After saying he wanted to wait three years before filming a third Transformers or suggesting that he might do a smaller movie called Pain and Gain before tackling another blockbuster, Michael Bay has unsurprisingly announced that he’s doing the exact opposite.  Transformers 3 will come out on July 1st, 2011 — not 2012 like he’d been saying.

For all of Bay’s bravado, he’s a hired gun who does what he’s told (albeit thanks to massive amounts of money).  Transformers 2 was the biggest movie of the summer, and if the studio wants a third one fast-tracked, they get what they want.

Bay posted the announcement himself at his official site, and managed to make fun of Megan Fox at the same time:

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012.

Today is Day One. This morning started with an ILM meeting for five hours in San Francisco. Currently I’m flying with writer Ehren Kruger to Rhode Island to talk to Hasbro about new characters.

P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

Pain and Gain is right after shooting of Trans 3.

As much as I ragged on Revenge of the Fallen for being really terrible, I liked the first Transformers a lot, and I think the franchise could be great again.  Do I trust Michael Bay?  No.  But I never did.  At this early stage, I have plenty of hope.