'Transformers 5' Release Date Set On 2017 As New Autobot And Decepticon Casts Revealed Online! 'TMNT' Director Jonathan Liebesman To Helm The Movie Instead Of Michael Bay?

It looks like new updates for "Transformers 5" the movie have been revealed regarding its release date, new characters, and possible director replacing Michael Bay.

According to ComicBookMovie, the release date for "Transformers 5" has been slated in the second quarter of 2017. There are also rumors that a new director has been named to replace Bay in the movie.

According to Indie Wire, Bay hinted that he may not return to the "Transformers" movie franchise due to the negative feedback from his last movie, "Transformers: Age of Extinction."

“There’s a lot that’s unexplored, but that’s for the next director to figure out," Bay said.

Bay also shared his thoughts on the future of the "Transformers" movie franchise, and he believes that a new director is needed to guide the movie to a whole new direction, USA Today reported.

"There's kind of a new chapter, a new direction in movies I want to make," Bay said to USA Today."I have a lot of stories to tell. And it's about flexing new muscles."

The Christian Today further adds that veteran "Transformers" voice-actor Peter Cullen also shared his opinion on Bay leaving the movie franchise.

"I have a great deal of respect for him. He generates a great deal of excitement and energy. He's really a hands-on director. My son is a stunt man and worked in Chicago doing a lot of the driving sequences ... he said he's a very, very diligent, hands-on guy," Cullen said.

Cullen further adds, "He creates a great deal of energy and puts everybody on their toes. I would certainly miss him. I think he's brilliant, his mind is unbelievable."

Indie Wire reports that the possible replacement for Bay is his friend and former protege, Director Jonathan Liebesman. Liebesman is known for his work in "Battle: Los Angeles," "Wrath of Titans," and the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" reboot.

It is worth mentioning that Mark Walhberg confirmed that he will return to "Transformers 5" during an interview with MTV last year.

"Yeah, I committed to doing a couple more ... you know I can't speak for Mr. Bay, but something tells me we'll be on the set soon."

There are also rumors that Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox would return to the series according to a report from The Latino Post as Fox expressed here desire to return the series in an interview with Moviepilot.

 "I'm not sure if I'll return. As long as things are good between everyone and Shia returns with me I'd like to see us partner up with the new cast like a crossover," Fox said.

LaBeouf also commented on a possible comeback in the "Transformers" movie franchise.

"It would be good to do another film but I doubt with the new changes since the third film that Megan could return you know, it might be a love war if me or Rosie both return you know its not that i don't think about it," LaBeouf said. "But no, I highly doubt I'll be back for another one. I'll do another Michael Bay film but not Transformers."

Fashion&Style  also reported that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Bruce Willis are rumored to be added in the film.

Lastly, ComicBookMovie reports that new Autobot and Decepticon characters are rumored to join "Transformers 5" - Ultra Magnus, Override Red Alert, Cyclonus, Scourge, and Blitzwing.