bumblebee to rejoin the other Autobots (and Sam wasn't allowed to have a car at college anyway.)

Arriving at college, Sam met his roommate, [[Leo Spitz]], who operated a [[The Real Effing Deal|conspiracy website]] and was convinced that alien robots were hiding on Earth. At a frat party, Sam also met his fellow student [[Alice]], who immediately and forcefully attempted to seduce Sam. When Bumblebee showed up, Alice invited herself along on a ride with Sam, but Bumblebee did everything he could to convince her to leave. After finally getting rid of her, Bumblebee took Sam to Optimus Prime, who was convinced—for some reason—that Sam was in danger. Even more strangely, Optimus asked Sam to act as a go-between for the Autobots to humanity at large. Sam, wanting to be normal, declined.

[[Image:ROTF mental meltdown.jpg|thumb|right|250px|What do you mean, this movie is [http://theabyssgazes.blogspot.com/2010/03/teal-and-orange-hollywood-please-stop.html only orange and teal?]]]
Because no good deed goes unpunished, of course, Sam shortly thereafter began to see [[Cyberglyphics|strange symbols]]. He also developed a nasty eye tic and decided to assert in front of about three hundred of his colleagues that Einstein was wrong, that the first four dimensions were unfairly in the spotlight, and what about the other thirteen that nobody ever talks about? He began to write out the symbols in support of this theory on a blackboard in front of his class.

[[Image:ROTF must have brain.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Hey Doc, don't get all Egyptian-ish and take out my brain through my nose!]]
After recovering from this outburst, Sam believed it might have something to do with him touching the AllSpark shard, and he contacted his girlfriend to warn her not to touch the shard. Mikaela promptly boarded a plane to see Sam, but when she arrived, she found him in what appeared to be an intimate moment with Alice. Fortunately for Sam's relationship, Alice turned out to be a killer alien robot. Mikaela, Sam and Leo, who stumbled across Alice's robotic self by coincidence, tried to escape, but were captured by the Decepticons. After Sam's failure at relating to a thirty-foot-tall robot, Megatron ordered a small, glasses-wearing robot called [[Scalpel (ROTF)|The Doctor]] and his [[Scalpel's assistant|assistants]] to remove Sam's brain in order to access the information from the AllSpark shard, but Optimus Prime and Bumblebee managed to locate them and free Sam, Mikaela and Leo.

Together, they attempted to flee, but in order for Sam to escape, Optimus Prime had to fight off Megatron, Starscream and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] all by himself. After killing Grindor, Optimus was impaled by Megatron and died. Just then, the other Autobots arrived, causing Megatron and Starscream to retreat; Sam was safe, for the moment at least.

In a hijacked TV broadcast, The Fallen revealed his existence to the world public and demanded Sam to be surrendered to him. Decepticons landed around the globe, killing several thousand people. In Paris, one of them tracked down Sam's parents, [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]]. A manhunt began for Sam.

Sam hid out with Mikaela, Leo, Bumblebee and the Autobot twins, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Leo eventually suggested they ask his rival, "[[Robo-Warrior]]", owner of a [[GiantEffingRobots.com|competing website]], for help. To everyone's surprise, Robo-Warrior turned out to be none other than [[Seymour Simmons]], former agent of [[Sector Seven]]. Simmons revealed that symbols similar to those Sam was obsessed with had been found on numerous excavation sites around the world, but in order to read them, they might need a Decepticon. Mikaela just happened to be carrying around [[Wheelie (ROTF)|a Decepticon]], who when interrogated, suggested they track down one of the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], a species of Transformer that had been present on Earth for much of its history.

[[Image:ROTF Sam burns hand.jpg|thumb|right|250px| AHHH THE LIGHT IT BURNS!!!]]
At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, they discovered an old Decepticon named [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], disguised as an SR-71 Blackbird. Jetfire claimed to have defected to the Autobots and told them about The Fallen, who betrayed his brothers, the [[Seven Primes|Primes]], many millennia ago. The Fallen intended to destroy the Earth's sun in order to create [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]], the Transformers' source of energy. The symbols in Sam's head were a map to the location of the [[star harvester]], the weapon the Fallen intended to use to destroy the sun. Jetfire also revealed that only a Prime could stop The Fallen, and a key was needed to activate the harvester, the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Sam asks Jetfire whether the Matrix would also revive Optimus Prime, to which Jetfire responded that it might be possible given the unusual radiation that the Matrix generates.

