"Transformers" Get Shia With Their First Cast Member

by | March 29, 2006 | Comments

Busy young actor Shia LaBeouf is in late-stage talks with Paramount to star in their (and Michael Bay‘s) upcoming big-screen rendition of "The Transformers," says IGN FilmForce. Modern movie fans will recognize the young Mr. LaBeouf from his work in flicks like "Holes," "Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle," "I, Robot," and "Constantine."

Says IGN FF: The Allspark first reported that 19 year-old actor Shia LaBeouf is in the running to play human protagonist "Sam" in the big-screen version of The Transformers. IGN FilmForce has now confirmed via reliable sources that LaBeouf is indeed in negotiations for the role.

A casting breakdown making the rounds online describes the human characters as follows: "Sam – teenage male, somewhat nerdy, but ultimately heroic. Miguela Barns – teenage female, Sam’s love interest. Cpt William Lennicks – 30s male, leader of the military. Maggie – female, really hot, really smart, works as a codebreaker for the government. John Kellar – 50’s/60’s male, US Secretary of State. Glen Whitman – 20’s male, technogeek, comic relief."

Michael Bay is directing "The Transformers" for Paramount (it was a co-venture with DreamWorks until Par bought the studio). Steven Spielberg is exec producing the film."

I still don’t think a live-action movie can touch the magic that is 1986’s "Transformers: The Movie." (But you know I’ll be there opening night!)