As expected: 'Transformers 3' reaches $1 billion

Ever since the stunning opening of Michael Bay's 3D spectacle "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," it was only a matter of time until the third film the series hit $1 billion. As Paramount Pictures just annouced, "Dark of the Moon" reached the mark this week.

Domestically, the movie has pulled in $338 million. Internationally, it has grossed $663 million. It's also important to point out that "Dark of the Moon" is the first billion dollar grossing movie in the history of Paramount Pictures.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary work of  Michael Bay and his film-making team, executive producer Steven Spielberg, and everyone at Paramount around the globe...," said Brad Grey, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures.

The prices of 3D tickets obviously helped "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" to reach $1 billion that fast, but the solid performance proves fans were indeed ready to give Bay another shot, especially after the negative response generated by "Revenge of the Fallen."

Movie Review: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"

Seen on: June 29, 2011

The players: Director: Michael Bay, Writer: Ehren Kruger, Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey Tyrese Gibson

Fact of interest: None.

The plot: The Decepticons attempt to pull the damaged planet of Cybertron into Earth's atmosphere. Sam and the Autobots must stop them.

Our thoughts: Here’s the good news: Michael Bay’s latest sci-fi spectacle “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is a tad better than its utterly forgettable predecessor “Revenge of the Fallen.” That said, the not-so-good news is that the latest installment in the popular (and ridiculously profitable) big-screen franchise isn’t exactly a memorable experience either.

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LaBeouf says new 'Tranformers' is 'Greatest 3D film ever made'

With a little over a week away from the release of the third installment of the "Transformers" series, star Shia LaBeouf seems to be churning out grandiose statements in hopes to pack theaters. With the recent trend of theatergoers opting for a 2D rather than a 3D experience, LaBeouf must feel the need to dabble in hyperbole in order to get people excited for the film. 

According to Moveline, not only did he recently state that this newest installment was the "Greatest 3D film ever made", he went on to say, “The last hour of this movie is the greatest action sequence of Mike’s career, which would put it on the same level as the greatest action ever made,” LaBeouf said.

“You don’t breathe for the last hour. There’s just no letup, but it’s also not completely overwhelming and disconnected, as the second movie was. You didn’t know what was fighting what or where you were geography-wise.

There was no way to be able to tell a story, whereas this is very ‘Black Hawk Down’ action. The geography is very clear. There’s only four or five dudes you need to be following. The enemy is very clear. The second movie was so … complicated. The best movies are simple.”

I wonder if he will have to backpeddle a little bit when the first batch of negative reviews start coming in...

Boring new 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' clip

Here is a brand-new clip from Michael Bay's upcoming sequel "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," but as you can see after the jump, it looks like they're going to save all the action for the movie. This clip is pretty uneventful, unless you have a thing for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or Patrick Dempsey, of course.

Anyway, Dempsey plays a dude named Dylan, and in this footage, he proves he's quite the show-off. Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky, and Huntington-Whiteley pretty much replaces Megan Fox. Also part of the cast are Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand.

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ET's 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' set visit

Entertainment Tonight recently visited the set of Michael Bay's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," and you can watch the video now via the YouTube embed below. Shows you how gigantic these sets can be.

Now, the hosts of this silly show and the entire editing of the piece couldn't be any worse, but the video provides a glimpse at the madness Bay and co. created in Chicago. That is truly impressive.

Either way, LaBeouf acts incredibly energetic in this video, claiming this third flick will be the best. And Bay even makes a statement saying his 3D action on a real set is better than doing blue screen stuff.

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First 'Transformers 3' set photos are here

Michael Bay's "Transformers 3" is now shooting, and here is the evidence. Specifically, these are the first set photos from the upcoming action sequel, which will hit theaters July 1, 2011. More below...

Don't expect anything exciting in these pics though. They're just shots of Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson involved in an action scene. Head over to Just Jared for more.

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Gemma Arterton to board 'Transformers 3'?

With Megan Fox out of the picture, there's an open spot in Michael Bay's "Transformers 3." But who will replace Fox as Shia LaBeouf's romantic interest? According to the TheWrap, Gemma Arterton is a hot contender. Arterton is certainly not the only one on the list, but it seems she's at the front. Other names that have popped up shortly after Fox's exit included Zoe Saldana, Camilla Belle, Amber Heard and Hayden Panetierre. Anyway, Arterton looks hot and all, but I doubt she would be the best choice. She delivered a horrifying performance in "Clash of the Titans," and it doesn't look like she's going to deliver in "Prince of Persia" either.

Patrick Dempsey boards 'Transformers 3'

"Grey's Anatomy," star Patrick Dempsey has announced he will star in Michael Bay's upcoming sequel "Transformers 3," which Paramount will unleash in theaters July 1, 2011. The film is getting ready to shoot this summer, and of course, Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox will return as the lead characters.

Variety says Dempsey will play a darker character in the new "Transformers." Dempsey's recent big-screen credits include "Valentine's Day" and "Made of Honor." "T3" will shoot in LA, Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow, and China, and Frances McDormand and John Malkovich also star.

Big casting update: Anton Yelchin, Mandy Moore, Harrison Ford, Kellan Lutz & Aziz Ansari

- Allison Janney, Oliver Platt, Alia Shawkat and Adam Brody have all joined Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener and Leighton Meester in Julian Farino's comedy "The Oranges." The film follows a man who has an affair with the daughter of a family living on the same street. (Variety)

- Craig Gillespie is prepping a new version of "Fright Night" for DreamWorks, and Anton Yelchin (pictured above) ("Terminator: Salvation") is in negotiations to play the lead character. Marti Noxon wrote the screenplay, about a teenager who finds out his neighbor is a vampire. (Variety)

- Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz, James Brolin and Jane Seymour have joined Dermot Mulroney's directorial flick "Love, Wedding, Marriage," a comedy following a marriage counselor whose life takes a crazy turn when she hears her parents are getting a divorce. (THR)

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Big 'Transformers 3' update from Michael Bay

Michael Bay's "Transformers 3" is scheduled for a release July 1, 2011, and that means production for the third installment in the popular series will start soon. Bay just posted a rather big update about the film on his Web site, and his announcements are pretty interesting indeed. Let's check out what he had to say:

"Transformers 3 has been going very well. We are going to shoot in LA, Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow, and China. On the talent front, we just locked in Frances McDormand and John Malkovich. Both amazing actors I've always wanted to work with. We also just got Ken Jeong..."

Okay, so far, so good. Now on to some Autobot news he shared: "We start shooting pre-shoots in about one month. I also was at a Ferrari charity event this week raising money for a hospital being built by Ferrari in Haiti. I announced that night the newest Autobot to join Transformers: the Ferrari 458 Italia."