[[Image:ROTF Matrix crumbles.jpg|thumb|left|250px|We came all the way to Kansas for this, and that benefactor didn't tell me my PS3 Controller would just crumble into dust!]]
Jetfire opened a [[space bridge]] and teleported himself as well as Sam, Mikaela, Leo, Simmons, Bumblebee and the Twins to [[Egypt]]. Between the Pyramids of Giza, they found the next clue and traveled to Jordan, after a stopover for the night in which Sam totally failed at declaring his love for Mikaela. On the way, Simmons called Lennox and instructed him to get his team, as well as the dead body of Optimus Prime, to Egypt. In Petra, they discovered the tomb of the Primes. Inside, Sam found the Matrix, which crumbled to dust when he touched it. Sam collected the dust regardless, and together, they traveled back to Egypt.

[[Image:ROTF-Mikaela-and-Sam-Running.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Run, Mikaela! Run for the sake of cool perspective shots!]]
Meanwhile, the NEST team parachuted down and prepared for [[Operation: Firestorm|battle]] near the pyramids, having realised the Decepticons were on their way. Before Sam and the others could get back to Lennox and his people, the Decepticons commenced their assault. While the Autobots and NEST fought the Decepticons, Megatron used Sam's parents to lure him into a trap. Sam, falling into the trap, stalled for time by offering to hand over the Matrix dust to the Constructicon [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], till he was rescued by Bumblebee. Sam ordered Bumblebee to get his parents to safety while he and Mikaela tried to reach Optimus Prime's body.

[[Image:Tf2009 mol.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Even Frisbees on Cybertron were co-opted into the [[Great War]].]]
Sam was mortally wounded by the blast of a shot fired by Megatron. While paramedics tried to reanimate him, the Matrix dust was spilled across his hand, and Sam encountered the dead Primes in a vision. The Primes told him that he was destined to find the Matrix and save the life of the last Prime. Sam returned to life, and the dust in his hand reassembled itself into the Matrix. Sam took the opportunity to tell Mikaela that he loved her. With the Matrix, Sam was able to revive Optimus Prime, who ultimately was able to defeat the Fallen.

[[Image:ROTF Sam back at school.jpg|thumb|right|250px| Did anyone miss me?]]
With the battle won, the Autobots, NEST, Sam and his friends returned to the USA on board of an aircraft carrier. Sam and Optimus Prime checked out the view from the back. Upon his return, Sam continued to attend college. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{note|In adaptations based on early drafts of the screenplay, Sam became a new vessel for the AllSpark as it transferred its knowledge from the Cube's remains to him. The information was transferred to the [[Matrix of Leadership]], and Sam would never be bothered by symbols again. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 2|Revenge of the Fallen #2}} {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}}}

===Transformers Annual 2011===
Just as Sam was getting bored with doing his homework, he was attacked by Starscream. He dashed out towards the garage, but Bumblebee, already alerted, proved no match for the Decepticon. Starscream was about to make off with Sam, when Optimus arrived and quickly sent Starscream packing. Sam surveyed the effect that the battle had had on his dad's garden and reflected that he was in for trouble when his dad got back. {{storylink|Sam in Danger}}

===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' comics===
Sam and Mikaela later broke up, making him somewhat "testy". {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2}} He was also invited to dinner at the [[White House]], having saved the world twice. where he meet [[Carly Brooks-Spencer]]. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3}}{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

{{storylink|Transformers: Space Case}}{{storylink|Transformers: Ratchet}}{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee}}{{storylink|Transformers: Arcee}}

