The latest Transformers 5 news could change everything. It seems Mark Wahlberg, in spite of being part of the highest grossing film in the series, has left the franchise alongside the ever critically despised Michael Bay.

The loss of the series’ long-time director may be a ray of hope for those intent on hating any film that has his name on it. Age of Extinction was a definite comeback for a film series which started out huge and became almost a laughing stock by the third entry.

Michael Bay allegedly stated that he doesn’t have the time or the energy to continue with the series. Skeptics could add that the critics and fans had bashed the films so much that he simply doesn’t care any more about the franchise, but that’s just an assumption.

The news of Transformers 5 not having the star returning from its prequel might also have given Michael Bay a sense of dread. There is a chance the rest of the cast of Age of Extinction might also walk away.

Transformers 5 rumors claim that Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox could make a comeback, which would probably be a challenge for any director taking the reins. Shia LaBeouf was so annoying the first three times that the audience will likely be hesitant to give him another try. The spectacle he made of himself earlier this year about “not being famous anymore” could also be working against him, so it’s doubtful that he will return to the franchise.

Megan Fox could be more likely, though she may have to choose between a role in the Transformers 5 cast and starring in the next Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. After making amends with Michael Bay, it seems she’s willing to work with him again.

Some might suggest that Megan Fox skip the TMNT sequel, since Age of Extinction was a better box office draw and might need her to draw the audience in alongside another set of new faces.

‘Transformers 5’ Possibly a Summer 2017 Release; Michael Bay and Mark Wahlberg Walk Away From Project http://t.co/WhGZeHuFIX #Chicago #News — BreakingChicagoNews (@iChicagoNews) September 1, 2014

While Mark Wahlberg’s contribution to this round of Transformers 5 news may come as a shock, it’s in line with what he’s done before. The Pain and Gain star stated that he’s never done a sequel.

“Some people think of this as a sequel. We thought of it more as a stand-alone thing. I’ve never done a sequel.”

Technically it’s not a sequel to anything he’s done before, but Age of Extinction was definitely a sequel to Dark of the Moon. Mark Wahlberg is half right.

With Wahlberg and Michael Bay officially leaving the franchise, what do you think of the latest Transformers 5 news?

[image via Hitfix]