Mark Wahlberg Signs On To Star In 'Transformers 4'

Bay and Wahlberg most recently worked together on the action/comedy film Pain & Gain, which stars Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie as three personal trainers-turned-criminals.

“Mark is awesome,” Bay said on his website. “We had a blast working on Pain and Gain and I’m so fired up to be back working with him. An actor of his caliber is the perfect guy to re-invigorate the franchise and carry on the Transformers’ legacy,”

Wahlberg, 41, will be taking the lead actor torch from Shia Lebeouf, who starred in the first three Transformers films. And while Wahlberg is certainly a welcome addition to the franchise, it’s not like this series was in dire need of “re-invigoration.” The three Transformers movies have combined for over $ 2.6 billion in worldwide grosses, and each one has made more than its predecessor, with the third eclipsing the $1 billion mark. Of course, Wahlberg is coming off the comedy-blockbuster Ted, which made nearly $500 million, so perhaps he can carry Transformers 4 to even greater heights.

Those interested in how a Wahlberg/Bay tandem will play out will get their first look this April when Pain & Gain is released in theaters. But fans will have to wait a little longer to see how Wahlberg shares the screen with Optimus Prime and co. as Transformers 4 isn't set to be released until June 27, 2014.