MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Party Down

2020-10-24T03:31:03Z

Sifimatt123: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 32
|image=Cyberverse-PartyDown-PartyCrashers.jpg
|caption=To be fair, this is what happens at most parties once the keg runs dry.
|prev=Escape From Earth
|next=Wiped Out
|title="Party Down"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2019]] (Australia/NZ) [[November 29]], 2019 (CN app/website) [[December 7]], 2019 (USA)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=[[Andrew Robinson]]
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=[[Ehud Landsberg]]
}}

'''The Autobots celebrate their newfound victory, but the party quickly takes a violent turn.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Ark (Cyberverse)|''Ark'']] continues its long journey back to Cybertron, [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] records his thoughts on his personal log. His musings are interrupted by a call from [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]], who desperately informs him of a "C-class emergency" in Hangar 7, begging Optimus to head down immediately. Fearing the worst, Optimus rushes off the bridge, becoming increasingly worried when he is unable to raise [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]], [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] or [[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] either. Waiting for him upon his arrival is something far worse: a surprise party.

Put on the spot by Hot Rod calling on him to make a speech, Optimus tries desperately to say something suitably festive, but his best efforts are met with awkward applause. Luckily, Grimlock steps in and gets the party started by praising everyone on the crew for their contributions to their success. As Grimlock works the room making sure everyone is enjoying themselves, [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] arrives with a box and starts handing out badges embossed with a symbol resembling Earth. He explains that he'd made them to commemorate the crew's time on Earth, and that they are linked to his AllSpark energy emitter, which causes them to emit energy ten times more powerful than normal [[energon]]. [[Cheetor (Cyberverse)|Cheetor]] is unsure whether this is a good idea, but Wheeljack laughs his concerns off and offers Optimus a badge.

In the ship's brig, [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] bitterly languishes in his cell under close watch. Ever the opportunist, however, he sees his chance when [[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]] come to bring the guards some of Wheeljack's AllSpark emitter badges and accidentally drops them, one of them sliding right into Starscream's cell. Back at the party, [[Teletraan-X (Cyberverse)|Teletraan-X]] deploys a light emitter and begins playing some good old-fashioned Earth music. The Autobots get into the groove and start getting down, including a reluctant Windblade. As the festivities continue, Wheeljack notices his AllSpark emitter badge flicker an ominous red. Before he can react to it, the eyes of all the Autobots wearing the badges begin to flicker red as well, including his own.

Meanwhile, Optimus stands alone on the hull of the ''Ark'', enjoying the peace and solitude of space. When his badge starts beeping, he discards it as Cheetor joins him and admits he enjoys the quiet as well. Their quiet time is short lived as Teletraan-X rushes to them, alerting Optimus to a C-class emergency in Hangar 7. Having already fallen for such a trick once, Optimus is in no mood to be made a fool of again until Teletraan-X points out he's incapable of pulling tricks. The trio make their way back to the hangar to find the Autobots fighting amongst themselves to the jovial tones of polka. An attempt to physically break up the fights proves ineffective, and the trio are forced to flee when the Autobots decide to gang up on them. As Teletraan-X seals the doors to Hangar 7, Cheetor wonders what is causing them to act so savagely. Optimus admits he doesn't know, but he knows who to ask.

Starscream mockingly praises Optimus for the party, but his mocking laughter gives Teletraan-X the opportunity to recover the AllSpark emitter badge he'd grabbed earlier. A quick scan allows the computer to report that Starscream has hacked the AllSpark energy emitter, flooding the Autobots with so much energy that their bodies cannot process it and are going berserk. Optimus concludes that their next step is to shut down the emitter. This is easier said than done, as the AllSpark is being stored on the other side of the ship, and by now the other Autobots have broken out of the hangar. With no other choice, Optimus, Cheetor and Teletraan-X fight their way through the others and make their way to the AllSpark chamber. Sealing themselves inside, Teletraan-X reports that shutting down the emitter will be an extremely complex task, but Optimus takes the far less complex route of simply smashing the device.

As Teletraan-X collects the now inactive badges from the recovered Autobots, Cheetor is disappointed things ended this way, as the Autobots were having fun up until they were turned by the badges. Optimus agrees, and seeing how awkward things have become after their ordeal, the Autobot commander makes a grim choice. Switching the music back on, he walks to the center of the room, clears his throat to get the attention of the other Autobots...and begins to dance. Their good humor restored, the other Autobots happily join in as the ''Ark'' continues on its way, the now-useless badges left adrift in space.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Autobot]] soldiers (2)
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] (6)
*[[Drift (Cyberverse)|Drift]] (7)
*[[Cheetor (Cyberverse)|Cheetor]] (8)
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] (9)
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]] (11)
*[[Prowl (Cyberverse)|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] (13)
*[[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (Cyberverse)|Perceptor]] (17, but see errors)
|c2=
*[[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] (15)

|c4=
*[[Teletraan-X (Cyberverse)|Teletraan-X]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==

"Er, together, we will triumph over, er, I mean, ''enjoy'' this party. It is up to every one of us to do our duty and be... festive. Er, now to the best of your ability, I call upon '''you''' to have fun!" 
(polite, awkward applause)
:— '''Optimus Prime''''s toast. Inspiring speeches to lift spirits, he can do. Celebratory speeches, not so much.

"Well said, Optimus! And behind every great commander there is a fabulous crew, and that's each and every one of you! And now it's time, my friends! Let's party!"
:—'''Grimlock''' pulling Optimus' diodes out of the laser fire.

(noticing the AllSpark emitter badge he's wearing malfunction) "This might not be good."
:—'''Wheeljack''', master of understatement.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The last time Optimus Prime made a Prime log was in "[[The Journey]]"

===Transformers references===
* Wheeljack's clip-on emitters play a similar role to the [[energon star]]s from ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Transformers: Energon]]''.
* The symptoms exhibited by the Autobots strongly resemble those of the [[Hate Plague]] introduced in ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]". Rather than the affected's entire bodies turning red, however, only their optics change, as was the case with the plague's new strand in the ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' episode "[[A Wolf in the Fold]]".
* The idea of Optimus Prime finding it difficult to relax and have fun is something that has seen traction in both the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW comics continuity]] and [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]. It was even hinted at as far back as the Marvel Comics Transformers Universe bios, where [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]'s bio included mention of how as commander there is naturally a barrier between Optimus and the other Autobots, preventing him from ever truly ''befriending'' his soldiers.

===Real-world references===
* Optimus begins the episode by making a Captain's Log, famously done by ''[[Star Trek]]''.
* [[Ratchet]] is seen doing [[Michael Jackson]]'s famous Moonwalk.

===Trivia===
* Having last appeared in "[[The Visitor]]" looking identical to his time as Deadlock, Drift appears here in a new body sporting his [[Drift (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart's]] traditional color scheme. No explanation is offered for the sudden change.
* When Optimus enters the party, there's a banner hung over the entrance written in [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]]. Strangely, it's spells "Judge Menu".

===Animation and technical errors===
* Despite the aforementioned change in Drift's appearance, he appears in his original design during one shot in the final scene.
* Perceptor makes a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo in a crowd shot at the end of the episode. This seemed a bit strange, as he hadn't been seen since the flashback sequences in the first two episodes and no indication was ever made that he came to Earth during the timeskip between seasons; this was confirmed by [[Randolph Heard]] as being, "his friend [[Animation error|Animationerrortron]]".<ref>[https://twitter.com/RandolphHeard/status/1178504002335461378 Randolph Heard on Twitter: "Yeah I think that might be his friend Animationerrortron"]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Une fête mouvementée'''" ("An eventful party")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 13]], [[2019]]

==Home video releases==
*TBA

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW_FeWzt9io "Party Down" on YouTube]

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Grimlock (AOE)

2014-08-27T22:26:37Z

Sifimatt123:

{{factions|autobotfilm|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Grimlock}}

:''Grimlock is a [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] from the [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:AOE Grimlock concept.jpg|thumb|right|400px|When me Grimlock go clubbin' me make sure to pack extra mace just in case.]]
'''Grimlock''' is a [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] with a rather rough n' tough attitude. One of the most powerful warriors alive, his general approach to a problem is to smash it first, worry about the specifics later. This attitudes extends to his [[Autobot]] [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|companions]], who are expected to meet Grimlock's standard of strength. That said, the Autobots have a lot less to fear from this behemoth than the [[Decepticon]]s.

==Fiction==
===''How to Ride your Dinobot'' cartoon===
Grimlock found himself being the guinea pig for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus']] Dinobot-riding lessons. To his irritation, Optimus rudely beckoned him to move forward, and was thus thrown into a barn. Optimus' mood did not improve much, but Grimlock's did, as it was now time for him to ride Optimus. The Autobot leader proved a much more compliant steed, to Grimlock's joy.

{{storylink|How to Ride}}

===''Age of Extinction'' film===

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|right|300px| Me Grimlock no Yoshi! Me Grimlock KING!]]
Grimlock was a prisoner aboard [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]'s ship until the Autobots detached that section and flew it to China, though Optimus did not inform his troops of their presence. When [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s new Decepticons shot down their ship, Optimus went to recruit the Dinobots for their aid. Optimus was nevertheless amazed that the "legend" existed, and freed Grimlock and his men. Optimus explained to Grimlock that the Creators intended to wipe them all out, and urged them to stand with him, or refuse and die. Grimlock immediately challenged Optimus, but despite his immense size and strength, was bested in combat. Grimlock submitted to Optimus' lead, and allowed the Autobot leader to mount him. Grimlock and Optimus led the Dinobot-Autobot charge into Hong Kong, where Grimlock killed many Decepticons with ease.

Grimlock later helped escort the Seed to a safe location, but Lockdown arrived and turned his tractor beam on them. Grimlock and the Dinobots would've been captured once again had Optimus not destroyed the tractor beam with a well-placed shot. Optimus ordered Grimlock and the others to flee while he fought Lockdown. The group subsequently held the line on a nearby bridge until Optimus, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], and their human allies triumphed and killed Lockdown. Optimus granted Grimlock and the Dinobots their freedom, and Grimlock happily departed with his team for parts unknown.
{{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
When Bumblebee and Drift were ambushed titans Lockdown, Grimlock came to help the Autobots. Dinobot forced the enemy to retreat. {{Storylink|Ambushed}} He cleared a passage to Lockdown base. {{Storylink|Extinction}} Together with the Drift distracted by Lockdown troops, while Optimus and Bumblebee made his way to Lockdown. When the enemies were defeated, dinobot ran away to hunt mercenaries fled. {{Storylink|Locked Down}}

{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark}}

==Toys==
===Age of Extinction===
====Robots in Disguise====
{{anchor|Flip&Change}}
[[Image:AoE flip and change Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Optimus Prime's gonna have a hard time trying to mount on Grimlock.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Flip & Change, 2014)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''LA02'''

:Part of the first wave of Flip & Change toys, Grimlock transforms into a robotic horned Tyrannosaurus by way of an [[autotransformation]] gimmick, triggered by holding his tail parts and flipping him over and over himself. The toy was inadvertently sold by some [[Walmart]]s before the official May 17th street date for ''Age of Extinction'' merchandise.

:The Japanese release of Grimlock, called '''Big Grimlock''' to separate it from the One Step Changer, has a primarily silver deco, especially on the dinosaur parts. It also has some other changes like golden teeth and red dino eyes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/FCGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Flip & Change Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|PowerBattler}}
[[Image:AoE Power Battler Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Grimlock's attempt to cosplay as Beast Wars Megatron didn't go as well as he had hoped.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Power Battlers, 2014)
:Power Battlers Grimlock is a simplified version of Grimlock with a more basic transformation and a gimmick featuring his spinning mace.
{{-}}

{{anchor|OneStepChanger}}
[[Image:AoE 1-step Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
*'''Grimlock''' (One Step Changers, 2014)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''LA04'''

:One-Step Changer Grimlock features a one-step autotransformation in both directions from robot to dinosaur, triggered by folding his robot shoulders/dinosaur thighs.