Sam was returning from a fast food restaurant in [[Philadelphia]] when he found Bumblebee menacing a small robot calling itself "[[Brains]]". {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1}} He and Bumblebee brought the renegade Decepticon brain unit to Sam's college, where they met [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]], who realized Brains was a scrap drone like him. Sam asked Brains why he was in Philadelphia, and he responded that he was running for his life from a Decepticon trying to kill him. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] then smashed through the wall and attempted to reclaim Brains. Sam contacted NEST, and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] arrived to help. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2}} As the place quickly became a battlefield, and Sam was about to be killed by [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]], Carly appeared and saved him by using a weapon attached to one of the fallen Transformers around her to fend off the Decepticon. Both of them were saved from subsequent danger by the arrival of the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3}} later he and Carly began a relationship and moved to Washington DC along Brains and Wheelie. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' (film)===
:''Actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English), [[Fuminori Komatsu]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Víctor Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)
Sometime after [[Operation: Firestorm]], and following being dumped by Mikaela, Sam was awarded a medal for his heroism by [[Barack Obama]], and while at the White House he played it cool he met [[Carly Spencer]]. He later went on to move in with his new girlfriend in [[Washington, D.C.]]. They took in the small Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] as 'pets' while Bumblebee also continued to live with Sam, but he would frequently leave to continue his work with [[NEST]], leading him to buy a Bumblebee-like car to fill his place as a car.

Preparing to set out to find a new job, recieving a stuffed rabbit from Carly as a good luck charm, he complained about the government not allowing him to work with the Autobots, having to borrow money from Carly to pay for things, and the fact that his parents were coming to visit in a week's time. As Carly left for work, Sam reminded the small Autobots of their place and left to begin job hunting. Outside his parents had arrived early, and made it clear he had job interviews and not a job, and had to get a ride from them since his car refused to start. After a series of failed job interviews, Sam arrived at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. There his apparently failing attempt to win over [[Bruce Brazos]] succeeded, and was given a position as a mail carrier. Sam then went to visit Carly at [[Hotchkiss Gould Investments]] with the news that he had a job. He then met Carly's boss, [[Dylan Gould]], and came to find that he seemed to close to his girlfriend. He denied any jealousy as they prepared to leave, and before they did Dylan revealed that he was on the board for Accuretta Systems and had given a letter of recomendation for him, to Sam's confusion.

Almost as soon as he started, Sam found his job to be boring and unfulfilling. Recieving a quick visit from Carly, during which she revealed Dylan had loaned her a Mercedes SLS AMG to his dismay, she apparently helped in boosting Bruce's opinion of Sam. However one of Sam's co-workers, [[Jerry Wang]], confronted Sam and held him down in a toilet stall. There Jerry told the freaked out Sam that the Autobots were in danger and the Decepticons were killing humans. After giving Sam his manifesto, Jerry left and Bruce noticed that the two had been struggling in the stall together. Sam went through Jerry's notes, which contained information regarding the dark side of the moon. He was confused as to what it meant and went to Jerry's office to ask some questions, only for the strangely acting Jerry to pretend it had never happened and demanded he leave. Almost immediately after, Jerry fell out of the window to his death, and Bruce told Sam that he didn't care about what had happened earlier. However a [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|condor-like Decepticon]] suddenly attacked Sam, who barely managed to get out of the office.

Sam decided to head to the NEST base with Carly, however the guards refused to let him in and pretended he was in the wrong place. After arguing with the guards, Sam called for Bumblebee to help on a radio as the guards restrained him, and Bumblebee arrived and warned them off. Before they went in, Sam told Bumblebee that he was disappointed that he never saw him any more, and reported to [[William Lennox|Lennox]] about Jerry's death and his notes of the moon. Incidentally, NEST and the Autobots had discovered the crashed Autobot ship the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon, which had been the driving force of the American-Russian space race in the '60s, and had recently returned with the deactivated [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and five pillars that helped form a space bridge. The National Intelligence Director, [[Charlotte Mearing]], was not happy with Sam's presence, and after witnessing Optimus reactivate Sentinel with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], she warned Sam that while she was pleased with the information he had brought, he was nothing but a messenger and that his help wasn't necessary.

