Kristen Stewart would be a huge step down. And isn't Dakota Fanning too young?

If this news is true, I hope they recast the character rather than write in a new love interest as the article suggests. Such transitions via exposition are usually really awkward and more trouble than they're worth.

but... but... but... the Transformers movies have always been, at its core, a love story between Shia and Megan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD FUCKING DAMNIT TO HELL.

All kidding aside, that's actually true. It's actually about a young boy coming of age and finding true love with the misunderstood hot babe jock-bait that's way out of his league. The whole alien robot war nonsense was just tossed in there to hide the fact that we're watching yet another Nicholas Sparks-era chick flick.

I would've preferred she stayed, but not a big deal. Hopefully he casts an established actress, not just whoever he thinks is hottest.

I would prefer she stayed as well. I actually liked her in these movies.

How about Oona Chaplin as her replacement? She's hot, can act, and not famous enough to be expensive.

I love Fox but I'm cool with this.

But they are filming right now; would they be changing the script to allow for the shooting now, or is it they will transition from Megan to someone else?

Maybe if they brought back Rachael Taylor?

That sucks, I liked her on both movies, to me she was one of the better things in Transformers 2. That's Hollywood for you, probably Shia will get one line saying he and her broke up.

Ugh.

she's out because I knocked her up. sorry.

Not that Megan is a good actress, but the third movie will be shit without her. The transition from hot chick to hot chick will be awkward and poorly handled, and the whole first movie was kinda about Shia trying to get with Megan. This is a stupid choice, fuck you very much Michael Bay.

Edit: This movie would be shit with her also, this just adds to its shittyness.

my vote goes to amber heard

I've always hated Fox. Dumb bitch who fanboys can't jerk off to enough. I'd be happy to see her replaced.

Olivia Wilde would be a nice replacement, but her schedule looks pretty busy, especially with Cowboys & Aliens starting up soon.

Movieweb.com says Gemma Arterton has already had discussions with Bay about taking the part. They also mention Miranda Kerr, Brooklyn Decker, and Bar Rafaeli. I've never heard of the last 3.

Isn't Decker the latest Sports illustrated swimsuit covergirl?

Gemma would be cool ,but isn't she a bit older than Shia? What's sad is that even though the movie's suck factor will not be affected by her, if this one doesn't do as well then they will try to spin it as her not being there caused the drop.

And I bet so is she. I would wager T3 was pretty much the last thing she wanted to do.

Wait until she has a few more flops, then we'll see. She needed that franchise more than it needed her.

Wow dude. A little harsh.

I don't like any of the choices for female leads just posted. They are supposed to be young college aged, which Shia and Megan can fit, Gemma doesn't look like a kid.

I thought she looked amazing in "The Joneses". Her smile can really light up the screen, and she's not opposed to doing nudity on-screen, either.

They should drop a love interest altogether and just concentrate on the god damn transformers!!

aicn has updated their front runner list:

Emmanuelle Chriqui (ENTOURAGE)
Jessica Lowndes (GREEK, 90210)
Zoe Saldana (AVATAR, J.J.'s TREK)
Hayden Penetierre (HEROES)
Camilla Belle (10,000 BC)
Ashley Greene (TWILIGHT SAGA)
Amber Heard (ZOMBIELAND)
Julianne Hough
Vanessa Hudgens
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

previously mentioned...
Gemma Arterton
Bar Rafaeli
Miranda Kerr
Brooklyn Decker

These are all just random guesses. Saldana? No way in hell she looks college aged. Amber Heard would be the best choice.

they might not be 100% accurate but they're certainly not "random guesses"

Whew, I'm glad it's not mine. Thanks Maury!

BTW, has Ash Ketchum weighed in on this yet?