Michael Bay talks Transformers 4

Transformers 4 is lumbering over the horizon, crashing and clanking into gear with Michael Bay explaining what we can expect from this latest instalment in the explosion-happy franchise.

While we already know that the fourth film won’t contain any of the original human cast members, Bay is at pains to stress the film will not be a reboot, but will take the series in a new direction.

“It’s not a reboot,” he says. “That’s maybe the wrong word. I don’t want to say reboot because then people will think we’re doing a Spider-Man and starting from the beginning. We’re not. We’re taking the story that you’ve seen — the story we’ve told in three movies already — and we’re taking it in a new direction.”

“But we’re leaving those three as the history,” he continues. “It all still counts. I met with the writer (Ehren Kruger) before I went off to do Pain And Gain and we talked about a bunch of ideas. We let that simmer for a bit. He’s been thinking about stuff and now we’re getting back together next week to see what we’ve got and to see if it gels.”

As well as revealing his intention to trim around $30 million off the budget of the last film, Bay also reacted positively when asked whether the film would spend more time in space.

“I think so, yeah, a little,” he said, when asked whether space was where the story will be set. “That feels like the way to go, doesn’t it? I want to go a little off but I don’t want to go too sci-fi. I still want to keep it grounded. That’s what works in these movies, that’s what makes it accessible.” Transformers 4 will open in the US on 27 June 2014.

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.