Fifth 'Transformers' movie to film soon in Detroit Get ready to welcome home Bumblebee and the other robots from space. The "Transformers" cast and crew are heading to the familiar territory of metro Detroit. The latest edition of the blockbuster action franchise is expected to begin filming in Michigan the week of June 20, and it spend a good chunk of the summer here. Production was set to start officially in Arizona this week and director Michael Bay has posted photos on Instagram of preproduction work in Cuba. Let's do the math. "Transformers: The Last Knight," is the fifth edition of the blockbuster action franchise (nearly $4 billion in total global box office) about robots from outer space that can convert into cars and trucks. This is the fourth "Transformers" movie to use the Motor City region for locations, and it's the last mega-budget movie to receive Michigan's now-defunct film incentives. The project was approved for $21 million in incentives on estimated in-state spending of $80 million. That $21 million amount was the result of a deal that involved a restructuring of $42 million approved for Paramount projects before the state program was eliminated in 2015. The plan allotted $21 million to "Transformers 5" and essentially saved the state the other $21 million, according to the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office. No specific metro Detroit locations have been revealed yet. But whenever "Transformers" comes to town, things can get interesting. Back in 2013, when "Transformers: Age of Extinction" was here, crowds of onlookers were drawn to the huge set in downtown Detroit that doubled for Hong Kong. Near the end of the shoot, fans were treated to an outdoor vehicle display that included Optimus Prime's semi and a $2-million-plus Bugatti. The "Transformers" franchise's affection for Detroit is tied to its longtime relationship with General Motors. Last week, director Michael Bay revealed a picture of the customized 2016 Camaro that will star as good-guy Bumblebee, the yellow Autobot who's traditionally played by the newest version of the Chevy muscle car. Even bigger news was the announcement that Anthony Hopkins is joining the cast. The Oscar-winning actor, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1993, adds his "Transformers" role to a busy plate that includes HBO's upcoming "Westworld" series. There is no word yet on whether he is scheduled for any filming in Detroit. Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel are reprising their characters for the fifth movie. And another British star will be featured in the film: Britain's loneliest dog, Freya, who has been turned down for adoption more than 18,000 times, according to the Daily Express newspaper. “Found this in the news last week in the UK. We gave the Loneliest Dog, a role in Transformers,” Bay wrote on his Twitter account. “Freya, has epilepsy and has been in a shelter her whole 6-year life. We are also going to find her a home.” "Transformers: The Last Knight" is set to hit theaters June 23, 2017.
Thanks for posting he whole article! I have trouble opening links sometimes so that was a big help. Sucks that the tax incentive deal is over but at least Bay got a sweet deal in just under the wire before it ended. And I'm still loving the story of Freya, that's so cool and sweet. Can't wait to hear more. Love all your speedy updates, btw! :)
A while back it was reported they'd start filming in Detroit on June 15, but here it says next week? Damn, I was getting pumped for Detroit pics/videos to start popping up later today, lol.