But upon arriving back at home with Bumblebee, he decided he wasn't going to let the matter go and called in [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] and his new assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] for help. The group went through piles of information and came to the conclusion that humans were working with the Decepticons, and had been doing so since the space race. When Carly got back she wasn't happy with Sam, reminding him they were going to Dylan's and believing that he wanted to put himself in danger. She asked Sam to let the situation go, but he refused, and she left. After tracking down a pair of Russian cosmonauts for more information, they learned that there were once hundreds of pillars but the Decepticons had stolen them before anyone had reached the ''Ark''. Realising that the Decepticons had left Sentinel, being the only one who could control the pillars, so that the Autobots could revive him, Sam called Mearing to warn her, and his group, aided by Bumblebee, [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]], began escorting Sentinel back to the NEST base. En-route they were attacked by the [[Dread (subgroup)|Dreads]], and during the ensuring chase Bumblebee was forced transform over a crashing truck, tossing Sam out above him and catching again as he reverted to vehicle mode. When they arrived back at base, Sentinel revealed that he had made a deal with Megatron to restore Cybertron, killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and stealing his pillars before leaving.

Sam rushed back home to find Carly before remembering she was at Dylan's. He went to his parents to tell them about his argument with her, and after an embarassing convsation in which Judy and Ron expressed their opinions of Sam's lovelife, he realised how much he loved Carly and warned his parents to leave the city. Arriving at Dylan's mansion, he convinced Carly to allow them the chance to talk by being rude to Dylan, however Dylan then revealed that his father was once one of the Decepticons allies. Sam and Carly tried to flee in the loaned Mercedes, only for it to reveal itself as Soundwave, who held Carly hostage and threatened while Dylan explained his position. He then demanded that Sam find out what the Autobot's plan to fight back against the hundreds of the Decepticons brought to Earth by the space bridge, forcing him to wear a [[Watch-bot]] so that he couldn't warn them. Before he left, Sam promised that he would kill Dylan for threatening Carly. He was taken to Mearing by NEST agents, and after she apologized for not believing him, they discovered that Sentinel had forced the government into exiling the Autobots. Sam was taken to the Autobot's ship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', where a group of Autobot's called the [[Wreckers]] were preparing the ship for launch. Sam pleaded for Optimus to ignore the governments demand for exile, and asked what their plan was, but Optimus said they had none. After the Autobots farewelled him, Sam watched as the ''Xantium'' took off and called Dylan to let him know they were gone, only to learn that the Decepticons had never intended to let the Autobots leave, and watched as the ship was destroyed.

He decided that he would find Dylan and save Carly, and with Simmons and Dutch's help he tracked Dylan's location to [[Chicago]]. [[Robert Epps|Epps]] decided to help Sam, and gathered a group of soldiers to accompany them. However during their trip the Decepticon forces invaded Chicago, and the group arrived on the devastated city outskirts. While the soldiers were reluctant to go in, Sam was determined, and Epps tried to convince him they didn't stand a chance. They were then attacked by a Decepticon [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighter]], which was brought down by Optimus Prime and the Wreckers, and as the rest of the Autobots arrived, the Autobots revealed that they had known the Decepticons would never let them go or leave Earth alone and hid in a booster rocket that disengaged before the ship was destroyed. With Bumblebee piloting the fighter, Sam infiltrated Dylan's building but was again attacked by Laserbeak, who dropped him over the side. Luckily Bumblebee caught him, and after Carly jumped onto the fighter, Sam held Laserbeak in place as Bumblebee blasted his head off. Once the fighter crash landed, they awaited the arrival of the rest of the Autobots. After Carly explained the Decepticon's plan to bring Cybertron into Earth's solar system, Epps came up with a plan to destroy the control pillar with a rocket shot from a high building, and before Sam and the other humans left, [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]] handed out grappling hooks and boomsticks.

Sam and the others made it into a tall building, but before the rocket could be launched, Decepticon fighters began firing at the building, causing it to tilt, and a Decepticon protoform came in looking for them. Escaping by jumping out of the window and sliding down to a lower floor, the group's presence was discovered by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], who sent his [[Driller]] to finish the building. After the building slammed into another, Sam and the others escaped while Optimus arrived and killed the Driller. They began rushing toward the building with the pillars, which had started to activate, but Sam and Carly were seperated from Epps and his men. They were found by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who relished the opportunity to be alone with Sam, and started toying around with him. Sam fired the grappling hook into one of Starscream's eyes, and in his panic Sam was flung around and eventually crashed through a window. Taking advantage of the arrival of Lennox's team, Sam jmped onto Starscream's head and lodged the armed boomstick into his other eye, and was was again flung around while Leenox tried to free him. Starscream flew to the top of a building, and as his head exploded Bumblebee arrived to catch the falling pair.

