File this in the “I’m not surprised” news bin. With as much money as that franchise has made, I don’t think anyone really believed Michael Bay wouldn’t be back for more Transformers (even though I’d really love to see what someone else would do for the franchise). With all the talks about the movie happening, it was only a matter of time before he signed on for another.

Like I said, Paramount has issued a PR statement announcing that the director has been hired on for a 2-picture deal. The first is called Pain and Gain, a true story about a bunch of bodybuilders and then following that will be Transformers 4 with a set release date for June 29th, 2014. The full release is below, but you won’t get a whole lot more information out of it:

Paramount Pictures announced today that director Michael Bay has signed a two-picture deal with the studio, which will commence this spring with the filming of “Pain and Gain,” and will be followed by the next installment in the hit “Transformers” franchise. Based on a true story, “Pain and Gain” follows a group of bodybuilders who engaged in a campaign of kidnapping, extortion and murder in Florida. First told in an article from the Miami New Times, “Pain and Gain,” will be directed by Bay and will star Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Expected to begin production in early spring, the movie’s producers include Bay, Donald De Line and Ian Bryce. Following “Pain and Gain,” Bay will bring audiences a new take on the “Transformers” franchise as he begins production on the fourth installment in the hit series of movies based on the best-selling Hasbro toyline. The third, and most recent installment of the franchise, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” is the fourth highest global grossing film of all time with 1.124 billion dollars of worldwide box office success. Directed by Bay, the movie will re-unite the filmmaking team from the hit franchise, including producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto and Ian Bryce; and executive producers Steven Spielberg, Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. Paramount Pictures will release the film on June 29th, 2014. “Michael has been working on PAIN AND GAIN for a number of years but has patiently waited for the perfect casting to trigger a start,” said Adam Goodman, President of Paramount’s Film Group. “Clearly his patience has paid off as we couldn’t be more excited about this combo. His passion for this project is just awesome.”

I enjoyed the first Transformers movie enough to be sucked into not one but 2 sequels that just didn’t cut it for me. I’m not sure even my joy of seeing things blow up real pretty is enough to get me in the theater for a fourth time. Who knows, I’m sure the trailers will change my mind yet again, but for now…I’m not incredibly thrilled. I’d really love to see another director tackle this series, but I guess we’ll have to keep waiting for that. What about you guys? Thoughts on a fourth Transformers?

-Jordan