:Like the Flip & Change version, the Japanese release of this toy features more silver than orange.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/OSCGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on One-Step Changer Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|Stomp&Chomp}}
[[Image:AoE stomp and chomp Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I will take your all of your precious money, no matter how silly I look.]]
*'''Electronic Stomp & Chomp Grimlock''' (One Step Changers, 2014)
:Stomp & Chomp Grimlock is a 22" tall figure designed as a centerpiece for the One-Step Changer line, featuring light and sound effects and a one-step autotransformation performed by folding him at the waist. A One-Step Changer, Power Battler, or the included non-transforming Optimus Prime figure can ride him in dinosaur mode, and the toy is able to detect if said rider is Autobot or Decepticon and change its electronics effects accordingly.
{{-}}

{{anchor|DinoSparker}}
[[Image:AoE dino sparker Optimus and Grimlock.jpg|thumb|right|The unexpected return of the [[Beast Rider]]s!|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Grimlock''' (Dino Sparkers, 2014)
:Dino Sparker Grimlock is a static figure cast in translucent plastic, and features a sparking pull-back-and-go motor and a Optimus Prime rider figure.
{{-}}

{{anchor|TitanGuardian}}
[[File:AOEtoy-TitanGuardianGrimlock.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Titan Guardians, 2014)
:Titan Guardian Grimlock is a 16" tall non-transforming action figure with five points of articulation. In [[Australia]], he is exclusive to [[Kmart]] stores.
{{-}}

{{anchor|TitanHeroWeapon}}
[[File:AOEtoy-TitanHeroWeaponGrimlock.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Titan Hero with weapon, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace"
:Grimlock is a 12" tall non-transforming action figure with five points of articulation, and a mace accessory. His assortment has thus far only been sighted as a [[Big W]] exclusive in Australia.
{{-}}

{{anchor|TitanHeroElectronic}}
*'''Grimlock''' (Electronic Titan Hero, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace"
:Grimlock is a 12" tall non-transforming action figure with five points of articulation, a mace accessory, and eight voice clips activated by pressing his Autobot badge. Other than the sound functionality, he is near-identical to the non-electronic Titan Hero Grimlock. Grimlock is a Kmart exclusive in the US and Australia.
{{-}}

====Generations====
=====Legion Class toys=====
{{anchor|LegionClass}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart legion Grimlock.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Legion, 2014)
:Grimlock is a redeco of [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|''Prime'']] ''[[Cyberverse]]'' [[Rippersnapper (Prime)|Rippersnapper]], transforming into a bipedal lizard creature. He can also transform into a leg for the ''Prime'' [[Hun-Gurrr (Prime)#Cyberverse|Hun-Gurrr]] mold to use in its [[combiner]] mode, though this is not advertised anywhere for obvious reasons.

:This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising]]'' [[Cindersaur (Prime)|Cindersaur]], ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' [[Jurara]] and [[Transformers (2014 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2014)]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Legion Class|Grimlock]].

{{-}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart 2-pack scout Grimlock.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Grimlock''' (Legion two-pack, 2014)
**''Accessories'': Sword, pistol

:This time, Grimlock is a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Cruellock]] packaged with a redeco of [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'']] Optimus Prime. He transforms into a dinosaur-monster somewhat reminiscent of the American movie version of [[Godzilla]] and comes with a handgun and a large sword, both of which store in his tail in dino mode. These pieces can combine into a larger weapon that can be used by other Transformers toys. He also comes with an opaque gray [[Energon star|Energon chip]] which could be be attached to most ''Energon''-line toys, but unlike every other release of an Energon toy the chip is glued to his body, concealing that the spark crystal is missing from the construction of this toy.

: This mold was also used to make [[Doom-Lock]].

{{-}}

=====Voyager Class toys=====
{{anchor|Voyager}}
[[File:AOEVoyagerGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|So I picked [[Grimlock (WFC)#Generations|skinny legs]]... you wanna question that decision in front of my face? Thought so. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Lost Age AD-03 Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|right|thumb|''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''Grimlock''' (Voyager, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''M4 / #002'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''AD03'''
**''Japanese release date:'' '''[[May 17|5-17-]][[2014|14]]'''
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction:]] [[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Voyager Class toys, Grimlock transforms into a silver and bronze Tyrannosaurus with [[Articulation|articulated]] horns, and a button-activated, spring-loaded chomping jaw. He comes with a spiked maul that he can ''sorta'' wield via the smaller [[5mm post|5mm handle]] at the top of its haft. The maul's head and handle are two separate pieces, and the weapon can slide onto to his tail to store in dino mode... as a ''really'' long tail extension. Yeah...

:The TakaraTomy version, part of the first wave of ''Lost Age: Movie Advanced'' toys, lacks the silver paint on his dinosaur head, features additional paint on his robot face and legs, and has red dinosaur eyes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Voyager Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|TRUEvolution}}
[[File:AoE now & then Grimlock 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Evolution 2-Pack, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul

:As a Toys R Us exclusive, this pack includes a redecoed ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager Class Grimlock and a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] representing the [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Age of Extinction|Generation One character]].
{{-}}

{{anchor|Target2Pack}}
[[File:AoE Target 2-pack voyager Grimlock.jpg|thumb|300px|One of me Grimlocks are not like the other...]]
*'''Silver Knight Optimus Prime & Grimlock''' (two-pack, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Sword, shield

:A Target exclusive G1-inspired redeco of [[Transformers: Generations|''Transformers: Generations'']] Voyager Class Grimlock and a redeco of the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|''Dark of the Moon'']] Deluxe Class Optimus Prime with extensive use of silver chrome.
{{-}}

{{anchor|Platinum5Pack}}
[[File:AOEtoy-DinobotsUnleashedGrimlock.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Dinobots Unleashed 5-Pack''' (Platinum Edition, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul
:Redecoed from the ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager Class figure, Grimlock sports a ''vaguely'' [[show-accuracy|screen-accurate]] gray color scheme, with heavy use of chrome and transparent plastic. He comes packaged with similarly-themed redecoes of [[Scorn (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Scorn]], [[Slug (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Slug]], [[Strafe (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Strafe]] and [[Slog (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Slog]]
{{-}}

{{anchor|G1ColorVer}}
[[File:MovieAdvancedtoy-GrimlockG1ColorVer.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grimlock G1 Color Ver.''' (Voyager, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul
:Another redeco of the ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager, Grimlock G1 Color Ver. features a [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired deco, and was available to order only when purchasing advance tickets for ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' at [[Lawson]] convenience stores in Japan.
{{-}}

=====Leader Class toys=====
[[File:AOEtoy-GrimlockLeader.jpg|right|thumb|400px|He tore that mace out of a [[Windrazor (Prime)#Beast Hunters|(now-dead) dragon]]'s hands. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Lost Age AD-20 Grimlock.jpg|right|thumb|400px|"...I've had worse." ''(Takara version pictured)'']]
*'''Grimlock''' (Leader, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''M4 / #002'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''AD20'''
**''Japanese release date:'' '''[[July 19|7-19-]]14'''
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace", shield

:Part of the first wave of ''Age of Extinction: Generations'' Leader Class toys, this version of Grimlock transforms into an oddly-elongated, [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed out]], black-and-bronze Tyrannosaurus with an articulated jaw, and ''tiny'' vestigial arms. A large section of his dino mode rear detaches and splits into two accessories: a spiked mace-like weapon formed out of his rather short, pointy tail, which he can wield ''normally'' via 5mm post, as well as a spiky, sawbladed shield formed from the dino mode's hip armor, which can slot onto the dino feet on his forearms.

:He features chrome on several pegs, tabs, slots, and holes, all of which have a nasty tendency to flake.

:The TakaraTomy version is dubbed '''Black Knight Grimlock''', and features a more [[Show-accuracy|screen-accurate]] deco... meaning he's almost entirely silver and grey, but with a bit of bronze.
{{-}}

{{anchor|PlatinumLeaderClass}}
[[File:AOEtoy-PELeaderClassGrimlock.jpg|thumb|400px|We were expecting a giant car.]]
*'''Leader Class Grimlock & Leader Class Optimus Prime''' (Platinum Edition, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace", shield

:This ''Platinum Edition'' two-pack includes a redeco of Leader Class Grimlock. The toy lacks chrome, and instead sports extensive metallic blue and green paint applications, seemingly to evoke the {{w|patina}} seen on the character on-screen.
{{--}}

==Notes==

*[[Transformers Comic issue 5.1|Titan's bio for Grimlock]] says he was given his dino mode "during [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave's]] experiments... which left him low on intellect". Different [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]] there!

[[Category: Age of Extinction Autobots]]
[[Category: Dinobots]]
[[Category: Hall of Fame]]

Grimlock (AOE)

2014-08-27T22:25:00Z

Sifimatt123:

{{factions|autobotfilm|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Grimlock}}

:''Grimlock is a [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] from the [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:AOE Grimlock concept.jpg|thumb|right|400px|When me Grimlock go clubbin' me make sure to pack extra mace just in case.]]
'''Grimlock''' is a [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] with a rather rough n' tough attitude. One of the most powerful warriors alive, his general approach to a problem is to smash it first, worry about the specifics later. This attitudes extends to his [[Autobot]] [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|companions]], who are expected to meet Grimlock's standard of strength. That said, the Autobots have a lot less to fear from this behemoth than the [[Decepticon]]s.

==Fiction==
===''How to Ride your Dinobot'' cartoon===
Grimlock found himself being the guinea pig for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus']] Dinobot-riding lessons. To his irritation, Optimus rudely beckoned him to move forward, and was thus thrown into a barn. Optimus' mood did not improve much, but Grimlock's did, as it was now time for him to ride Optimus. The Autobot leader proved a much more compliant steed, to Grimlock's joy.

{{storylink|How to Ride}}

===''Age of Extinction'' film===

[[File:AOEOptimusRidingGrimlock.jpg|thumb|right|300px| Me Grimlock no Yoshi! Me Grimlock KING!]]
Grimlock was a prisoner aboard [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]'s ship until the Autobots detached that section and flew it to China, though Optimus did not inform his troops of their presence. When [[Galvatron (AOE)|Galvatron]]'s new Decepticons shot down their ship, Optimus went to recruit the Dinobots for their aid. Optimus was nevertheless amazed that the "legend" existed, and freed Grimlock and his men. Optimus explained to Grimlock that the Creators intended to wipe them all out, and urged them to stand with him, or refuse and die. Grimlock immediately challenged Optimus, but despite his immense size and strength, was bested in combat. Grimlock submitted to Optimus' lead, and allowed the Autobot leader to mount him. Grimlock and Optimus led the Dinobot-Autobot charge into Hong Kong, where Grimlock killed many Decepticons with ease.

Grimlock later helped escort the Seed to a safe location, but Lockdown arrived and turned his tractor beam on them. Grimlock and the Dinobots would've been captured once again had Optimus not destroyed the tractor beam with a well-placed shot. Optimus ordered Grimlock and the others to flee while he fought Lockdown. The group subsequently held the line on a nearby bridge until Optimus, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], and their human allies triumphed and killed Lockdown. Optimus granted Grimlock and the Dinobots their freedom, and Grimlock happily departed with his team for parts unknown.
{{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
When Bumblebee and Drift were ambushed titans Lockdown, Grimlock came to help the Autobots. Dinobot forced the enemy to retreat. {{Storylink|Ambushed}} He cleared a passage to Lockdown base. {{Storylink|Extinction}} Together with the Drift distracted by Lockdown troops, while Optimus and Bumblebee made his way to Lockdown. When the enemies were defeated, dinobot ran away to hunt mercenaries fled. {{Storylink|Locked Down}}

{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark}}

==Toys==
===Age of Extinction===
====Robots in Disguise====
{{anchor|Flip&Change}}
[[Image:AoE flip and change Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Optimus Prime's gonna have a hard time trying to mount on Grimlock.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Flip & Change, 2014)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''LA02'''

:Part of the first wave of Flip & Change toys, Grimlock transforms into a robotic horned Tyrannosaurus by way of an [[autotransformation]] gimmick, triggered by holding his tail parts and flipping him over and over himself. The toy was inadvertently sold by some [[Walmart]]s before the official May 17th street date for ''Age of Extinction'' merchandise.

:The Japanese release of Grimlock, called '''Big Grimlock''' to separate it from the One Step Changer, has a primarily silver deco, especially on the dinosaur parts. It also has some other changes like golden teeth and red dino eyes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/FCGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Flip & Change Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|PowerBattler}}
[[Image:AoE Power Battler Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Grimlock's attempt to cosplay as Beast Wars Megatron didn't go as well as he had hoped.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Power Battlers, 2014)
:Power Battlers Grimlock is a simplified version of Grimlock with a more basic transformation and a gimmick featuring his spinning mace.
{{-}}

{{anchor|OneStepChanger}}
[[Image:AoE 1-step Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
*'''Grimlock''' (One Step Changers, 2014)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''LA04'''

:One-Step Changer Grimlock features a one-step autotransformation in both directions from robot to dinosaur, triggered by folding his robot shoulders/dinosaur thighs.