They met up with Epp's team again and were joined by a larger force of soldiers, but Sam and Carly snuck across the river to find that Bumblebee, Dino, Sideswipe, Que and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] had been captured by Soundwave's forces. As they began executing their prisoners, starting with Que, Sam desperately tried to prepare another boomstick to save Bumblebee when his turn came. Luckily Bumblebee was saved when Wheelie and Brains took control of a Decepticon ship and caused a distraction that allow Byumblebee to kill Soundwave. Sam and Carly ended up in the middle of the battlefield, and Sam called to Optimus to warn him about the pillars, and luckily the process was stalled with the control pillar's fall. Sam insisted on helping and assured Carly she would be alright and he began rushing to the pillar, which Dylan was trying to reactivate. Sam tried to stop him, however he failed and was Dylan kicked him off the collapsed structure. But Sam refused to give up, and when Dylan said that Sam wasn't a hero he agreed, stating he was just the messenger, and knocked Dylan into the active pillar, killing him. Bumblebee and Ratchet arrived and destroyed the pillar, resulting in the partially-formed Cybertron to collapse in on itself.

After Optimus had killed Sentinel Prime and Megatron, Sam arrived with the others and hugged Carly in relief. Sam apologised for putting himself in danger, and that she was all he needed and would do anything to make it up for her. She forgave him, and Bumblebee took the opportunity to pass out rings, and Sam told him that he was going too fast and needed to slow down. Sam then stod among the Autobots and soldiers as they stood as heros for saving the world.

{{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Transformers'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC/Wii/PS2====
=====Autobot campaign=====
Bumblebee was listening in on the Witwicky family's conversations, and discovered Sam's father had promised to buy him a car the next day. When Sam arrived at the used car lot, he felt as though the Camaro was calling to him and convinced his father to buy it. Later Sam and Mikaela were leaving school when they were attacked by Barricade. Sam was surprised when his car arrived and turned into a robot, and he and Mikaela fled at Bumblebee's prompting. Once Barricade was defeated, Sam thanked Bumblebee for saving him, and witnessed four other Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, arrive in Tranquillity. Sam nervously introduced himself and Optimus said they needed his help. Sam was surprised to learn his great granfather's glasses contained the location to the Allspark, and went to go retrieve it with Mikaela, only for them and Bumblebee to be captured by Sector 7.

Bumblebee's interference at the Sector 7 base inside Hoover Dam also allowed the two humans to be set free, and they escaped the Dam with the Allspark as Megatron began unfreezing. Escaping to Mission City, Sam and Mikaela were forced to flee as Barriacade returned. Once Bumblebee finally finished the Decepticon, Sam noted how insane the situation was. At the oment Megatron arrived, and Sam and Mikaela fled once again. Megatron discovered them hiding in a building, but Optimus arrived and apparently killed Megatron. As Sam prepared to hand the Allspark over to Optimus, Megatron charged, and Sam dropped the Allspark in surprise, which Optimus used to end the Deepticon leader's life.
{{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
Sam and Mikaela were innocently walking down the stret when Barricade arrived and attacked. Luckily Bumblebee, and the two humans got in and drove off. However Bumblebee was soon defeated by Barricade, and Barricade told Sam to give him the glasses. Sam then tossed the glasses away but Barricade got them. Once Barricade left, Sam and Mikaela were surrounded by Sector 7 vehicles.

Later during the Battle of Mission City, Scorponok threatened Sam, who ws prepared to hand over the Allspark but Ironhide arrived and told them to flee. However after Ironhide and Jazz were killed in the battle, he and Mikaela went to inform this to Optimus. Sam then witnessed the battle between Optimus and Megatron, the later of whom tracked Sam all across the city until Optimus was killed. Sam dropped the Allspark as he looked solemly at Optimus's remains, and Megatron used the Allspark to achieve ultimate power. What happened to him after the Decepticons won the battle is unknown. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

====''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

====Transformers Autobots====
Bumblebee was sent to retrive the glasses that Sam have, horever Barricade got there first and got the information. What he did to Sam is unknown. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers Autobots}}

====Transformers Decepticons====
Barricade went to retrive the glasses that Sam have, horever Bumblebee got there first and got the information.
{{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====
The Autobots did their best to keep Sam out of the increasingly intense war with the Decepticons, reassigning Bumblebee to rejoin Optimus Prime's unit. Unfortunately, the Decepticons led by Grindor kidnapped him, intent on extracting information from his brain (no doubt in a most unpleasant and final manner). Fortunately for Sam, a force of Autobots arrived to rescue him. Sam managed to warn them of Grindor's presence before being escorted to safety.

