Transformers-4-LogoTransformers 4 has been coming along nicely over the past few months, with Mark Wahlberg officially signing on for the fourth film in the franchise back in November last year.

Ever since Michael Bay confirmed that he’d be returning to the helm, we’ve been slowly hearing bits and pieces about the shape of the story and production, and it’s been sounding more and more like the film would be the start of a new trilogy, particularly with Wahlberg coming on board.

Now Bay has confirmed our suspicions, announcing on his website:

“Transformers 4, is not a reboot. That word has been floating around on the net.

This movie takes place exactly 4 years after the war in Chicago. The story makes a very natural transition, and reason as to why we have a whole new cast. This Transformers will feel very different than the last three. We are embarking on a new trilogy.”

Along with that, he’s also announced that he’s set young actor Jack Reynor (What Richard Did) to star opposite Wahlberg as the second male lead:

“I just hired a great new actor for Transformers 4 to star against Mark Wahlberg. Jack Reynor, he is an Irish kid that came to America with 30 bucks in his pocket. Pretty ballsy. Seriously who does that? Anyway I spotted him in a great little Irish movie WHAT RICHARD DID. This kid is the real deal.”

There were rumours of Nicola Peltz and Brenton Thwaites joining Wahlberg for the cast, but Bay himself quickly quashed them, and so we await to discover who will be our female lead to star opposite Wahlberg and the newly-announced Reynor.

Plot details are currently being kept tightly under wraps, with Bay working on the script alongside past collaborator, Ehren Kruger (Transformers: Dark of the Moon).

Transformers 4 is set to hit theatres on 4th July, 2014, and I for one can’t wait for it to hit. Production is set to get underway in May, and here’s to hoping it will be a smooth road to the big screen next summer, and now officially for at least two further films down the line. This is going to be a lot of fun. More as we get it.