:Like the Flip & Change version, the Japanese release of this toy features more silver than orange.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/OSCGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on One-Step Changer Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|Stomp&Chomp}}
[[Image:AoE stomp and chomp Grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I will take your all of your precious money, no matter how silly I look.]]
*'''Electronic Stomp & Chomp Grimlock''' (One Step Changers, 2014)
:Stomp & Chomp Grimlock is a 22" tall figure designed as a centerpiece for the One-Step Changer line, featuring light and sound effects and a one-step autotransformation performed by folding him at the waist. A One-Step Changer, Power Battler, or the included non-transforming Optimus Prime figure can ride him in dinosaur mode, and the toy is able to detect if said rider is Autobot or Decepticon and change its electronics effects accordingly.
{{-}}

{{anchor|DinoSparker}}
[[Image:AoE dino sparker Optimus and Grimlock.jpg|thumb|right|The unexpected return of the [[Beast Rider]]s!|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Grimlock''' (Dino Sparkers, 2014)
:Dino Sparker Grimlock is a static figure cast in translucent plastic, and features a sparking pull-back-and-go motor and a Optimus Prime rider figure.
{{-}}

{{anchor|TitanGuardian}}
[[File:AOEtoy-TitanGuardianGrimlock.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Titan Guardians, 2014)
:Titan Guardian Grimlock is a 16" tall non-transforming action figure with five points of articulation. In [[Australia]], he is exclusive to [[Kmart]] stores.
{{-}}

{{anchor|TitanHeroWeapon}}
[[File:AOEtoy-TitanHeroWeaponGrimlock.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Titan Hero with weapon, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace"
:Grimlock is a 12" tall non-transforming action figure with five points of articulation, and a mace accessory. His assortment has thus far only been sighted as a [[Big W]] exclusive in Australia.
{{-}}

{{anchor|TitanHeroElectronic}}
*'''Grimlock''' (Electronic Titan Hero, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace"
:Grimlock is a 12" tall non-transforming action figure with five points of articulation, a mace accessory, and eight voice clips activated by pressing his Autobot badge. Other than the sound functionality, he is near-identical to the non-electronic Titan Hero Grimlock. Grimlock is a Kmart exclusive in the US and Australia.
{{-}}

====Generations====
=====Legion Class toys=====
{{anchor|LegionClass}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart legion Grimlock.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Legion, 2014)
:Grimlock is a redeco of [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|''Prime'']] ''[[Cyberverse]]'' [[Rippersnapper (Prime)|Rippersnapper]], transforming into a bipedal lizard creature. He can also transform into a leg for the ''Prime'' [[Hun-Gurrr (Prime)#Cyberverse|Hun-Gurrr]] mold to use in its [[combiner]] mode, though this is not advertised anywhere for obvious reasons.

:This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising]]'' [[Cindersaur (Prime)|Cindersaur]], ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' [[Jurara]] and [[Transformers (2014 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2014)]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Legion Class|Grimlock]].

{{-}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart 2-pack scout Grimlock.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Grimlock''' (Legion two-pack, 2014)
**''Accessories'': Sword, pistol

:This time, Grimlock is a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Cruellock]] packaged with a redeco of [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'']] Optimus Prime. He transforms into a dinosaur-monster somewhat reminiscent of the American movie version of [[Godzilla]] and comes with a handgun and a large sword, both of which store in his tail in dino mode. These pieces can combine into a larger weapon that can be used by other Transformers toys. He also comes with an opaque gray [[Energon star|Energon chip]] which could be be attached to most ''Energon''-line toys, but unlike every other release of an Energon toy the chip is glued to his body, concealing that the spark crystal is missing from the construction of this toy.

: This mold was also used to make [[Doom-Lock]].

{{-}}

=====Voyager Class toys=====
{{anchor|Voyager}}
[[File:AOEVoyagerGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|So I picked [[Grimlock (WFC)#Generations|skinny legs]]... you wanna question that decision in front of my face? Thought so. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Lost Age AD-03 Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|right|thumb|''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''Grimlock''' (Voyager, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''M4 / #002'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''AD03'''
**''Japanese release date:'' '''[[May 17|5-17-]][[2014|14]]'''
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction:]] [[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Voyager Class toys, Grimlock transforms into a silver and bronze Tyrannosaurus with [[Articulation|articulated]] horns, and a button-activated, spring-loaded chomping jaw. He comes with a spiked maul that he can ''sorta'' wield via the smaller [[5mm post|5mm handle]] at the top of its haft. The maul's head and handle are two separate pieces, and the weapon can slide onto to his tail to store in dino mode... as a ''really'' long tail extension. Yeah...

:The TakaraTomy version, part of the first wave of ''Lost Age: Movie Advanced'' toys, lacks the silver paint on his dinosaur head, features additional paint on his robot face and legs, and has red dinosaur eyes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Voyager Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|TRUEvolution}}
[[File:AoE now & then Grimlock 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Evolution 2-Pack, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul

:As a Toys R Us exclusive, this pack includes a redecoed ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager Class Grimlock and a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] representing the [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Age of Extinction|Generation One character]].
{{-}}

{{anchor|Target2Pack}}
[[File:AoE Target 2-pack voyager Grimlock.jpg|thumb|300px|One of me, Grimlocks are not like the other...]]
*'''Silver Knight Optimus Prime & Grimlock''' (two-pack, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Sword, shield

:A Target exclusive G1-inspired redeco of [[Transformers: Generations|''Transformers: Generations'']] Voyager Class Grimlock and a redeco of the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|''Dark of the Moon'']] Deluxe Class Optimus Prime with extensive use of silver chrome.
{{-}}

{{anchor|Platinum5Pack}}
[[File:AOEtoy-DinobotsUnleashedGrimlock.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Dinobots Unleashed 5-Pack''' (Platinum Edition, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul
:Redecoed from the ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager Class figure, Grimlock sports a ''vaguely'' [[show-accuracy|screen-accurate]] gray color scheme, with heavy use of chrome and transparent plastic. He comes packaged with similarly-themed redecoes of [[Scorn (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Scorn]], [[Slug (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Slug]], [[Strafe (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Strafe]] and [[Slog (AOE)#Platinum5Pack|Slog]]
{{-}}

{{anchor|G1ColorVer}}
[[File:MovieAdvancedtoy-GrimlockG1ColorVer.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grimlock G1 Color Ver.''' (Voyager, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece spiked maul
:Another redeco of the ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager, Grimlock G1 Color Ver. features a [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired deco, and was available to order only when purchasing advance tickets for ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' at [[Lawson]] convenience stores in Japan.
{{-}}

=====Leader Class toys=====
[[File:AOEtoy-GrimlockLeader.jpg|right|thumb|400px|He tore that mace out of a [[Windrazor (Prime)#Beast Hunters|(now-dead) dragon]]'s hands. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Lost Age AD-20 Grimlock.jpg|right|thumb|400px|"...I've had worse." ''(Takara version pictured)'']]
*'''Grimlock''' (Leader, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''M4 / #002'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''AD20'''
**''Japanese release date:'' '''[[July 19|7-19-]]14'''
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace", shield

:Part of the first wave of ''Age of Extinction: Generations'' Leader Class toys, this version of Grimlock transforms into an oddly-elongated, [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed out]], black-and-bronze Tyrannosaurus with an articulated jaw, and ''tiny'' vestigial arms. A large section of his dino mode rear detaches and splits into two accessories: a spiked mace-like weapon formed out of his rather short, pointy tail, which he can wield ''normally'' via 5mm post, as well as a spiky, sawbladed shield formed from the dino mode's hip armor, which can slot onto the dino feet on his forearms.

:He features chrome on several pegs, tabs, slots, and holes, all of which have a nasty tendency to flake.

:The TakaraTomy version is dubbed '''Black Knight Grimlock''', and features a more [[Show-accuracy|screen-accurate]] deco... meaning he's almost entirely silver and grey, but with a bit of bronze.
{{-}}

{{anchor|PlatinumLeaderClass}}
[[File:AOEtoy-PELeaderClassGrimlock.jpg|thumb|400px|We were expecting a giant car.]]
*'''Leader Class Grimlock & Leader Class Optimus Prime''' (Platinum Edition, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' "Dragontooth Mace", shield

:This ''Platinum Edition'' two-pack includes a redeco of Leader Class Grimlock. The toy lacks chrome, and instead sports extensive metallic blue and green paint applications, seemingly to evoke the {{w|patina}} seen on the character on-screen.
{{--}}

==Notes==

*[[Transformers Comic issue 5.1|Titan's bio for Grimlock]] says he was given his dino mode "during [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave's]] experiments... which left him low on intellect". Different [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]] there!

[[Category: Age of Extinction Autobots]]
[[Category: Dinobots]]
[[Category: Hall of Fame]]

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)

2012-10-15T23:35:52Z

Sifimatt123:

{{Template:Nav-foc}}
{{videogame
|prev=Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)
|title=''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''
|image=Fall of Cybertron PC cover.jpg‎
|caption=Reminds you of ''Gears of War'', don't it?
|developer=[[High Moon Studios]] (console), [[Mercenary Technologies]] (PC)
|publisher=[[Activision Blizzard|Activision]]
|date=[[August 21]], [[2012]]
|platform=PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 PC
|ratings=ESRB: T PEGI: 12
}}
'''''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''''' is a direct sequel to the 2010 game ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)| War for Cybertron]]'' that was released on [[August 21]], [[2012]]. Published by [[Activision Blizzard|Activision]] and developed by [[High Moon Studios]] (with the PC version being handled by [[Mercenary Technologies]]), the game is a continuation of the events of ''War for Cybertron'', It explores the [[Autobot]]s' attempts to escape from a rapidly deteriorating [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', as well as the gradual downfall and collapse of the remnants of Cybertronian society. A side story also focuses on the creation of the [[Dinobot (Prime)| Dinobots]].

==Synopsis==
===Chapter I: The Exodus===
:''Character: [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]''

The [[Ark (WFC)|Ark]] heads off to the portal which will take them to [[Earth]]. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] invades the ship using the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', sending [[Decepticon]]s over directly to the bridge of the Ark, forcing Bumblebee, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] to fight off the aggressors. With more Decepticons swarming the engine room, Optimus heads off to help, leaving Bumblebee to protect the bridge. The artillery cannons are taken offline and the ship blows a [[moleculon fuse|fuse]]. Ratchet sends Bumblebee off to fix it, and after braving nearly being sucked into space, the scout soon replaces the fuse and ascending up a lift to the defense tower. He witnesses Autobots being overrun by a [[Titan (FOC)|Titan]] and then on another level, [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]], [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] and [[Rumble (Prime)|Rumble]] attacking. He reaches the defense mainframe and rushes the Decepticon manning it, reactivating the Ark's guns. The tower is hit by a claw that knocks him down a shaft. With his alternator jarred back into gear, Bumblebee transforms and races through an outer area, avoiding explosions, Decepticon tow cables and large chunks of rubble. He passes [[Bruticus (Prime)|Bruticus]] having a [[Brawl (WFC)|brawl]] and bringing an [[Onslaught (WFC)|onslaught]] of destruction. He makes it to a stronghold, restocking on ammo, energon and weapons. He fights his way through a few waves of Decepticons, making his way to the engine room, where Prime and Megatron are doing battle. He pushes through enemy lines, with the help of two Titans, and makes his way to the engine room. There he finds Optimus and Megatron engaging in a fierce melee battle on the hull of the ship, and just as Megatron fires a huge cannon at Optimus, Bumblebee throws himself forwards, taking the shot meant for Prime. As Bumblebee falls, Optimus lifts his body...

===Chapter II: Defend the Ark===
:''Character: Optimus Prime''
Six days earlier, the Autobots are preparing the last transport for launch. [[Ironhide (Prime)|Ironhide]] reports the energon reserves are aboard, and Perceptor is overseeing city shutdown, only for the news to come that the Decepticons have invaded the city. Optimus tries to contact [[Grimlock (Prime)|Grimlock]], as it's his sector the Decepticons have invaded, but gets no answer. As Prime moves to head out, a [[Warp Cannon]] crashes to the ground nearby and targets the Ark. Optimus heads through the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] ruins and enters Autobot City through a side door to find the Autobots trying to get the city stable without the absent Grimlock. After helping Ratchet stabilize a badly-injured [[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]], Prime sends [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] to find where Grimlock's disappeared to. At the armory, [[Warpath (WFC)|Warpath]] reports that [[Perceptor (Prime)|Perceptor]] and others are trapped in a nerve center, so he and Optimus fight their way there. After fighting off a horde of Decepticons, they unseal the [[detpak]] from the nerve center door. Sending Warpath back to the Ark, Optimus goes in to meet with Perceptor, who's struggling to get the city working again so they can fight off the Decepticons. He sends Prime to activate an old artillery gun using energon from the Ark, and Prime soon puts the weapon to good use taking out Decepticons. With news that the Warp Cannons are firing on the Ark, Optimus heads to the engine room, but as he moves towards the flight deck, the corridors restructure around him. Decepticons, including [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]], have invaded the area, and Optimus finds many bodies, but heads for the neutron cannon. After fighting his way through more Decepticons, he brings the neutron gun online, but again the targeting is out. Optimus takes manual control and helps defend the Ark refueling station from a number of Decepticon tanks. When the cannon runs out of energon, Optimus heads back inside the city and is guided by a mysterious intelligence to the city's core where he pulls a lever... and the entire city transforms into [[Metroplex (FOC)|Metroplex]].