Following this, Sam was escorted by the Autobots to an unassuming deli where former Sector Seven agent Simmons now worked. From there, he led the Autobots to the conveniently close-by museum where he managed to awaken the ancient Transformer Jetfire while the Autobots held off a Decepticon assault outside. Jetfire teleported them to Egypt, where Sam explored a mysterious tomb while Optimus Prime personally battled Megatron and Starscream. Despite Jetfire's death in battle, the Autobots managed to drive off the Decepticons. During the final battle against the Fallen, Sam's only contribution was to beg Optimus not to lose.

He tended to start babbling when panicked and there were times when the Autobots must have surely wanted him to shut up. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
At first, the human germ was of no further interest to Starscream and his Decepticon forces. However, upon discovering his fellow human Mikaela possessed an Allspark shard, the Decepticons first kidnapped her to seize the shard and then visited his college town. After tearing their way through a unit of Autobots sent to stop them, Starscream managed to capture the boy despite his protests.

Seeing as how he and Mikaela weren't heard from after that, it...er... didn't look too good for them. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

====Wii/PS2====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Shia LaBeouf]] (English)
After [[The Fallen]]'s defeat, [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] and Sam were heard talking to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Wii/PS2)}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
{{anchor|First Encounter}}
[[Image:Movie ScreenBattles SamMikaelaFrenzy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yes, run toward the crazy robot.]]
*'''First Encounter''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SB-01'''

: This Screen Battles pack features a largely unchanged Deluxe class [[Barricade (Movie)#First Encounter|Barricade]] figure but the Frenzy accessory has been cast in black plastic to better blend in with Barricade's chest. The pack also comes with unposable figurines of Sam Witwicky in a running pose, Frenzy menacing Sam and [[Mikaela Banes#First Encounter|Mikaela Banes]] holding the power saw she uses to attack [[Frenzy (Movie)#First Encounter|Frenzy]]. The set is packaged in a special window box with a diorama depicting the battle between Barricade and Bumblebee.

{{-}}
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Human Alliance====
[[Image:ROTF HumanAlliance Sam%26Bumblebee.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Sculpted [[Dull surprise|DULL SURPRISE]]!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-21'''

:The first human partner in the Human Alliance subset of the [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline]], Sam is an articulated 2.5 inch tall action figure designed to work with the larger scale, all-new Bumblebee figure and other Human Alliance scale Transformers. He can sit inside Bumblebee's vehicle interior, ride in special seats mounted on Bumblebee's arms or stand on his shoulder behind his head, with each location having a different weapon for Sam or any other Human Alliance human character figure to use. Despite this, he's much closer to being on scale with the Deluxe-class Bumblebee toy.
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
====Human Alliance====
[[Image:TF2010HASamWitwicky.jpg|thumb|250px|PUDDING]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (2010)

:Sam in this release is an all-new mold that matches his appearance during the final battle in Egypt during ''Revenge of the Fallen''. His proportions are... unfortunate.
{{--}}

===Dark of the Moon===
====Human Alliance====
[[Image:DOTM_HumanAlliance_Bumblebee_Sam.jpg|thumb|right|300px|thumb|Okay, you're still half yellow, we clearly need to go over this whole 'stealth' thing again...]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Human Alliance Sam is seemingly identical to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' figure, and is included with a primarily black "stealth" redeco of Human Alliance Bumblebee.

