Transformers 5, the forthcoming installment in the commercially successful robot franchise, is becoming the subject of spoiler news as filming looms.

Transformers 5 Spoilers

The fifth Transformers movie could be something of a departure from the first four sci-fi flicks, as Michael Bay may not be returning to the director’s chair. Bay has said that he’d rather not helm the sequel, preferring to turn his focus towards other projects. Peter Cullen, who voices Optimus Prime, is optimistic that the director will have a change of heart.

"I have a great deal of respect for Bay. He generates a great deal of excitement and energy. He's really a hands-on director. My son is a stunt man and worked in Chicago doing a lot of the driving sequences … he said he's a very, very diligent, hands-on guy,” said Cullen. "I would certainly miss him. I think he's brilliant, his mind is unbelievable. Michael if you're reading this, I hope you are coming back."

In addition to Bay, it looks like Mark Wahlberg will be walking away from the franchise as well. Wahlberg picked up the leading role slot from Shia LaLeouf for Transformers: Age of Extinction, but looks unlikely to take the job beyond the one film.

Details on the plot of the fifth film are scarce, though it is believed that it will take place when the Cullen-voiced Optimus Prime departs Earth for good. It’s also expected to feature a fight between the descendants of Autobots and Decepticons, the Maximals and the Predacons.

Transformers 5 is slated to hit theaters June 24, 2016.