===Chapter III: Metroplex Heeds the Call===
:''Character: Optimus Prime''
Optimus and Metroplex head for the Iacon ruins where the Warp Cannons are located. Once they find the first Warp Cannon, Metroplex laboriously synchronizes his targeting systems with Optimus and together they take out the first cannon. Moving on, Prime helps the survivors of a crashed Autobot ship and finds Warpath in a huge plaza. With the second Warp Cannon shelling them, they head into a building and manage to get close enough to the cannon for Optimus to mark it for destruction by Metroplex. That done, Optimus heads down more corridors and is confronted by three Leapers, which Metroplex handily takes out by putting a fist through the wall. After fighting his way across a huge bridge, Prime gets close enough to the last Warp Cannon to mark it, only for it to take out Metroplex first. With no other choice, Optimus makes his way to the base of the cannon and forces open a door, only to be blasted by Starscream, bashed by Brawl and Onslaught, and dragged in front of Megatron. While Starscream gloats at his victory over Prime, Megatron simply blasts his Air Commander before killing an Autobot in front of the bound Prime. Luckily it turns out Metroplex is back online, and he rips the roof off Megatron's throne room before smashing Megatron into the ground repeatedly with his fist. Starscream pronounces Megatron dead, himself leader and orders the Decepticons back to base. The day is won, but unfortunately all the Autobots' energon is exhausted and they need to find more. Prime believes Grimlock may hold the key, and says Jazz and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] are tracking down their missing comrade.

===Chapter IV: Eye of the Storm===
:''Character: Cliffjumper''
[[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] drops Jazz and Cliffjumper off over the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]] in the middle of a rust storm to look for Grimlock. In a ruined base, they find a crashed ship which they recognize as one that was stolen by Grimlock from the base. They soon spot Decepticons moving around and sneak inside the base. As they stealthily make their way through, they overhear some Decepticons discussing [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] and his "pets". Using a garbage conveyor, Cliffjumper finds himself in an ancient tomb where guardians are roaming around, scanning for Autobots. Jazz reports the rust storm is increasing in intensity outside. Cliffjumper finds a huge domed room and activates a starmap that shows him an image of [[Earth]]. Continuing through the tomb, Cliffjumper finds more Decepticons, plus sword marks and a trail of destruction he recognizes as Grimlock's work. Eventually he reaches outside again and spots Jazz, but a collapse cuts them off from each other. Cliff hunts through the storm and finds Jazz, freeing his companion from some fallen debris. They soon find more devastation and Jazz detects a faint Autobot distress signal which Cliffjumper tracks to a huge pit, just as the Decepticons seal it. Luckily the two Autobots find a huge bomb they use to blow the pit open and, leaving Cliffjumper behind, Jazz leaps in.

===Chapter V: Cut and Run===
:''Character: Jazz''
Jazz reaches the bottom of the pit and quickly finds [[Sludge (FOC)|Sludge]] in [[stasis lock]]. The audio he plays back from Sludge's memory is not promising. The meaning of the green pods Jazz spots is clear when he finds himself under attack by the [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] horde. He blasts a tank which releases a toxic green gas, and he has to race to escape in time. Escaping the pit, he seals it and pair continue to look for the source of the distress signal. They stumble on a huge lake filled with energon which the Decepticons are mining. They fight their way across the moat to the Decepticon facility where Cliffjumper promptly manages to trip an alarm. Jazz utilizes a network of service tunnels, but creeping down one of them, he falls through a grating and is ambushed. Naturally he fights the Decepticons off and even helps out Cliffjumper who's pinned down by Wall Crawlers and other Decepticons. The pair rendezvous at the other side of the moat and head inside the tower. Within, they find Insecticons in tubes and a map pointing to Earth's solar system. Intriguing! Further in, they find Shockwave arguing with Starscream via hologram. Cliffjumper fails to creep up on Shockwave, who sets a bunch of Insecticons on them before leaving. While Jazz keeps the Insecticons busy, Cliffjumper diverts toxic waste into the refinery to make it overload. The refinery starts to melt down and the pair book out, getting picked up by Sideswipe just in time. Jazz contacts Optimus with the news there's a lake of energon ripe for the taking. The Autobots begin preparing a massive energon transport to take the energon to the Ark.

===Chapter VI: Death from Above===
:''Character: Vortex''
The Decepticons get wind of the Autobot plan, and as the transport heads back with a load of energon, Starscream tasks the [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticon]]s with intercepting it and leading it to an ambush. [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] and [[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] are sent to clear a short-cut so Brawl can take a dropship and destroy a bridge. They fly through an ancient Autobot city. The pair run into Autobots though, and Blast Off ends up racing ahead, leaving Vortex to fight them. They eventually reach the bridge, but when Brawl shells it, they find it's shielded. Vortex deactivates the shielding, allowing Brawl to take out the side supports. The central support is a little trickier, and Brawl has to blow a hole in it so Vortex can get in to find the shield controls. After fighting more Autobots, including a Titan, Vortex uses a detpak on the central support and races out as the bridge collapses.

===Chapter VII: Belly of the Beast===
:''Character: Swindle''
Starscream springs his ambush on the transport, but the transport's defenses blast them. Onslaught exasperatedly sends [[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] under the transport to try to stop it. Swindle takes out the rear wheels and heads to the front, using his grapple to avoid the deadly acid pools, and takes out the front wheels. This unleashes a pair of titans which he has to destroy. However just as victory looks certain, the transport's wheels convert into jets. As the transport takes to the air, Swindle grapples on board.

===Chapter VIII: Combaticons Combine!===
:''Character: Swindle/Bruticus''
Within the transport, Swindle begins heading through the transport, aiming to take out the anti-aircraft defenses so the other Combaticons can come over in their drop ship. He blows a hole in an exterior wall and starts making his way along the side of the transport. Starscream announces he's calling off the assault, but is corrected by Onslaught, who still believes they can pull it off. Swindle finds the anti-aircraft cannons can be destroyed by simply shooting the shells being fed into them, so he does that, then moves around to the other side of the ship. Unfortunately the Autobots are wise to what the Decepticons are doing and destroy the controls for the shell feed shields so Swindle can't deactivate them. Onslaught brings the drop ship around, and Swindle hops on. Once he uses the top turret to destroy the last gun emplacement, the Combaticons merge into [[Bruticus (Prime)|Bruticus]] and start breaking things. He smashes through the transports turbine and break into the control room where the Combaticons split and make swift work of the Autobots. Unfortunately though they have the transport in their control, it's badly damaged and going down, and they can do little more than try to control its course as it crashes. Starscream's unimpressed that they managed to destroy half the energon supply in the crash, and when Onslaught talks back, pointing that the Autobots would have gotten all of it if they did nothing and everything going wrong was a result of Starscream's incompetence, Starscream orders the Combaticons arrested.

===Chapter IX: Megatron Returns===
:''Character: [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]/Megatron''
In his [[Soundwave's workshop|old workshop]] under the gladiator pits, Soundwave powers up the assembly systems so he can put Megatron's salvaged body back together. With the help of his minions, he manages to get Megatron back in one piece and uses an infusion of [[Dark Energon]] to bring his master back to life. Megatron's enraged by the news Starscream is in charge and, grabbing his cannon, heads out to confront his former lieutenant. He arrives, naturally, in the middle of Starscream's coronation. Starscream sets the assembled Decepticons onto their former leader, but as Megatron points out, he was practically forged in these arenas. Once he finishes with the many, many Decepticons, he blasts Starscream who flees. Onslaught offers to chase them down, but Megatron doesn't consider him a threat and has other plans. As the Decepticons move a huge statue of him into pride of place, Megatron meets with Shockwave who has deciphered the ancient technology to open wormholes and located a suitably energy rich planet for them to plunder. Megatron boards a drop ship and heads for the crater where [[Trypticon (Prime)|Trypticon]] crashed with the intention of recovering the giant Decepticon's power core. Unfortunately his drop ship is shot down on the way.

===Chapter X: The Final Countdown===
:''Character: Megatron''
Jumping clear of the ship, Megatron notes that the Autobots have installed anti-aircraft defenses. Once the Decepticons assault the facility and take it over, Soundwave detects a power source nearby—the Autobots are using Trypticon's power core as an energy source. Furious, Megatron goes to investigate and takes out the defenses surrounding the main compound before calling in Bruticus to clear a path. The Combiner makes short work of the remaining Autobots and holds the massive doors open so Megatron can enter. After emptying the main compound of Autobots, he enters the main building where some Autobots are reporting to Optimus. Megatron slags them and makes it clear he blames Optimus for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s depleted state. The Autobots redouble their attempts to keep Megatron away, but as he gets closer to Trypticon, he realizes that the Autobots haven't removed the power core—Trypticon is still functional. Fighting through more Autobot defenses, including a titan, Megatron gets to Trypticon's legs and finds they've been bound. A few shots of Megatron's cannon frees them. Trypticon's torso is similarly easy to find, with a little help from Laserbeak. Once Megatron breaks Trypticon's bonds, Soundwave arrives and hacks the computer while Megatron smashes the Autobots attacking them. Trypticon, however, is still badly damaged. Megatron informs Trypticon that he failed to destroy the Autobots and will be rebuilt into a new form—the ''Nemesis''.

===Chapter XI: Starscream's Betrayal===
:''Characters: Decepticon trooper/Starscream/Grimlock''
As the Nemesis nears launch, the Decepticons are roused by an alarm as someone tries to hack Shockwave's data logs. A trooper is sent to check the main server. As the two troopers enter the server, they discuss Starscream, only for Starscream himself to decloak and flatten them. He checks the data logs and finds that Shockwave's latest experiment is in the central tower. He uses EMP detpaks to take out the security towers providing the defenses, which takes out the [[force field]]s protecting the maintenance shafts. Flying inside, he finds Shockwave experimenting on Grimlock with [[Hardshell]] and [[Sharpshot]]. Once they leave, Starscream drops into the lab and informs Grimlock he'll be set free if he pledges allegiance to the Air Commander. Grimlock's responds that he can free himself and throws Starscream into a wall before going to look for [[Swoop (Prime)|Swoop]]. He finds Swoop, only to be confronted by a hologram of Shockwave, who has predicted this move. After destroying all the Decepticons who come, he solves the problem of freeing Swoop by smashing things and the pair look for the rest of their team. They find more of Shockwave's experiments—Insecticons in tubes—and Swoop remembers where [[Slug]] is. Unfortunately Hardshell is waiting for them with some artillery, and Grimlock has to throw fuel pods at him until the ship's destroyed. Grimlock holds the Insecticon up to the optical scanner so they can progress. When they reach the surgical lab, it's totally trashed and there's a big hole in the floor. Grimlock and Swoop jump in.

===Chapter XII: Grimlock Smash===
:''Character: Grimlock/Swoop''
Beneath the lab, the ground gives way under Grimlock, dropping him into a tunnel, and he decides they'll split up to find Slug. He soon finds the area is infested with Insecticons. Shockwave's voice rings out, telling Grimlock that he has yet to fulfill his full potential and transform, and [[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] has volunteered to help. The Insecticon taunts Grimlock and unleashes a huge "bruiser" Insecticon to fight him. When Grimlock is angry enough, he finally changes form into a space ''T-rex''. Kickback decides discretion is the better part of not being slagged, but before he can escape, the door crashes down on him as Slug enters. Slug relates the news that Sludge didn't make it out of the caves, and [[Snarl (Prime)|Snarl]]'s been taken by Shockwave for "extensive testing". As they step outside where Swoop is waiting, they see Shockwave's [[space bridge]] tower firing up. They soon track down Snarl being guarded by Sharpshot and squash his captor. Searching for a place to take shelter and patch up Snarl, they find an observatory and Slug discovers Shockwave's plans to open a space bridge portal. They contact Prime orders Grimlock to return to base, but Grimlock insists on taking the space bridge himself. With Swoop's help, he flies to the tower and fights his way though more Decepticons until he finds Shockwave working. As he goes to hit Shockwave, he's seized by energy chains, while Shockwave reports to Megatron that all is ready. Grimlock switches to dino mode to break free and rip Shockwave's arm off before bashing the space bridge which explodes. Back in Autobot City, the Autobots note that Megatron's portal is becoming unstable and decide they must urgently launch. Metroplex offers whatever spark energy he has left, which allows the Autobots to launch the Ark, at the cost of Metroplex's life.

