The final 'Transformers 3' in 3D

(AFP /VALERIE MACON)

The director of Transformers 3, Michael Bay, confirmed that the next and third installment of the Transformers franchise will be in 3D. It is unknown if the sci-fi action-adventure will be shot in 3D or converted in post-production. As the last in a trilogy, the series will end with this story.

Other details revealed to the national US newspaper USA Today include the designated villain in the film - Shockwave, a robot cyclops-turned-laser-cannon. The storyline follows a space race between the USSR and the USA. Also gone is the "dorky humor," according to the director.

The release date is July 1, 2011, for the July 4th US holiday, during a summer filled with superhero films including Green Lantern, Thor and Captain America.

Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky and Josh Dudamel as Captain Lennox return. The movie also co-stars Patrick Dempsey ( Valentine's Day), Ken Jeong ( The Hangover), John Malkovich and Frances McDormand (both from Burn After Reading).

After this film, Bay has several projects in development that could happen next including The Birds, a remake of the Hitchcock film with Naomi Watts in the Tippi Hedren role, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Bad Boys 3 with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

RC