Megan Fox axed from "Transformers 3"

By Siewaun
Reference: Variety

Paramount and director Michael Bay have decided to drop Megan Fox from the third series of the blockbuster "Transformers" franchise.

Sources indicated that the reason for the decision is because Paramount and Bay are taking another direction on "Transformers 3" plotline, and it would be more suitable to have a new love interest for Shia LaBeouf's onscreen character, Sam Witwicky; and that the decision has nothing to do with Fox comparing Bay to Adolf Hitler during a previous magazine interview.

It was also revealed that casting for Fox's replacement will begin immediately, and Gemma Arterton "Prince of Persia" is said to be the top choice to replace her, while other possible candidates include models Bar Rafaeli, Miranda Kerr and Brooklyn Decker.

Meanwhile, Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have joined the returning cast of Shia LaBeouf, Kevin Dunn and Julie White.

Bay will direct from the script by Screenwriter Ehren Kruger, who is now working on the script.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce will produce the feature, and Steven Spielberg will executive producing.

Shooting has started this week in Los Angeles, and will then move location to various place in the U.S. Release date for the feature is scheduled for July 1, 2011.