It’s tough to keep secrets on big films when you have to release certain details to outsiders in order to sort out the headache-inducing logistics of getting them made. But Michael Bay and the team putting Transformers 4 together don’t have to worry too much, because while the Michigan Film Office’s announcement about the movie shooting in the state does offer some new plot details, it doesn’t drop any whopping spoilers.

The new outing for Optimus Prime and co, joined by new human co-stars Mark Wahlberg and Jack Reynor, is returning to some familiar stomping ground (literally, in the case of the bigger ‘bots) since Detroit has served as a filming location for both the first film and Dark Of The Moon.

As for what Ehren Kruger has come up with, script-wise? This is what the Michigan announcement includes: “As humanity picks up the pieces, following the conclusion of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, Autobots and Decepticons have all but vanished from the face of the planet. However, a group of powerful, ingenious businessman and scientists attempt to learn from past Transformer incursions and push the boundaries of technology beyond what they can control – all while an ancient, powerful Transformer menace sets Earth in his crosshairs. The epic adventure and battle between good and evil, freedom and enslavement ensues.”

Bay himself has previously talked about how the story will now play out… “Transformers 4 is not a reboot. This movie takes place exactly four years after the war in Chicago. The story makes a very natural transition, and reason as to why we have a whole new cast. This Transformers will feel very different than the last three. We are embarking on a new trilogy.” So there you go; that's what we know for now. 

Expect the Bayhem to start again this spring ready for a June 27 release next year. Bay's latest, Pain And Gain, which stars Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson, is out August 28. You can hear more from Wahlberg in our Podcast interview.