Even with the negative critical response of last year's hit "Transformers: Age of Extinction," fans shouldn't be disappointed as the fifth installment "Transformers 5" of the popular movie franchise was recently confirmed by Paramount Pictures to hit theaters on 2017. However, it looks like director Michael Bay will not be coming back to helm the much-awaited sequel.

With a sweeping $1.1B total box office record of the "Transformers: Age of Extinction" last year, Paramount Pictures didn't hesitate to venture the movie franchise's fifth installment. Debuting in summer 2017, the studio set Akiva Goldsman to lead a group of writers to pen the script of the upcoming sequel, Collider reports. And for a novelty, Paramount is also trying to create a "Transformers" universe similar to Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars by releasing spinoffs and series of sequels.

In fact, a prequel entitled "Transformers One" is on the works and will be written by Goldsman's writers Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari. Reports also say that the remaining writers in the group include Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (Iron-Man), Zak Penn (Pacific Rim 2 and X-Men: The Last Stand) and Jeff Pickner of (Lost and Fringe). Hasbro (one of the movie's production company) confirmed that more robot-smashing action will be featured in the flick.

Actor Mark Wahlberg has already confirmed that he will be reprising his role a Cade Yeager, reports Food World News. Meanwhile, Megan Fox said in an interview with E! News that she is open to do a cameo as Mikaela Banes. Shia LaBeouf has also made headlines this year for his alleged comeback in the "Transformers 5." However, it is yet to be confirmed by the producers.

Meanwhile, rumors are staking claim that director Michael Bay will be leaving the popular franchise behind. Since he's on board for a Benghazi movie "13 Hour," Paramount must wait a little longer for his schedule, or maybe not. Bay has directed the first four movies of the franchise, and fans are still rooting for the director to helm the fifth installment. However, according to Comicbook (via Ecumenical News), the famed director has already renounced to direct the giant robot series, but will stay on as a producer.

Moreover, it is speculated that Paramount Pictures is not giving up on Michael Bay to work his magic. Regardless, it was also reported that Bay's protégé, Jonathan Liebesman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) is set to direct the next "Transformers" movie.

Anyway, do you still want Michael Bay to helm the "Transformers 5"? Or would you rather go for Jonathan Liebesman for a novelty? Sound off your choices on the comments section.