Threadless have posted an awesome new Decepticon T-shirt,

Posting on the Don Murphy forums, Roberto Orci has confirmed that neither he nor Alex Kurtzman will be returning for the third episode in the Transformers trilogy. Ehren Kruger (The Ring, Scream 3, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen) is taking over from the pair.

So Bob and Alex is it true. you wont be involved this time round.
It’s true.

Sorry to hear that Roberto, really I am. Are we in good hands with Mr. Kruger? Does he know his Transformers?
He does. He really did his homework. He’s awesome.

Speculated as early as December 2008, and more solidly in March this year, we heard a June/July 2011 release date for Transformers 3 was on the cards. However, Michael Bay rebutted these remarks, suggesting he wanted a year off from mechanical beasts to work on something a little different.

However, Bay has now confirmed via his blog that Transformers 3 will hit theaters in July 2011. He also left a message for Megan Fox,

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012.

Today is Day One. This morning started with an ILM meeting for five hours in San Francisco. Currently I’m flying with writer Ehren Kruger to Rhode Island to talk to Hasbro about new characters.

P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

Pain and Gain is right after shooting of Trans 3.

They’re selling the 17 foot Bumblebee model, at auction it is expected to fetch up to $80,000. Alongside him will be a number of Megan Fox outfits and over 100 props from the Transformers movies. Bids can be made over the internet or phone via Profiles in History.

Auctioneer Profiles in History said it expected the 3,200 pound (1.45 ton) Hero Bumblebee robot from the first movie in 2007 to fetch $60,000 to $80,000 at the Oct 8-9 auction.

The motorcycle costume worn by Fox as Mikaela Banes in the blockbuster 2009 sequel “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, along with her shorts and tank top, have an estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.

Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History, said anything worn by Fox was in great demand by collectors.

“‘Transformers’ made her a star and I expect her costumes to perform very well at auction. The 17-foot Bumblebee robot speaks for itself … it’s such an amazing spectacle and a pop culture icon that I expect bidders to go crazy,” Maddalena said.

Bids can be placed in person at the auction in Calabasas, outside Los Angeles, by phone or live on the Internet.

Because the movie didn’t really show us much of these, here are some shots of the custom designed Arcee bikes via Visual Effects Art Director, Sean Haworth.

And a shot of the twins for good measure,

Nelson has left a brief update on Michael Bay’s blog; Bay has met with Steven Spielberg and Ehren Kruger to discuss Transformers 3–an announcement shortly? We’ll probably have to sweat it out a bit more first.

* He will be meeting later this week with Steven Spielberg, and Ehren Kruger to discuss ideas for Transformers 3. By the end of the week he should have an idea if Transformers 3 will hit your local cineplex in the summer of 2011 or 2012.
* In the meantime “Pain & Gain” is looking very possible as is…
* …Bad Boys 3. Either film coming to a theater near you before or after Transformers 3.

Transformers 2 art work from Ben Proctor reveals the robots that made the cut, and more interestingly, those that didn’t. Stealth boats, nuclear subs that take down aircraft carriers and alternative constructicons. We also get a look at the inner workings of many decepticons, including eye details on The Fallen, an early Devastator design and pretender Alice, tongue and all.

With the general release of Transformers 2, it’s time to open up the floor to comments and find out what you guys thought of it. We’ve already shared our thoughts in our extensive review: Movie Chronicles Transformers 2 review.

Some questions to prompt debate

Did the new robots add to the film?
Which was the best new character?
Which was the worst?
What would you have done different?
Did the movie fly by too quickly or did you think it was too long?
Were Skids and Mudflap annoying or genuinely funny?
What was your biggest disappointment or favorite part?