{{-}}
{{anchor|Daredevil}}
[[Image:DOTM_AutobotDaredevilSquad_toys.jpg|thumb|300px|thumb|And we're supposed to believe he stands up on his own holding that weight? Pssh.]]
*'''Autobot Daredevil Squad''' (Multi-pack, 2011)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RobotHeroes_BattlefortheAllspark.jpg|300px|thumb|right|So it doesn't strike anyone as odd that he's running towards [[Brawl (Movie)|another crazy robot]], or that he's the same size as his car, or that his car is melting?]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (multi-pack, 2009)

: The first human ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' figure, Sam is a small [[super deformed]] figure sculpted running with the [[AllSpark]] cube while grinning stupidly. He is only available in a multi-pack with [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)/toys|Starscream]], [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]], [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
* Sam was not given the nickname "[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]", nor [[Ron Witwicky|his father]] the nickname "[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]" (though [[Judy Witwicky|his wife]] does refer to him as "Spark"), because unlike their G1 counterparts the movie characters are not oil rig workers or mechanics. Earlier drafts of the script did have Sam earning the nickname "Spike" another way, but this was dropped before the script was finalized.<ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=350123&postcount=4134 Roberto Orci on Paramount's official ''Transformers'' movie forum] explaining why the names Spike and Sparkplug weren't used in the movie.</ref>

* Thanks to his brawl with Frenzy, the back of Sam's shirt is ripped, leaving a hole exposing his back. Interestingly, no one points this out to him or even notices during the time he gets a replacement jacket.

* He's not getting a Porsche. Srsly.

* He doesn't masturbate. Especially not to issues of ''[[Busty Beauties]]'', which he doesn't keep in a treasure chest under his bed.

* Sam's [[eBay]] username <tt>LadiesMan217</tt> is a reference to movie director [[Michael Bay]]'s birthday, [[February 17]]th. If 217 had the same meaning for Sam, that would make his date of birth February 17th, 1990. ladiesman217 is a registered user on eBay, with no items currently for sale.
** Except Sam's birthday, according to the [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Timeline.cfm Hasbro.com official timeline] that came out with the first movie, is [[October 10]]th, 1990.
***''Buuuut'' in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', the shot of Sam's driver's license has the date of birth as [[September 13]]th, 199'''1'''. Take your pick as to which is right.
***The [[:Image:Witwickytree.jpg|genealogy chart]] in [[Transformers (2007)|the 2007 movie]] indicates Sam was born in 1990.
* In the Japanese dub of the film, Sam's eBay username is changed from "LadiesMan217" to "playboy217", since "ladies' man" isn't a term the Japanese are familiar with. To better suit this joke in the Spanish version, his username is "[[wikipedia:Don_Juan|DonJuan217]]", named after the famed Spanish womanizer. In the IDW [[Movie Adaptation|comics adaptation]], his [[eBay|ePay]] username is "hotstud217". This is even more disturbing.

* In the Latin American dub of Transformers, Sam appears credited under the name of Sam "Spike" Witwicky.

* According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], he and writing partner [[Alex Kurtzman]] pitched the character of Sam as "Marty McFly on crack."<ref>[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1119191&postcount=1921 Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's forum] responding to criticisms of the human characters.</ref>

* Sam has blue eyes in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (comic series)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic adaption]].

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://myworld.ebay.com/ladiesman217/ ladiesman217 on eBay.]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Witwicky, Sam}}
[[Category:Dark of the Moon humans]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Movie humans]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen humans]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) characters]]
[[Category:Witwicky family|Sam Witwicky]]

Carly Spencer

2011-08-06T07:16:29Z

Fanaction2031: /* Dark of the Moon film */

{{disambig3|Carly}}
{{disambig2|Carly Spencer the human from the [[live-action film series]]|the tasty merchandising item|Candy Dispenser}}
:''Carly Spencer is a [[human]] from the [[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Dark of the Moon Carly Miller.jpg|right|thumb|300px| "HEL-LOOOOO NURSE!"]]

'''Carly Brooks-Spencer'''<ref>"Carly. Carly Spencer. Actually, Carly Brooks-Spencer, but I go by the shorter version these days." —[[Carly Spencer]], [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' novelization]] p37</ref> is young, but she's accomplished. Smart, confident, and savvy, she handles even life-threatening situations with an adept calm. She once met [[Sam Witwicky]] at the [[White House]], and will probably bump into him again...

