The director of an immensely popular action franchise has confirmed we won't have to wait as long for the third film in the series. Director Michael Bay annnounced on his official website that Transformers 3 has now been confirmed for a summer 2011 release. Here's the director's statement on his website, which included a note to Megan Fox as well.

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012.

Today is Day One. This morning started with an ILM meeting for five hours in San Francisco. Currently I'm flying with writer Ehren Kruger to Rhode Island to talk to Hasbro about new characters.

P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

Pain and Gain is right after shooting of Trans 3.

Michael

It was reported earlier this year that Bay had planned to take a break in between Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Transformers 3, originally stating that he would prep for a 2012 release of Transformers 3.

We'll certainly keep you posted if any new Transformers 3 developments emerge.