A new Transformers movie could be in theaters within two years, according to Hasbro. It was just last month that we learned Paramount Pictures was putting together a sort of “brain trust” to come up with their own Marvel-style Transformers universe, spearheaded by screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, Batman & Robin). The plan is to come up with a story for Transformers 5 as well as multiple sequels and spinoffs, and today during an earnings call (via TFW2005), Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner confirmed said plans and revealed a target date for the next Transformers movie:

"Our plan with the studio and filmmakers you may have heard some writers being hired and we have in fact brought in Akiva Goldsman to lead a group of writers to really create a strategic plan around Transformers. We think there are any number of stories to be told from the brand that has been around for 30 years with amazing canon and mythology. We would expect the sequel to the Transformers movie [TF4] to happen in 2017."

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Image via Paramount Pictures

It’s a bit unclear if Goldner means the plan is to release Transformers 5 in 2017 or if the plan is to start production then, but it's probably the former. Michael Bay is currently gearing up to begin production on his Benghazi movie 13 Hours, but it’s possible he could return to the franchise and start production on Transformers 5 in early 2016 for the 2017 release. Or it’s possible Hasbro and Paramount will move on with another filmmaker.

Regardless, the $1.09 billion worldwide gross of Transformers: Age of Extinction guaranteed that a fifth entry was on the way, though it was rather telling that the film only made $245.4 million of that domestically. Transformers is the very definition of a global franchise. One might even say this loud, vacuous series is a bona fide American export. You’re welcome, world.

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Image via Paramount Pictures