===Chapter XIII: Till All Are One===
:''Characters: Soundwave/Jetfire/Bruticus/Jazz/Optimus/Megatron''
The ''Nemesis'' draws close to the ''Ark'' as it nears the portal. Megatron orders Soundwave to lead the first wave of the assault. Soundwave rides a tow cable over and, with the help of Rumble and Laserbeak, neutralizes the Ark's cannons. The Decepticons begin their assault en-mass. [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]] flies outside and severs the tow cables, but even though he's successful, Bruticus flies right past him and lands on the hull of the ''Ark''. After smashing his way through the Autobot defenses, he busts the ship's main energon tank. Jetfire raises the alarm, and Jazz responds. He tries grappling onto Bruticus and shooting the giant in the face, but with the help of Jetfire and an EMP mine, the Autobots hit Bruticus with a series of air strikes, sending him flying off into space. Elsewhere, Bumblebee jumps in the path of Megatron's shot, saving Optimus. Enraged, Optimus punches Megatron across the hull and they face off once again. Their fight is eventually interrupted by the unstable space bridge portal sucking them and both starships in before closing.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus_Prime_(Prime)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] ([[Troy Baker]])
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Ironhide (Prime)|Ironhide]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] ([[Nolan North]])
*[[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]] ([[Troy Baker]])
*[[Grimlock (Prime)|Grimlock]] ([[Gregg Berger]])
*[[Swoop (Prime)|Swoop]] ([[Mark Allan Stewart]])
*[[Slug]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Sludge (FOC)|Sludge]]
*[[Snarl (Prime)|Snarl]] ([[Sam Riegel]])
*[[Warpath (WFC)|Warpath]] ([[Jamieson Price]])
*[[Perceptor (Prime)|Perceptor]] ([[Jim Ward]])
*[[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Air Raid (WFC)|Air Raid]]
*[[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Metroplex (FOC)|Metroplex]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Zeta Prime]]
*[[Scattershot (WFC)|Scattershot]]
*[[Hound (Prime)|Hound]] <ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/26/play-transformers-fall-of-cybertron-multiplayer-on-july-31 Transformers: Fall of Cybertron - G1 Optimus Vignette]</ref>
*[[Ultra Magnus (Prime)|Ultra Magnus]] <ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/transformers-video-game-discussion/27314578d1345329191-full-game-being-played-live-right-now-um.jpg]</ref>
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] ([[Sam Riegel]])
*[[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] ([[Dave Boat]])
*[[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] ([[Keith Silverstein]])
*[[Brawl (WFC)|Brawl]] ([[Nolan North]])
*[[Bruticus (Prime)|Bruticus]] ([[Nolan North]])
*[[Trypticon (Prime)|Trypticon]]
*[[Sharpshot]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] ([[Troy Baker]])
*[[Hardshell]]
*[[Rumble (Prime)|Rumble]] ([[Keith Silverstein]])
*[[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]]
*[[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Leaper]]
*[[Guardian (FOC)|Guardian]]
*[[Wall Crawler]]<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/20/clever-devils-the-enemies-and-ai-of-fall-of-cybertron.aspx The AI of War for Cybertron]]</ref>
*[[Dragstrip]]
*[[Quake (FOC)|Quake]] <ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/transformers-video-game-discussion/27312924d1344389064-fall-cybertron-quake.png</ref>
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]
*[[Dead End (Prime)|Dead End]]
*[[Demolishor (WFC)|Demolisher]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Quotes==
"All we want is to leave!" 
"No one leaves without ''my'' permission!" 
"''I wasn't asking''." 
:—What '''Optimus Prime''' thought would be the last time he would have to tell '''Megatron''' how it was.

"Cliffjumper, you catch any of that?" 
"You mean the screaming, the horror, followed by more screaming?" 
"Uh, yeah, that'd be it."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Cliffjumper''' discuss what they heard from Sludge's memory core.

"Always tinkering, aren't you, Shockwave? Must be quite the test!" 
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing Shockwave and the Insecticons discuss experiments on Grimlock.

"Nothing feels right... Hard to think."
:—'''Grimlock''', shortly after breaking free.

"I remember you, Grimlock. Do you remember me? Me? Me?" 
"''Kickback''..."
:—'''Kickback''' taunts '''Grimlock''' to provoke him into transforming.

'''Kickback''': Time for me to take my leave! 
''[Slug knocks the door down on Kickback]'' 
'''Slug''': Excuse me.
:—[[The Transformers: The Movie|Never gets old]], '''Slug'''.

"You're weak, Optimus. You run when you should fight!"
:—'''Grimlock''' gives Optimus a piece of his mind.

"After eons of conflict, I finally see the truth of your words, Megatron." 
"And what might that be, Optimus?" 
''[Megatron swings his sword, only for Optimus to stop his strike]'' 
"This universe, no matter how vast, will never be big enough for the both of us." 
''[Optimus punches Megatron across the Ark]'' 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tells '''Megatron''' that he's done holding back.

==Gameplay==
Like ''War for Cybertron'', this game is an over-the-shoulder first-person shooter. The player has access to a range of weapons split between light and heavy and can carry one of each class at a time. As one would expect from a ''Transformers'' game, the player character can also transform to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] which provides more maneuverability and in some cases the power of flight. Whereas in the previous game, characters had two abilities that were charged up by shooting opponents, each character now has "dash" and a unique ability that works on a time recharge. Abilities include Vortex's shockwave, Cliffjumper's cloaking, and Optimus Prime's ability to order a missile strike.

While ''War for Cybertron'' had three-bot teams in each campaign level, with the user playing as their choice of the three, ''Fall of Cybertron'' instead follows a single character at a time, though the character often teams up with other NPCs. This allows levels to be tailored to the player character's special abilities, such as Jazz's level having plenty of places to use his grapple, and Megatron's levels having places which are only reachable by hovering. The player will sometimes also automatically switch between characters as the narrative demands.

''Fall of Cybertron'' introduces an upgrade mechanic. The player collects energon from defeated opponents which they can use at [[Teletraan-1]] machines scattered throughout the levels to buy character upgrades, T.E.C.H. items such as [[C.L.U.T.C.H.]] drones, and weapon upgrades. Upgrades carry over between characters, so Megatron gets the benefit of upgrades purchased by Optimus Prime. Collecting the blueprints hidden in each level unlocks more upgrades or weapons. Also hidden throughout the levels are audio logs, recordings left by various characters which give extra information or insight into an aspect of the game world.

Grimlock's sections alter the game mechanics substantially. He has no ranged attack, relying on melee with his sword. Rather than gaining currency from defeating Decepticons, their deaths fill his "rage meter", eventually allowing him to transform to his dino mode that lets him use his [[fire-breath]] and jaws to wreak more havoc. Similarly, Bruticus behaves like a melee brawler, fighting with a mix of weaponry like Vortex's propellers, a flamethrower, and the [[Sonic Pain Wave]].

===Multiplayer===
Fall of Cybertron follows War for Cybertron's tradition in having a fleshed-out, online multiplayer mode. The general idea is the same, but quite a number of gameplay elements have been added, removed, or altered. For example, vehicle mode abilities have been removed, but every character has the ability to dash. Weapons are also exclusive to each class and can't be wielded by other players.

Players can create custom characters to participate in the regular multiplayer mode. Customization options are greatly expanded from the previous game: Individual heads, bodies/[[Alternate mode|alt-modes]], shoulders, arms, legs, and wheels can be selected, all based on existing character models. The color palette is also expanded, and players can alter the shininess of characters and choose from three different voices per faction.

Characters level up by performing well in battle. Completing challenges will also yield experience points. Class weapons and abilities become unlocked by reaching certain levels. Reaching level 25 in every class unlocks "Prime Mode," which resets all experience points and challenges and gives the player a cool spinny icon next to his or her name. Reaching level 25 for all classes in Prime Mode grants the player the "elite" heads. They all sport classy crowns.

Finally, [[Energon|Energon Shards]] can be gained along with experience points and can be spent on custom body parts and decals.

;Classes
The four classes return, with some alterations:
*[[Infiltrator (FOC)|Infiltrators]] - Cars. Fast, with an emphasis on stealth. Replaces the [[Scout (WFC)|Scout]] class.
*[[Destroyer (FOC)|Destroyers]] - Trucks. Mixture of defensive and offensive abilities, with emphasis on explosions. Replaces the [[Leader (WFC)|Leader]] class.
*[[Titan (FOC)|Titans]] - Tanks. Huge health and defense, heavy weapons. Replaces the [[Soldier (WFC)|Soldier]] class.
*[[Scientist (WFC)|Scientists]] - Jets. Great speed, no armor, emphasis on healing and buffer abilities.

;Playlists
*Team Death Match - [[Fred Tatasciore|''ELIMINATE THE ENEMY TEAM!'']] 40 points to win.
*Conquest - Control the three nodes to gain points. 400 points to win.
*Headhunter - Grab opponent's [[Spark|sparks]] and take them to the nodes. 30 points to win.
*Capture the Flag - Get the enemy flag and bring it to your base. Protect your own flag.

;Teletraan 1
The signature Autobot computer here lets the player sift through global player rankings and see the challenges he or she has completed. Prime Mode is also activated through this menu.

;Escalation

{{gamestub}}

==Transformers references==
Aside from the obvious G1 inspired character designs, the game has some references to previous iterations of Transformers, a number of them from [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and [[The Transformers: The Movie|the 1986 movie]].

* Soundwave does a short impression of a light fixture.
* Jazz and Cliffjumper are paired together, just as they were in the film and in the episode [[Starscream's Brigade]].
* Cliffjumper finds an inscription on a tank in the Sea of Rust that says "IX-XVII-MCMLXXXIV," or the date that "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" first aired.
* During his coronation, Starscream is wearing the same crown his [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]] wore in the movie, and the dialogue he has with Megatron during the scene is almost word for word as well. The crown can be found in Starscream's level and worn for its duration.
* When Megatron is done killing off soldiers under Starscream's command, Starscream calls Megatron a [[Pretender to the Throne!|pretender to the throne]]
* When Kickback runs to the door, Slug pushes it from outside and the door falls, smashing Kickback to the ground and when Slug sees Kickback under the door, he says "Excuse me!". This is a straight homage to the scene where [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] pushes the door and it smashes the [[Quintesson]] prosecutor.
* A secret room can be found in Grimlock's level containing his waiter outfit from "[[Madman's Paradise]]"; upon finding it, Grimlock utters his famous movie quote, "Me Grimlock no bozo, me king."
* After defeating a group of Insecticons, Slug says that Grimlock tore through them like they were "[[beryllium baloney]]", but Grimlock says "[[cesium salami]]", mirroring the scene where their Generation 1 counterparts argue on [[Quintessa]].
* In an audio log left by [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]], the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'' is described as [[Vanguard-class Deep Space Interceptor]], a term which originated in [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]].
* The five [[Dinobot (Prime)|Dinobot]]s are originally grouped together as the "[[Lightning Strike Coalition]]", the name of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s breakaway Autobot faction in "[[Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages]]".
* The [[Path Blaster]] is named for the [[Pathblaster]] from "[[Time Wars]]". One of its modifications is named for Generation 1 episode "[[The Gambler]]" and involves the use of [[Destronium]], a substance introduced in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]''.
* The [[Riot Cannon]]'s "Planet Buster" modification is likewise named after the [[Planet Buster]] that appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon.
* The [[neutron assault rifle]]'s special modification is the "P.O.K.E. Beta"—not the first [[Punch of Kill Everything]] reference in the game series.
* One of the corrosive slime cannon's modifications for multiplayer is the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] Disperser.
* Other weapon modifications available include [[tachyon transmitter]], [[fireblast]], [[turbo booster]]s, [[transwarp]] ballistics, and [[R-infinity accelerator|R-Infinity]] finders.
* Bruticus's special attack is the [[Sonic Pain Wave]], one of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (franchise)| Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]]'s weapons.
* Teletraan 1 can't identify who belongs to what fraction, referencing the first episode of G1 where Teletraan 1 repairs and reformats the Decepticons as well as the Autobots.

