Michael Bay ready to move on from ‘Transformers’ franchise… again

Michael Bay was set to exit the Transformers franchise after the third instalment, but was tempted back by Paramount to direct the fourth after being promised he could reboot the series, somewhat, and was even offered the opportunity to helm Pain and Gain first as a deal-sweetener.

It worked out gangbusters for everyone (except viewers, of course). Another billion-dollar grosser, Transformers: Age of Extinction has set up a new trilogy that will likely make even more than the previous three pictures managed. (Though U.S. grosses were way down, international audiences can’t get enough).

Speaking to USA Today, however, Bay indicates he may not be the man to keep this money train running.

“There’s kind of a new chapter, a new direction in movies I want to make,” he said, suggesting that he will hand over the Transformers franchise to another director so he can shoot a documentary on elephant poaching.”

But just in case you were wondering if Bay had changed entirely, fear not: “I have a lot of stories to tell. And it’s about flexing new muscles.”

Sounds like classic Bay to us.

Whether or not this is a negotiation tactic – perhaps to encourage the studio to pony up even more dough, and let him film his doco before Transformers 5 – or if he’s being honest, but will wait a few more films before surrendering the saga, is unknown.

We’ll wait with just-barely bated breath.