Mark Wahlberg Agreed To 'Change' 'Transformers' Franchise

When news broke earlier this year that Michael Bay was going to direct a fourth "Transformers" movie, we were not surprised. Also, when Bay later took to his website to announce that he and Mark Wahlberg had so much fun together working on "Pain and Gain" that they decided to work on a new movie together, this did not surprise us, since people who like each other tend to continue to work together. What did surprise us was when it was confirmed that "another movie together" is "Transformers 4" and Wahlberg is its star. We didn't think Wahlberg would be interested in starring a franchise reboot, but it turns out we were wrong.

So what exactly was it that sold Wahlberg on the idea and why did he say yes?

"Because Michael and I had such a great experience on 'Pain and Gain,' and for me, working in the environment with him, I had the opportunity to be the best actor I could," Wahlberg told during an early press day for his upcoming ensemble crime thriller, "Broken City." "I wanted to work with him again right away and started talking to him and he just kind of said, 'Hey I'm doing this movie. It's completely different. I want to change it. This is how I'm going to do it,' and I said, 'I would love to do it.' "

Wahlberg wouldn't divulge any plot details, just his genuine enthusiasm for the film. "I'm excited," he said. "I think it's going to be incredible."

Finally, we had to ask if he'd spoken to or received any advice from the franchise's biggest star: Optimus Prime.

"I haven't," Wahlberg said with a smile. "I think my character is not really going to know that they exist so we'll meet on the [first] day [of shooting]."

Are you looking forward to the new "Transformers" with Wahlberg? Let us know in the comments below!

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