As part of the expanding [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]], ''Fall of Cybertron'' also incorporates thematic and visual references to the ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' novel and the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' television series:
* Bumblebee's voice circuits/vocal processor having been damaged prior to the story's beginning, essentially rendering him mute.
* Optimus Prime's [[Path Blaster|rifle]] design, which was described by [[High Moon Studios]] as being an earlier version of the rifles Optimus uses in the ''Prime'' television series.
* Optimus being referred to as having been a librarian named Orion Pax and Megatron having been a gladiator from Kaon named Megatronus.
* Cliffjumper's head design and Megatron's reformatted/rebuilt body design.
* Dark Energon's power to revive the dead is an aspect from the ''Prime'' television series that was not seen in the previous game, ''War For Cybertron''.
* Trypticon being reformatted into the ''Nemesis''.
* The discovery that there were [[Ancient]]s who had traveled to other planets, particularly Earth.
* One of the weapons is called an [[Energon Harvester]].

==PC version notes==

Initially, developer High Moon Studios commented (as late as [[BotCon 2012]] on the end of April of that year) that there would not be a Windows PC version of ''Fall for Cybertron'' due to their own lack of experience with the PC platform and the criticism the PC version of ''War for Cybertron'' had received. However, shortly before the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2012 in early June, publisher Activision announced a PC version of the game, to be developed by [[Mercenary Technologies]], a new studio formed by "veterans of the industry".

The PC version of ''Fall of Cybertron'' improves upon the console versions of ''Fall'' (and indeed the PC version of ''War for Cybertron'') by featuring higher quality graphics, higher resolution textures, runs at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second (versus 30 frames for the console version). Unfortunately, as is standard in most console game ports, the graphical settings are lacking and the controls cannot be reset/rebound.

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersgame.com/ Official Website]
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/10/06/november-cover-revealed-transformers-fall-of-cybertron.aspx November cover revealed: Fall of Cybertron] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/07/transformers-high-moon-studios-tour.aspx Transformers: High Moon Studio tour] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/10/fall-of-cybertron-the-new-optimus-prime.aspx Fall of Cybertron: The New Optimus Prime] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/transformers_fall_of_cybertron/b/xbox360/archive/2011/10/14/grimlock-rises-in-transformers-fall-of-cybertron-teaser-trailer.aspx Grimlock Rises In Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Teaser Trailer] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/12/behind-the-crosshairs-the-weapons-of-transformers.aspx Behind the Crosshairs: The Weapons of Transformers] @ GameInformer
*[http://youtu.be/Tn4ECyCExeg Fall of Cybertron Teaser 01] @ YouTube
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/13/the-illustrated-tour-of-cybertron.aspx The Illustrated Tour of Cybertron] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/17/directing-transformers-fall-of-cybertron.aspx The Story And Direction Of Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/19/animating-the-transformers.aspx Animating The Transformers] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/20/clever-devils-the-enemies-and-ai-of-fall-of-cybertron.aspx The Enemies & AI Of Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/21/transformers-resurrecting-the-dinobots.aspx Transformers: Resurrecting The Dinobots] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/24/fall-of-cybertron-deep-character-dive-jazz.aspx Fall Of Cybertron Deep Character Dive: Jazz] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/26/the-transformers-timeline.aspx The Transformers Timeline] @ Game Informer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/26/true-to-character-transformer-fall-of-cybertron.aspx True To Form: Safeguarding The Transformers License] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/28/creating-the-sounds-of-the-transformers.aspx Creating The Soundscape Of Transformers] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/10/31/larger-than-life-designing-transformer-s-set-piece-moments.aspx Larger Than Life: Designing Fall of Cybertron's Set Piece Moments] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/11/02/transformers-fall-of-cybertron-gameplay-roundtable.aspx Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Gameplay Roundtable] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/podcasts/archive/2011/11/03/tfse.aspx Special Edition Podcast: Transformers: Fall of Cybertron] @ GameInformer
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVsINYfFG5Q Fall of Cybertron Cinematic Teaser Trailer] @ YouTube
*[http://www.spike.com/events/video-game-awards-2011/world-premiere-trailers/ul8dqy Fall of Cybertron Cinematic Trailer] @ Spike TV ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3E358n7pcI Mirrored] @ YouTube)
*[http://www.gamespot.com/transformers-fall-of-cybertron/videos/transformers-fall-of-cybertron-official-trailer-6368583/ Fall of Cybertron Official Gameplay Trailer] @ Gamespot

==Footnotes==

{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fall of Cybertron}}
[[Category:Aligned video games]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron]]

Devcon (DOTM)

2011-10-09T18:31:11Z

Sifimatt123: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{noname-nickname}}

[[Image:Clovercon.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Approximately seven hours ago, some... thing attacked the city. I don't know what it is. If you found this tape, I mean if you're watching this right now, then you probably know more about it than I do.]]

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

Despite being a quadruped, the '''long-legged Decepticon''' is still a formidable foe to tangle with, towering over many other Cybertronians.

==Fiction==
===''Dark of the Moon'' film===

The long-legged Decepticon had been stationed on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] until [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] activated a [[space bridge]] to Earth. Heeding the call of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], he joined the Decepticon beachhead in [[Washington, D.C.]]. During the invasion of [[Chicago]], he (or another Decepticon much like him) participated in the initial strike and contributed to the mayhem. During the Autobot's attack on this Decepticon stronghold, he was one of the many Decepticons who fired upon the retreating Autobots. When the tide began to turn in the Autobot's favor, however, the behemoth met his end as he tried to hold a bridge. The [[Wrecker]]s shot him in the head multiple times, presumably killing him. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The long-legged Decepticon bears more than a passing resemblance to the monster in the film ''[[wikipedia: Cloverfield|Cloverfield]]'', with elongated, double-jointed forelegs, short back legs, and a pair of under-slung appendages. The first teasers for ''Cloverfield'' were screened during the release of the first ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' film. [[Leo Spitz]] also possessed a ''Cloverfield'' poster in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|second film]].
* The long-legged Decepticon never transforms in the movie, but from his overall design it appears that he transforms into some kind of military vehicle.
* A large decepticon who seems to turn in to a long military vechicle and has two long cannons? Reminds you of [[Onslaught (G1)|anyone?]]
[[Category:Live-action-only characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Nameless nickname]]

Devcon (DOTM)

2011-10-09T18:30:42Z

Sifimatt123: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{noname-nickname}}

[[Image:Clovercon.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Approximately seven hours ago, some... thing attacked the city. I don't know what it is. If you found this tape, I mean if you're watching this right now, then you probably know more about it than I do.]]

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

Despite being a quadruped, the '''long-legged Decepticon''' is still a formidable foe to tangle with, towering over many other Cybertronians.

==Fiction==
===''Dark of the Moon'' film===

The long-legged Decepticon had been stationed on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] until [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] activated a [[space bridge]] to Earth. Heeding the call of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], he joined the Decepticon beachhead in [[Washington, D.C.]]. During the invasion of [[Chicago]], he (or another Decepticon much like him) participated in the initial strike and contributed to the mayhem. During the Autobot's attack on this Decepticon stronghold, he was one of the many Decepticons who fired upon the retreating Autobots. When the tide began to turn in the Autobot's favor, however, the behemoth met his end as he tried to hold a bridge. The [[Wrecker]]s shot him in the head multiple times, presumably killing him. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The long-legged Decepticon bears more than a passing resemblance to the monster in the film ''[[wikipedia: Cloverfield|Cloverfield]]'', with elongated, double-jointed forelegs, short back legs, and a pair of under-slung appendages. The first teasers for ''Cloverfield'' were screened during the release of the first ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' film. [[Leo Spitz]] also possessed a ''Cloverfield'' poster in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|second film]].
* The long-legged Decepticon never transforms in the movie, but from his overall design it appears that he transforms into some kind of military vehicle.
* A large Decepticon who seems to turn in to a large military vechicle and has two long cannons? Reminds you of [[Onslaught (G1)|anyone?]]
[[Category:Live-action-only characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Nameless nickname]]

Dark of the Moon (video games)

2011-07-30T19:25:52Z

Sifimatt123: /* Characters */

{{Nav-dotm-game}}
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' was published on various platforms by [[Activision Blizzard|Activision]] on [[June 14]], [[2011]]. Following the success of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'', [[High Moon Studios]] developed the Xbox 360/PS3 versions, while [[Behaviour Interactive]] worked on the Wii and handheld games. The story takes place before the movie, and gameplay utilizes [[Stealth Force]].

==Versions==
*[[Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|Xbox 360/Playstation 3 game]]
:The standard version of the game developed by High Moon Studios, and the one most publicized, was made available for two out of three of the main consoles. Unlike previous ''Transformers'' games, there is no Windows PC version.

*[[Dark of the Moon (Wii/3DS)|Wii/3DS game]]
:The Wii and 3DS versions, titled ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Stealth Force Edition'', were handled by Behaviour Interactive, and were developed as vehicle combat games with no ability to transform.

*[[Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS games]]
:Also developed by Behaviour Interactive. Just like the previous games, the DS version is available in Autobot and Decepticon incarnations.

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]]<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/-news/video-games-17/new-transformers-dark-of-the-moon-video-game-images-and-information-171958/ New Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Video Game Images And Information]</ref> ([[Dave Wittenberg]])
*[[Aerialbot (ROTF)|Aerialbots]]
*[[Air Raid (Movie)|Air Raid]] ([[Rick Wasserman]])
*[[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] ([[Christian Lanz]])
*[[Silverbolt (ROTF)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Stratosphere]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Warpath (Movie)|Warpath]] ([[Dave Fennoy]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] ([[Jamie Alcroft]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] ([[Dave Boat]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]
*[[Combaticon Warrior |Combaticon Warrior]]
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Hatchet]]
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Retailer pre-order exclusives==
*All retailers: The Nintendo DS Autobot and Decepticon versions came with [[Speed Stars]] Stealth Force [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] respectively. The Wii version came with a Stealth Force [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#Mini Changers|Mini Changers Bumblebee]] toy.
*Amazon.com: [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] multiplayer skin for [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MXP600?ie=UTF8&tag=tralivactmovb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004MXP600 Xbox 360] and [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MXQX66?ie=UTF8&tag=tralivactmovb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004MXQX66 Sony Playstation 3], as well as $10USD credit on Amazon.com.
*Best Buy: Free movie ticket upgrade to 3D.
*Gamestop: [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] multiplayer skin for [http://www.gamestop.com/xbox-360/games/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/90280 Xbox 360] and [http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/games/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/90281 Sony Playstation 3].
*Sears/[[Kmart]]: Limited edition ''Dark of the Moon'' comic book.
*[[Target]]: Different Bumblebee skin Nintendo 3DS.
*[[Toys"R"Us]]: Different Bumblebee skin for DS Autobots and different Lockdown skin for DS Decepticons.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersgame.com/ Website]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WojGd2_wrCg&feature=player_embedded Gamespot trailer]
*[http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/165127-preview-of-activisions-transformers-dark-of-the-moon-video-game Superhero Hype! preview]

[[Category:Dark of the Moon media]]
[[Category:Video games]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2011-07-16T17:26:54Z

Sifimatt123: /* Errors */

{{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|We will kill them all.|<s>Michael Bay</s> Optimus Prime|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] struck a secret deal with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Leaving the planet with groundbreaking [[space bridge]] technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', he was planning to meet up with Megatron. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the 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. Together 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.

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, which brings more Decepticon troops that had remained hidden under the moon's surface to Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

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 him getting 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. While attempting to flee, Carly's car turns out to be a disguise for [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly would die. To ensure that Sam would not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, which 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 abourd their spaeship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, 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 had been jettisoned before Starscream had destroyed the ''Xantium''.

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 proceeds 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.

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who had 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, she makes him realize that he would 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. 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 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, whom he still has feelings for. 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.

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

'''Simmons''': Don't worry, I speak their language. <Doorman opens sliding hatch> Do svidaniya. 
'''Doorman''': 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.

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

"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. For I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to the universe: We are here. We are home."
:—'''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]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] type 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)

|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!
* Megatron states that he went to Earth to meet [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinal Prime]] before they both were delayed by fate, ignoring the plot in the 1st movie when Megatron went to Earth not to meet Sentinel, but to find the Allspark.
* 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.

==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.) As of July 14, 2011, ''Dark of the Moon'' has earned $281 million domestically, and over $705 million worldwide.<ref name="bomdotm">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers3.htm ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''] at Box Office Mojo.</ref>

==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>

==== US military ====
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>

==== 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 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. Graffitis 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> 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. The only one who still seems to have the same converting arm cannon as in the previous two movies is Bumblebee.

* [[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)

2011-07-13T08:07:12Z

Sifimatt123: /* Errors */

{{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|We will kill them all.|<s>Michael Bay</s> Optimus Prime|Transformers: Dark of the Moon}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==
{{spoiler|Dark of the Moon (film)|July 29, 2011}}

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] struck a secret deal with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Leaving the planet with groundbreaking [[space bridge]] technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', he was planning to meet up with Megatron. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the 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. Together 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 Brooks-Spencer|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.

