'Transformers 5': Prequel, TV, Crossover Room Helmed by 'Fringe' Akiva Goldsman

Plentiful news has been making the rounds on 'Transformers 5'. While collective groans subside, especially after 'Transformers: Age of Extinction', a few promising prospects brewing for the franchise seem worth a look-see.

First off, 'Transformers' will have a prequel but it might not be the fifth instalment. Instead, the timeline before Optimus Prime and Megatron left Cybertron and found their way to Earth will likely be released as an animated film. Whether the prequel is going to be a made-for-TV movie or a full cinema release is yet to be seen.

J.J. Abrams creation 'Fringe''s Akiva Goldsman says 'Transformers 5' will instead be given the standalone treatment and that fans can expect to see more metal-crunching action for the next 10 years.

"We will look at the toys, the TV shows, the merchandise, everything that has been generated by Hasbro, and establish a mythological time line. It has been designed with a lot of visual help, toys, robots, sketches and writers and artists. The writers will figure out not one, but numerous films that will extend the universe.

"Our hope is that they are all interconnected and of course standalone, right? I think architecturally, the best serialized storytelling has integrity from start to finish of the episode. You want to be able to satisfy both appetites: you want to feed the instinct for the short-term gratification and the longterm gratification. So we're trying to do both."

Besides having the 'Transformers' writers under his ministrations, producer Akiva has also been given by Paramount the keys to the writers' rooms for both 'GI Joe' and 'Micronauts'. This leaves the doors wide open for crossover possibilities especially with a graphic novel crossover between 'Transformers' and 'GI Joe'.

Things look pretty good on paper, that is clear. Now, if only Paramount can get Michael Bay to limit explosions to three per scene. Oh wait, he might not even be there - or will he?