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Megan Fox will not be returning as Mikaela Banes in the upcoming Transformers 3 film. When news broke last night by Deadline, all that was said was that Fox’s contract had not been picked up by Paramount for the third film. According to a statement released by Fox’s own publicist to People.com, it was Fox’s choice to leave the film.
The relationship between Fox and director Michael Bay has been contentious to say the least. In interviews during publicity for the second Transformers film last year, Fox had less than nice words to say about Bay and a war of words between the two began, with both of their PR teams trying to pass it all off as a joke. This past October, Michael Bay wrote on his blog:
“P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture.”
As of right now, there is no indication of a reason by either Fox or Bay for her departure. The fact that she had done a few pre-visualization shooting for the film leaves one to believe that she indeed left the film on her own volition, but it could in all actuality be a mutual decision by both parties.
Insider sources on the film have said that it makes more sense that Shia’s character should have a new love interest in this film. According to The Wrap, Gemma Arterton is the front runner to replace Fox on the film, and has been in discussions about the new role. Other names being mentioned for the part include Brooklyn Decker, Miranda Kerr and Bar Rafaeli.
Transformers 3 is now shooting with a cast that includes Shia LaBeouf, Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Alan Tudyk. Stay tuned for more casting news as it comes.
Transformers 3 has a release date of July 1, 2011.