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, which brings more Decepticon troops that had remained hidden under the moon's surface to Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

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 him getting 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. While attempting to flee, Carly's car turns out to be a disguise for [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly would die. To ensure that Sam would not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, which 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 abourd their spaeship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, 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 had been jettisoned before Starscream had destroyed the ''Xantium''.

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 proceeds 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.

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who had 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, she makes him realize that he would never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle, attacks Sentinel Prime and saves Optimus. 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, but Optimus ignores his plea and splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's 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, whom he still has feelings for. 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.

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

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

'''Simmons''': Don't worry, I speak their language. <doorman opens sliding hatch> Do svidaniya. 
'''Doorman''': 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.

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

"I'm gonna kick you!"
:—'''Starscream''' attempts to threaten Sam.

"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. For I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to the universe: We are here. We are home."
:—'''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]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Igor (DOTM)|Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Superfund Decepticon]]
*[[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 Brooks-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)

|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?
* Megatron states that he went to Earth to meet [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinal Prime]] before they both were delayed by fate, ignoring the plot in the 1st movie when Megatron went to Earth not to meet Sentinel, but to find the Allspark.
* 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.
* 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!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The movie never shows any boosters detaching, and Starscream blows up the ship after it had barely taken off the ground.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes before arriving in Chicago. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* 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.

==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 in a tune like based on the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* 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.

==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> As of July 10, 2011, ''Dark of the Moon'' has earned $261 million domestically, and over $645 million worldwide.<ref name="bomdotm">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers3.htm ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''] a Box Office Mojo.</ref>

==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 Brooks-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>

==== US military ====
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>

==== 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.

=== 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 Brooks-Spencer|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 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. Graffitis 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 (DOTM)|Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

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

* 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>

=== Leaks and disinformation===
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 official plot "summaries" 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>

Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes SLS AMG given to [[Carly Brooks-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 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.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in [[Transformers (2007)|''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)

[[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)

2011-07-11T02:46:17Z

Sifimatt123: /* Errors */

{{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|We will kill them all.|<s>Michael Bay</s> Optimus Prime|Transformers: Dark of the Moon}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==
{{spoiler|Dark of the Moon (film)|July 29, 2011}}

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] struck a secret deal with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Leaving the planet with groundbreaking [[space bridge]] technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', he was planning to meet up with Megatron. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the 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. Together 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 Brooks-Spencer|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.

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, which brings more Decepticon troops that had remained hidden under the moon's surface to Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

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 him getting 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. While attempting to flee, Carly's car turns out to be a disguise for [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly would die. To ensure that Sam would not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, which 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 abourd their spaeship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, 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 had been jettisoned before Starscream had destroyed the ''Xantium''.

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 proceeds 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 destroys the space bridge's control pillar.

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly, who had 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. Appealing to his pride, she makes him realize that he would never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle, attacks Sentinel Prime and saves Optimus. 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, but Optimus ignores his plea and splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's 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, whom he still has feelings for. Mearing responds by having him arrested.

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

'''Simmons''': Don't worry, I speak their language. <doorman opens sliding hatch> Do svidaniya. 
'''Doorman''': 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.

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

"You see, Autobots, we were never going to win the war. A deal had to be made....''with Megatron''."
:-'''Sentinel Prime''', before his betrayal. Never going to win the war, eh?

"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. For I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to the universe: We are here. We are home."
:—'''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]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Igor (DOTM)|Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Superfund Decepticon]]
*[[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 Brooks-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)

|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 Pripyat, and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city.
* 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. But hey, at least it's the right color!
* 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.
* 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.
* 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!
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.
* Megatron states that he went to Earth to meet [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinal Prime]] before they both were delayed by fate, ignoring the plot in the 1st movie when Megatron went to Earth not to meet Sentinel, but to find the Allspark.

==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 plays a tune like the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* 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.

* Starscream yelling "My eye! My eye!" after Sam injured him with one of [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que's]] inventions is reminiscent of his [[Starscream (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]] yelling "My foot!" after having it squeezed in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

==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.

==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> As of July 8, 2011, ''Dark of the Moon'' has earned over $228 million domestically, and over $525 million worldwide.<ref name="bomdotm">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers3.htm ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''] a Box Office Mojo.</ref>

==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 Brooks-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>

==== US military ====
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>

==== 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 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.

=== 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 Brooks-Spencer|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 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.

* 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 (DOTM)|Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>

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

* 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>

=== Leaks and disinformation===
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 official plot "summaries" 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>

Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes SLS AMG given to [[Carly Brooks-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 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.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in [[Transformers (2007)|''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.



===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)

[[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)

2011-07-07T21:43:32Z

Sifimatt123: /* Main cast */

{{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.'' 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|We will kill them all.|<s>Michael Bay</s> Optimus Prime|Transformers: Dark of the Moon}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==

==Quotes==
"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]]

"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. For I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to the universe: We are here. We are home."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[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]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[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]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Igor (DOTM)|Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Superfund Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Brooks-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)
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)

|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.
* 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.
* Sam is supposedly living in Washington, DC, but skyscrapers appear in background shots outside his loft. That city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, DC almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts.
* In the Highway Scene, Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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!

==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 plays a tune like the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* 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.

* Part of the scene of the car-chase battle in Washington DC is "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from the 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', another film by Michael Bay.<ref>[http://www.nationalturk.com/en/has-michael-bay-used-old-clips-for-transformers-3-12737 Michael Bay : Used old clips for Transformers 3 ?]</ref><ref>[http://www.thehdroom.com/news/Michael-Bay-Borrows-The-Island-Footage-for-Transformers-3/9147 Michael Bay Borrows The Island Footage for Transformers 3 | TheHDRoom]</ref> Bay admitted, stating it was nothing wrong for the energy saving and carbon reduction.<ref>[http://www.nownews.com/2011/07/04/11490-2725129.htm#ixzz1R8XViUkj Recycling Old Footage for ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' Gets Busted by Internet Users Michael Bay: I Did It For the Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction. at NOWNEWS (Traditional Chinese)]</ref>

==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> As of July 5, 2011, ''Dark of the Moon'' has earned over $194 million domestically, and $454 million worldwide.<ref name="bomdotm">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers3.htm ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''] a Box Office Mojo.</ref>

Rodger Ebert gave the film one out of four stars, criticizing the acting, effects, and pretty much everything to go with that. Ain't it Cool News on the other hand gave the film a good review, stating it was the best of the [[Michael Bay|Michael Bay]] established franchise.

The fans of the series are generally divided, giving the film mixed reviews.

==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 as her replacement.<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 Brooks-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 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>

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> 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>

==== US military ====
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>

==== 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 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.

=== 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 Brooks-Spencer|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 an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is serious 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]].

* [[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.

* 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 (Movie)|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 (ROTF)|Soundwave's]] new vehicular design and "Colossus" for the [[Driller]].<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>

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

* 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>

=== Leaks and disinformation===
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 official plot "summaries" 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>

Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes SLS AMG given to [[Carly Brooks-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 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.


===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'''''

==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)

[[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)

2011-07-07T21:34:16Z

Sifimatt123: /* Main cast */

{{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.'' 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|We will kill them all.|<s>Michael Bay</s> Optimus Prime|Transformers: Dark of the Moon}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==

==Quotes==
"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]]

"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. For I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to the universe: We are here. We are home."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[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]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[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]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Igor (DOTM)|Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Superfund Decepticon]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]

|h3=[[Human]]
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Brooks-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)
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)

|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.
* 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.
* Sam is supposedly living in Washington, DC, but skyscrapers appear in background shots outside his loft. That city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, DC almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts.
* In the Highway Scene, Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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!

==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 plays a tune like the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* 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.

* Part of the scene of the car-chase battle in Washington DC is "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from the 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', another film by Michael Bay.<ref>[http://www.nationalturk.com/en/has-michael-bay-used-old-clips-for-transformers-3-12737 Michael Bay : Used old clips for Transformers 3 ?]</ref><ref>[http://www.thehdroom.com/news/Michael-Bay-Borrows-The-Island-Footage-for-Transformers-3/9147 Michael Bay Borrows The Island Footage for Transformers 3 | TheHDRoom]</ref> Bay admitted, stating it was nothing wrong for the energy saving and carbon reduction.<ref>[http://www.nownews.com/2011/07/04/11490-2725129.htm#ixzz1R8XViUkj Recycling Old Footage for ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' Gets Busted by Internet Users Michael Bay: I Did It For the Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction. at NOWNEWS (Traditional Chinese)]</ref>

==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> As of July 5, 2011, ''Dark of the Moon'' has earned over $194 million domestically, and $454 million worldwide.<ref name="bomdotm">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers3.htm ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''] a Box Office Mojo.</ref>

Rodger Ebert gave the film one out of four stars, criticizing the acting, effects, and pretty much everything to go with that. Ain't it Cool News on the other hand gave the film a good review, stating it was the best of the [[Michael Bay|Michael Bay]] established franchise.

The fans of the series are generally divided, giving the film mixed reviews.

==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 as her replacement.<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 Brooks-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 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>

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> 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>

==== US military ====
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>

==== 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 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.

=== 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 Brooks-Spencer|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 an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is serious 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]].

* [[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.

* 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 (Movie)|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 (ROTF)|Soundwave's]] new vehicular design and "Colossus" for the [[Driller]].<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>

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

* 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>

=== Leaks and disinformation===
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 official plot "summaries" 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>

Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes SLS AMG given to [[Carly Brooks-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 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.


===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'''''

==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)

[[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)

2011-07-07T21:32:41Z

Sifimatt123: /* Main cast */

{{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.'' 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|We will kill them all.|<s>Michael Bay</s> Optimus Prime|Transformers: Dark of the Moon}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==

==Quotes==
"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]]

"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. For I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to the universe: We are here. We are home."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[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]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[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]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]]
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Igor (DOTM)|Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Superfund Decepticon]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]
|h3=[[Human]]
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Brooks-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)
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)

|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.
* 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.
* Sam is supposedly living in Washington, DC, but skyscrapers appear in background shots outside his loft. That city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, DC almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts.
* In the Highway Scene, Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force.
* 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!

==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 plays a tune like the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* 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.

* Part of the scene of the car-chase battle in Washington DC is "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from the 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', another film by Michael Bay.<ref>[http://www.nationalturk.com/en/has-michael-bay-used-old-clips-for-transformers-3-12737 Michael Bay : Used old clips for Transformers 3 ?]</ref><ref>[http://www.thehdroom.com/news/Michael-Bay-Borrows-The-Island-Footage-for-Transformers-3/9147 Michael Bay Borrows The Island Footage for Transformers 3 | TheHDRoom]</ref> Bay admitted, stating it was nothing wrong for the energy saving and carbon reduction.<ref>[http://www.nownews.com/2011/07/04/11490-2725129.htm#ixzz1R8XViUkj Recycling Old Footage for ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' Gets Busted by Internet Users Michael Bay: I Did It For the Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction. at NOWNEWS (Traditional Chinese)]</ref>

==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> As of July 5, 2011, ''Dark of the Moon'' has earned over $194 million domestically, and $454 million worldwide.<ref name="bomdotm">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers3.htm ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''] a Box Office Mojo.</ref>

Rodger Ebert gave the film one out of four stars, criticizing the acting, effects, and pretty much everything to go with that. Ain't it Cool News on the other hand gave the film a good review, stating it was the best of the [[Michael Bay|Michael Bay]] established franchise.

The fans of the series are generally divided, giving the film mixed reviews.

==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 as her replacement.<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 Brooks-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 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>

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> 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>

==== US military ====
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>

==== 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 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.

=== 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 Brooks-Spencer|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 an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is serious 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]].

* [[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.

* 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 (Movie)|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 (ROTF)|Soundwave's]] new vehicular design and "Colossus" for the [[Driller]].<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>

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

* 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>

=== Leaks and disinformation===
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 official plot "summaries" 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>

Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes SLS AMG given to [[Carly Brooks-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 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.


===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'''''

==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)

[[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 (Xbox 360/PS3)

2011-07-05T01:46:17Z

Sifimatt123: /* Characters */

{{Nav-dotm-game}}

'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Game''''' was released on [[June 14]] [[2011]] for Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms. The game is a prequel to the film ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''. Unlike ''[[Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game]]'' and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' will feature a single campaign mode, rather than separate Autobot and Decepticon campaigns. The game features a multiplayer mode with gameplay very similar to ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)| War for Cybertron]]''. The game was developed by [[High Moon Studios]], fresh off the success of that game.

