'Transformers 5' release date, latest news: Michael Bay's return still uncertain

Optimus Prime in Transformers: Age of Extinction IMDB

For months now, there have been so many uncertain things about "Transformers 5." The most recent update comes bearing gifts, or at least, some news about the movie franchise and where it's headed in the future. 

TFW2005 was able to document what Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner recently said about the "Transformers" movies. 

He said, "Our plan with the studio and film makers you may have heard some writers being hired and we have in fact brought in Akiva Goldsman to lead a group of writer to really create a strategic plan around Transformers. We think there are any number of stories to be told from the brand that has been around for 30 years with amazing canon and mythology. We would expect the sequel to the Transformers movie to happen in 2017." 

Goldner mentioned two important things here: "create a strategic plan around Transformers," which some surmise as the possibility of a shared universe concept; and the release date. With the latter, this is a good ballpark, but still, the release date cannot be guaranteed since there are so many other factors to be considered. 

In December 2014, actor Mark Wahlberg hinted at getting back on set soon. Fast forward four months later, there's still no news on when "Transformers 5" will start filming. More than this, there is no certainty as to who will direct the film. Will it be Michael Bay or a new director? It looks like filming will continue to be delayed until someone occupies the director's chair. 

Now going back to the concept of shared universe, one that Marvel started. Paramount Pictures, it seems, also wants to join the bandwagon. Deadline reported about this supposed "writer's room" that has been formed to write a shared universe for the multi-part "Transformers" sequel, adding the possibility of creating spin-off movies for the franchise. 

Paramount Pictures definitely wants to cash in on their biggest movie franchise. According to Deadline, this is the main priority of the Motion Picture Group president Marc Evans, who wants to get more movies made to put a premium on their best-selling franchises. 

News
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years

Bethlehem and Jerusalem have ushered in the Christmas season with public celebrations and glittering lights for the first time in two years, marking a poignant moment of hope in cities still grappling with the humanitarian and economic fallout of the Gaza war.

Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 

The Bishop of Winchester has defended the recent decision of the House of Bishops to pause plans to introduce standalone same-sex blessing services. 

Protecting girls and young women in the digital age
Protecting girls and young women in the digital age

It’s a missional priority for us as Christian communities to have open discussions about both the benefits and downsides of being online.

Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.