Bay announces 'Transformers 3' for 2011

Michael Bay has announced a summer 2011 release date for Transformers 3.

Writing on his Shoot For The Edit website, the director revealed that work has commenced on a third instalment in the robot action franchise.

He said: "Well it's 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."

Stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox are expected to return for the third Transformers.