==Plot==

===Chapter One===
Three years after the events of Revenge of the Fallen, humanity believes the Decepticons have fled Earth. However, Optimus Prime knows better and is constantly searching for Megatron and his forces. Bumblebee is sent to upload a virus into Soundwave's network system so that the Autobots can track down all remaining Decepticons on Earth. Bumblebee succeeds but is discovered by a Decepticon party who flee in an attempt to alert their leader Megatron. Bumblebee tracks the Decepticons down to a small village where he destroys all the devices trying to contact Megatron. Waves of Decepticons land in the city hoping to destroy him, but Optimus and Sideswipe show up and help Bumblebee fight off the attackers.

===Chapter Two===
The Decepticons attack the city of Detroit and Ratchet is ordered to help civilians evacuate while Ironhide goes off to wipe out the attackers in the city. Ironhide makes his way into the city's main construction zone where he receives transmission that Ratchet has been captured by Mixmaster. Ironhide battles his way to find Mixmaster who has knocked out and injured Ratchet. Ironhide's normal weapons are not strong enough to pierce Mixmaster's shields, so he uses his "Heavy Iron" ability to cause a large metal platform to land on Mixmaster trapping him underground. Realizing that Mixmaster would probably try to escape them, Ratchet reveals he placed a tracker on the Decepticon when he was captured. Ironhide continues his search for Mixmaster and receives the "Heavy Iron 2.0" upgrade from Wheeljack which can destroy Mixmaster's shields. Mixmaster is powerless against Ironhide's new weapon, defeated, and is killed by a fatal headshot from Ironhide.

===Chapter Three===
Sideswipe is captured by Decepticon forces and Mirage is sent to find him. Along the way, Starscream tries to destroy Mirage with proximity mines and grabs the Autobot and throws him through a bridge into a deep ravine down below, believing he has killed the Autobot. Mirage's internal systems have been extensively damaged disabling his weapons and transformation system. He is only able to use his Active Camoflauge to sneak past patrols of Decepticons. He discovers the entrance to an ancient Mayan temple which has Decepticon markings all over it suggesting the Mayans built their temples on top of Decepticon technology. The NEST team sends weapons and repairs for Mirage deep within the jungle where he eventually meets up with Bumblebee. The two Autobots make their way through the ruins and battle a Decepticon Enforcer on top of a temple. After dispatching of the enemy, the two discover Sideswipe and hold off enemy forces until NEST reinforcements are able to arrive to help ward off the attack. The trio of Autobots make their way deeper into the ruins where Starscream is trying to launch a Decepticon device into space. The Autobots are unable to prevent the launch and Starscream retreats.

===Chapter Four===
Soundwave lands on earth and takes on an alternate form of a SUV. He discovers NEST has a secret facility hidden in a volcano. Soundwave fights his wave through the jungle and into the volcano. He arrives at the entrance of the NEST base and is unable to enter, so he send Laserbeak to sneak inside. Laserbeak goes throughout the base scanning information regarding the human coverup of the Lunar Landing and activates the front doors for Soundwave to enter. Soundwave is seemingly caught in a laser grid prison but even so, the Decepticon is able to destroy all forces coming in to capture him. Soundwave discovers and destroys all 3 Volcanic Stabilizer devices and the Coolant system and escapes the base and volcano before it explodes.

===Chapter Five===
The Decepticons learn that Autobots are about to transport their new MechTech weapons system to Optimus Prime and Starscream goes off the retrieve it. Starscream chases Air Raid through a canyon only to discover the Aerialbots are escaping onboard Stratosphere with the MechTech systems onboard. Starscream is able to injure Stratosphere, forcing the Aerialbots to deploy and try to destroy Starscream. However, he proves to be too strong for them and continues to shoot down all of Stratosphere's engines. Starscream boards the large Autobot and takes some of the MechTech weapons before using the rest to destroy Stratosphere from the inside.

===Chapter Six===
Starscream returns to Megatron hoping to please his master with news that they can use the Autobots' technology against them. Megatron, however, is furious as he knows the Autobots have placed tracking devices in all their weapons leading them to Megatron's lair where he has been recuperating. Megatron rallies his Decepticon forces to hold off the Autobot attack while he makes his way through the tunnels to Shockwave's cryochamber. Megatron scans a truck rig and gains a new transformation form to travel quicker through the tunnels. As he nears Shockwave's chamber, he encounters Warpath who Megatron easily finishes off. Megatron disables the intense cryo system that has kept Shockwave frozen for so many year and waits for his assassin to awake. Optimus arrives intending to stop Megatron from finishing his plan and activates an energon shield that Megatron cannot penetrate. Soundwave informs Megatron that the spray from the cryo generators can weaken the shields. Megatron destroys the generators in the room until the shields on Optimus completely wear off. He knocks Optimus down a large hole in the ground and escapes.

===Chapter Seven===
Optimus awakens at the bottom of the cryo chamber to discover what Megatron has been after this whole time: to awaken his best soldier, Shockwave. Optimus knowing how powerful Shockwave truly is tries to find a way to reactivate the cryo system, but the Deception assassin has already been thawing too long and reawakens. Optimus and Shockwave battle and he discovers Shockwave's weakness are the energy cells on his back which power his hand blaster cannon. After dealing enough damage to Shockwave, the assassin retreats to the throne he was frozen on only for it to be revealed as Shockwave's pet, the Driller. The Driller tries to destroy Optimus with its tentacles but Optimus is able to disable them with his shoulder-mounted rockets. The Driller seems to retreat in defeat and Shockwave remains to try to finish off Optimus. Waves of Autobots land from above to help their leader in destroying Shockwave. Just as Optimus is about to deal the final blow to kill Shockwave, the Driller reappears and protects its master from the attack. It then retreats into the tunnels with its master.

===Chapter Eight===
The Autobots have won this battle but know the war with the Decepticons still wages on. Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream and Shockwave meet in South Africa where Megatron tells Shockwave to head to Chernobyl to search for a certain ancient Cybertronian artifact. Megatron gloats that "Operation Pillar" is underway and that the Autobots and humans have no idea what is in store for them, setting up the events of the 3rd movie.

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] ([[Dave Wittenberg]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (Fred Tatasciore) <ref>Amazon.com preorder Multiplayer exclusive, Downloadable content character</ref>
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]]) <ref>GameStop preorder Multiplayer exclusive, Downloadable content character</ref>
*[[Aerialbot (ROTF)|Aerialbots]]
**[[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] ([[Christian Lanz]])
**[[Air Raid (Movie)|Air Raid]] ([[Rick Wasserman]])
**[[Silverbolt (ROTF)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Stratosphere]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Warpath (Movie)|Warpath]] ([[Dave Fennoy]])
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (Fred Tatasciore)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] ([[Dave Boat]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Hatchet]]
|c3=
*[[Reynolds]] ([[Nolan North]])
|nonumbering=true
}}

<ref>[http://www.trueachievements.com/TRANSFORMERS-3-xbox-360.htm TRANSFORMERS 3 Achievements & Guides]</ref>

===Multiplayer===
This broad option is where you will be spending most of your hours after you beat Shockwave. Here, players can create their own Cybertronian combatant and pit them against the multitude of online [[Fandom|transfans]] and [[Coby|12-year-olds]] that will more than likely slaughter you. Custom characters can be leveled up by killing dudes in matches, with specific bonuses being given for specific actions. As they level up, more abilities become available.

;Characters
Characters are created from four different bases, each of which feature different weapons, abilities and alternate forms. They are:
*[[Scout (DOTM)|Scout]] - Cars. Fast, usually cloakers.
**Bumblebee Chassis (Autobot)
**Mirage Chassis (Autobot)
**Sideswipe Chassis (Autobot, Gamestop pre-order bonus)
**Enforcer Chassis (Decepticon)
*[[Hunter (DOTM)|Hunter]] - Jets. Also fast, usually medics and buffers.
**Breakaway Chassis (Autobot)
**Starscream Chassis (Decepticon)
*[[Commander (DOTM)|Commander]] - Trucks. Balanced, with emphasis on defense and ally-aid.
**Optimus Prime Chasis (Autobot)
**Ratchet Chassis (Autobot, Amazon.com pre-order bonus, campaign completion bonus)
**Ironhide Chassis (Autobot)
**Soundwave Chassis (Decepticon)
**Megatron Chassis (Decepticon)
*[[Warrior (DOTM)|Warrior]] - Tanks. Slow and powerful, with offensive abilities.
**Warpath Chassis (Autobot)
**Megatron Tank (Decepticon)
**Shockwave (Decepticon, campaign completion bonus)

Initially, players are only able to create one of each class, but as they level up, more slots open for a maximum of three of each class. Names can be chosen for each, but don't get too excited about making the [[Fanon|Transformer you always dreamed of]]: bodies are limited to about three options per faction and look exactly like characters from single-player (for example, the Autobot Scout category lets you choose from Bumblebee, Sideswipe, or Mirage). And while you can pick your color scheme, the palettes are rather limited, especially for Decepticons. Unlocking additional characters will also make their chassis available for customizing.

;Playlists
Choosing a playlist will automatically send you into a lobby, where the service will do its best to form balanced teams (I.E., you hopefully won't see a team of level 20 commanders fighting one level zero Scout). The service will also select a random [[Map (WFC)|stage]], which players can veto. Finally, when the game begins, combatants select their character. If your scientist gets butchered too many times, you can pick a different character at any time during the match, and you will switch to it upon dying. Players also cannot pick a faction; the game does it automatically. Weapons can only be picked up from defeated enemies; ammo caches, overshields and energon are scattered throughout the stages.

Playlists include:
*'''Team deathmatch''': Kill 40 opponents to win. Games can range from four to sixteen players.
*'''Deathmatch''': Kill 20 opponents to win. It's a free-for-all.
*'''Conquest''': Capture and defend several "power nodes" until your team gets 400 points.

Players can also set up private matches, where the game options and maps can be adjusted as you see fit, but they are invite-only. Hopefully, you've got a lot of online friends!

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersgame.com/ Official Website]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WojGd2_wrCg&feature=player_embedded Gamespot trailer]

[[Category:Dark of the Moon media]]
[[Category:Video games]]

2011-05-08T18:23:18Z

Sifimatt123: /* Errors */

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Foundation]]'' #3
|prev=Foundation issue 2
|next=Foundation issue 4
|image=Foundation3coverA.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 27]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=
|writer=[[John Barber]]
|art=[[Andrew Griffith]]
|colors=[[Priscilla Tramontano]]
|letters=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|cover=[[Brian Rood]] Andrew Griffith
|continuity=[[Live-action film series]]
}}

'''Optimus Prime has reached his goal: the gates of Megatron's citadel. Prime has only one thing in mind and he won't let anything slow him down... Megatron's death is all that matters.'''

==Synopsis==
{{issuestub}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (6)
*[[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] (8)
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] (14)
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] (15)
*[[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] (16)
*[[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]] (19)
*Guy next to Smokescreen (20)
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] (21)
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (22)
*[[Cosmos (Movie)|Cosmos]] (23)
*Big curvy guy (24)
*[[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] (25)
*[[Wingblade]] (26)
*[[Strongarm (Movie)|Strongarm]] (27)
*[[Deadguy]] (28)
*[[Crosshairs (Movie)|Crosshairs]] (29)
*[[Cannonfodder]] (30)
*[[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] (31)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] (9)
*[[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]] (10)
*[[Ramjet (Movie)|Ramjet]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] (13)
*[[The Fallen|"Relic"]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==

==Errors==
Soundwave appears to look like a protoform version of his robot mode in the Dark of the Moon movie, ignoring the robot mode he had in the Revenge of the Fallen toys, comics, and game (since we never really saw his robot mode in the movie)

==Notes==
*With this issue, ''Foundation'' catches up to the previous comic that it has been complimenting and building upon, ''[[Defiance]]''. Between the conclusion of the previous issue and the beginning of this one, the events of issues [[Defiance issue 1|#1]]-[[Defiance issue 3|3]] of ''Defiance'' have taken place, with the opening few pages of this issue retelling the final events of ''Defiance'' #3. Over the remainder of the issue, time progressively jumps forward, bringing events up to the timeframe of [[Defiance issue 4|''Defiance'' #4]], and expanding on the large portion of time in that issue that is glossed over.
**In all of these flashbacks, Optimus Prime continues to sport the red and blue color scheme introduced in the ''Foundation'' comics instead of the all-grey colors depicted in ''Defiance'', based on his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Protoform|Protoform toy]]. We can't really call that an error, though, as it's a deliberate artistic choice to make Prime colorful and recognizable.

===Covers (2)===
*'''Cover A:''' Megatron by Brian Rood
*'''Cover RI:''' Shockwave by Andrew Griffith and Priscilla Tramontano

<gallery>
Image:Foundation3coverA.jpg|
Image:Foundation3 coverRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

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