==Fiction==
===IDW movie prequel comics===
[[Image:RisingStorm3-Carly.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Carly: Better Than The Witwicky Kid Since 1985]]
Carly was working a career fair in [[Philadelphia]] when the [[Decepticon]]s targeted Sam Witwicky and his [[Autobot]] friend [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] for harboring their escaped "pet," [[Brains]]. As the place became a battlefield, Carly quickly proved capable of defending herself. Seeing that Sam was about to be killed by [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]], Carly used a weapon attached to one of the fallen Transformers around her to fend off the Decepticon. After saving his ass, they realized that they had met before, albeit under less deadly conditions.

Soon, the pair were saved from subsequent danger by the arrival of the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Actor'': [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] (English), [[Sanae Kobayashi]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Xóchitl Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)

Carly worked at the [[United Kingdom|British]] embassy when she first met Sam in the [[White House]]. Years later, as she moved in with Sam, [[Dylan Gould]] got her a job. She is very enthusiastic about her and Sam's relationship and comes from a military family (according to Lennox). She was then captured by Gould, having to be in the service of the [[Decepticons]] and was held prisoner in Chicago's Trump Tower. As she looks through a scope, she realizes that [[Sentinel Prime]] was only using [[Megatron]] to help rebuild their planet, Cybertron. She later convinces Megatron that Sentinel would have all the authority and power, which would lead to Megatron decapitating Sentinel, who was in fact about to kill [[Optimus Prime]].{{charstubfiction}}

==Notes==
*Carly's last name was erroneously given as "Miller" in an [http://www.allmoviephoto.com/photo/2011_transformer_dark_of_the_moon_001.html image caption] at AllMoviePhoto.com.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Spencer, Carly}}
[[Category: Dark of the Moon humans]]
[[Category: Fiction-only characters]]

Carly Spencer

2011-08-06T07:11:54Z

Fanaction2031: /* Dark of the Moon film */

{{disambig3|Carly}}
{{disambig2|Carly Spencer the human from the [[live-action film series]]|the tasty merchandising item|Candy Dispenser}}
:''Carly Spencer is a [[human]] from the [[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Dark of the Moon Carly Miller.jpg|right|thumb|300px| "HEL-LOOOOO NURSE!"]]

'''Carly Brooks-Spencer'''<ref>"Carly. Carly Spencer. Actually, Carly Brooks-Spencer, but I go by the shorter version these days." —[[Carly Spencer]], [[Dark of the Moon (novel)|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' novelization]] p37</ref> is young, but she's accomplished. Smart, confident, and savvy, she handles even life-threatening situations with an adept calm. She once met [[Sam Witwicky]] at the [[White House]], and will probably bump into him again...

==Fiction==
===IDW movie prequel comics===
[[Image:RisingStorm3-Carly.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Carly: Better Than The Witwicky Kid Since 1985]]
Carly was working a career fair in [[Philadelphia]] when the [[Decepticon]]s targeted Sam Witwicky and his [[Autobot]] friend [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] for harboring their escaped "pet," [[Brains]]. As the place became a battlefield, Carly quickly proved capable of defending herself. Seeing that Sam was about to be killed by [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]], Carly used a weapon attached to one of the fallen Transformers around her to fend off the Decepticon. After saving his ass, they realized that they had met before, albeit under less deadly conditions.

Soon, the pair were saved from subsequent danger by the arrival of the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Actor'': [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] (English), [[Sanae Kobayashi]] (Japanese-language dub voice), [[Xóchitl Ugarte]] (Latin American-Spanish-language dub voice)

Carly worked at the [[United Kingdom|British]] embassy when she first met Sam in the [[White House]]. Years later, as she moved in with Sam, [[Dylan Gould]] got her a job. She got caught up in the Chicago invasion were she managed to convince Megatron to kill Sentinel as Optimus could not.
{{charstubfiction}}

==Notes==
*Carly's last name was erroneously given as "Miller" in an [http://www.allmoviephoto.com/photo/2011_transformer_dark_of_the_moon_001.html image caption] at AllMoviePhoto.com.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Spencer, Carly}}
[[Category: Dark of the Moon humans]]
[[Category: Fiction-only characters]]

User:Fanaction2031

2011-08-06T07:07:30Z

Fanaction2031: New page: Hey, I'm Fanaction2031, fan of Transformers. :D

Hey, I'm Fanaction2031, fan of Transformers. :D