No doubt you heard the recent rumours, but now it’s official – Mark Whalberg has joined the cast of Michael Bay’s TRANSFORMERS 4 in an undisclosed role. Fans of the franchise over the age of 12 are all very well aware that it’s had its highs and lows, and this news will either fill those folk with elation or dread for the future of the series, the fourth film of which has the potential to rid itself of all the baggage that has weighed it down (as previously reported this marks the beginning of a brand new Shia-free storyline). Whilst it might seem ridiculous to talk about acting ability in a movie series that revolves around giant robots smacking the shit out of each other, it has to be noted Whalberg’s onscreen performances are wildly inconsistent at best. Personally, as much as I love BOOGIE NIGHTS for example, when you say the name Whalberg I immediately think THE HAPPENING. And while I know M. Night Shyamalan’s disturbingly inept screenplay and direction had so much to do with that, I just can’t look at the actor in the same way. It is hands down one of the most goddawful screen performances I’ve ever seen. And as for the mass acclaim for his role in THE DEPARTED… never been able to get my head around it. It was a little one-note, no? Still, at least the gig’s not gone to Statham as was so heavily rumoured earlier in the year. Thank Christ for that. Here’s Michael Bay’s official announcement, courtesy of his website…

”Mark is awesome. We had a blast working on Pain and Gain and I’m so fired up to be back working with him. An actor of his caliber is the perfect guy to re-invigorate the franchise and carry on the Transformers’ legacy,”

Oh, and here’s that new promo image. Not bad! . . .

TRANSFORMERS 4 opens in UK cinemas June 27th 2014.

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