Update: Over at his own website, Michael Bay said he is not in talks to direct any more sequels to the series and that Pain and Gain will probably be his next film. Meanwhile, Jason Statham claims that hearing his name for the series is news to him.

With Transformers 3 grossing over $1 billion worldwide, everyone knows that more sequels will be on the way. The question now is: what form will they take? Hasbro is currently discussing the possibility of filming the fourth and fifth parts in the series simultaneously in an effort to cut costs and have more time to design new action figures. Transformers 3 screenwriter Ehren Kruger reportedly already has an idea for the next two films that the studio likes. As for the cast, we know Shia LaBeouf won’t be returning to the franchise, so the filmmakers are stuck searching for a new lead. One name that’s being tossed around is Jason Statham, though no offer has been made. That casting idea comes as somewhat of a surprise since Statham was rumored to be sought after for (potentially) two back-to-back Fast and Furious sequels a couple weeks ago.

Even though Michael Bay has stated in the past that he would step away from the series after the third film, those close to the upcoming production(s) say that he’s still interested in directing. His smaller passion project on body-building, Pain and Gain, could still happen next, though, before more robot explosions. No matter what, Bay will still produce the future entries along with Steven Spielberg.

I’m somewhat surprised that Bay would return to direct new Transformers films after all the times he said he’d walk away after a trilogy. You’d think he would be ready to step away and pursue other ventures (and he still might). I’m more curious as to why Jason Statham’s name seems to be thrown around for so many projects lately. Nothing against the guy – I just wonder why he’s the go to name for established series. What would you think about seeing him in the next two Transformers films?