'Transformers 5' Release Date: Summer 2017 Premiere, Michael Bay and Mark Wahlberg Walk Away From Project

The "Transformers" film franchise is one of the biggest blockbuster hit franchises and it shows no signs of stopping. The next one is still a few years away, however, most likely during the summer of 2017. That will be the least discomforting news though as the next one will be taking a new direction.

Earlier this month, Michael Bay has confirmed that he won't be directing the next "Transformers" film to pursue other film projects. He made the announcement, half-heartedly at first, a few hours before the premiere of "Transformers: Age of Extinction."

"There's a lot that's unexplored, but that's for the next director to figure out. They're hard movies to do and it takes every day for two years. They're fun, but they're hard," Bay said.

Bay has been hinting about passing the responsibility to another director before but it seems he has made u his mind. Alongside the director, star Mark Wahlberg has also expressed his disinterest in returning to future "Transformers" movies. He has also stated he doesn't like doing direct sequels, preferring stand-alone film projects.

It is still unknown who the new director is and the film's producers will have a hard time looking for a new director who can match Bay's explosive and fast-paced cinematography.

There are also rumors about Megan Fox's return to the franchise, but with Bay moving on from "Transformers" it is highly unlikely especially since she is busy with another Bay franchise, the recently premiered "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

The sequel's – if it could be called a sequel now that Wahlberg's out of the picture – plot is still unknown as well and would have to continue where "Age of Extinction" left off; with Optimus Prime tracking down the so-called "Creators" with the remnants of the Autobots staying behind to protect Earth.