Transformers 2 Still Scheduled for 2009

In a Variety article about a possible actor’s strike (what, another strike? Stupid Hollywood, what is it with striking nowadays?), there is an interview with Michael Bay, and a mention that the director was trying to keep “Transformers 2″ locked into its expected 2009 release date. To me, that seems overly optimistic, as the movie requires oodles of special effects and post-production work, but hey, if the director says so…

More:

“Transformers 2″ director Michael Bay said the labor cloud has made the process harder, but not impossible as he tries to keep the film on track for its June 26, 2009 release.

“If there is a strike, we shut down, but shutting down isn’t that big a deal,” Bay said. “You make accommodations, you make a deal with vending houses on equipment and on the stages where you are shooting. You hope for the best, but you can’t be incapacitated by the possibility that there will be a strike. We’ve got to get this town back to work. I can’t imagine anyone wants another strike, we’re all tired. Hopefully clearer heads will prevail.”

Bay said that the sequel is still recovering from the writer’s strike, and that he’s playing catch-up after getting back his trio of writers, Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

“They did a detailed outline before the writer’s strike, and now they are in Michael Bay jail, holed up in a hotel and working feverishly,” Bay said. “We’re paying for a beautiful suite and they are getting a lot of work done. Hiring three writers was unusual, but it has been a godsend in getting us to where we need to be. Somehow you find a way to get it done.”

If it does come out in 2009, that would be at least one year more than I’m expecting it to. Let’s cross our fingers that the Bayster can get it done! I need me some new Transformers!