Optimus Prime is no more. According to Michael Bay, anyway

"Optimus Prime has served his time. He is old news. He dies heroically in battle, but it is time for leadership to be passed on to a new generation. We will be introducing a new Autobot known as Hot Rod. He is young and hip and sometimes doesn't think things through, just like Bumblebee. But he will have to learn how to lead what remains of the Autobots against Galvatron and his army of Decepticons.

Prime makes it to the creators known as the Quintessons. They are less than pleased to see him and well I can't give you the whole movie. But that is where he meets Hot Rod who later becomes Rodimus Prime."

Shocking news from "Transformers" director Bay. Or it would be, anyway, if Bay had actually said any of this.

The quotes above are pulled from a new piece in the National Report. Fans, upon hearing of the death of the "Transformers" series' biggest and most popular Autobot, were naturally outraged. The only problem, of course is that those fans didn't realize the National Report is a satirical newspaper (not unlike The Onion).

So, of course, Prime is just fine and is in no danger of being ousted for a newer, younger model (as far as we know, anyway). But this didn't stop "Transformers" fans from venting their outrage on Twitter. Several highlights include these frustrations.

"Please someone slap him!"

"WHO gives away major plot points like that? Seriously? #facepalm"

"he described him as 'young and hip' and 'like bumblebee'..... Just kill me now #Rodimus'sbiggestfanboy #deathbyfacepalm"

Details are scarce about the state of "Transformers 5," but its safe to say that it will be put into production shortly (given how much money number four made), and that anything said by the National Report should not be taken as fact.