When last we reported on "Transformers 5" here at Venture Capital Post, the franchise was in a stage of transition. Michael Bay had announced that he would be leaving the franchise, and would not be directing any more "Transformers" films after this summer's "Transformers: Age of Extinction."

While covering the same news, Latin Post uncovered another interesting development - along with Bay, actor Mark Wahlberg may be giving up on "Transformers" as well. According to their reports, there have been no words one way or the other about Mark Wahlberg and a continuation of his "Transformers" role, Cade Yeager. Wahlberg has not commented on his stake in the franchise.

But Wahlberg has done two films already with Bay - "Age of Extinction," and last year's bodybuilder comedy, "Pain & Gain." If his attachment to Bay is stronger than his attachment to Optimus Prime and the other Autobots, the "Transformers" franchise may need to find yet another hero for the fifth film (Wahlberg, of course, was the replacement for Shia LaBeouf).

A piece in Breathecast has the film eyeing a potential 2016 release date, which would mean things need to move as quickly as they can - the process of casting and pre-production, plus the actual filming, plus post-production and visual effects, usually takes about two years for a movie the size of "Transformers 5."

And Paramount wants to continue churning these films out for as long as possible - once every two years in a continuing patter (as reported by Latin Post.) But given the box office results of "Age of Extinction." which is by far the weakest-performing "Transformers" film, this strategy might not pan out. "Age of Extinction" has already surpassed the one billion dollar mark at the box office, but for a "Transformers" film, that's weak stuff - normally, they continue on well past that.

Check back soon for the latest on Bay and Wahlberg's involvement with "Transformers 5."