transformersageofextinctionMichael Bay isn’t done beating the Transformers corpse after an increasingly violent trilogy. Shia Labeouf’s Sam is out, after his gradual development into an angry sociopath. Taking the place of the human protagonist is Mark Wahlberg as inventor, Cade Yeager, in Transformers: Age of Extinction.

After terrorizing and leaving various parts of the world in ruin, the Autobots and Decepticons had seemingly left; much like children in a playground. But there’s always recess the next day. Yeager discovers a buried toy Transformer, and it sets things in motion to bring back the bloodthirsty Autobots and struggling Decepticons.

Wahlberg had a few words about his preparation for the film:

“Ted was a good tool to prepare me for this. Having to identify with things that aren’t there. The bear prepped me for that. And as embarrassing as doing things like the fight sequence with him were – just throwing myself around a room for 12 hours while the crew just sat eating sandwiches and watching – it taught me how to do this shit.”

–Mark Wahlberg

I’m really looking forward to Wahlberg wrestling with Optimus Prime — wait, that is what he’s getting at, right? By which I mean, I am really looking forward to Wahlberg wrestling with Optimus Prime. He’s done a wonderful job playing off of something that wasn’t really there in Ted, he’ll do excellent in Transformers. Wahlberg is also a very likeable lead.

So, does this mean Wahlberg’s character wished the Transformers to life? I want a thunder music number.

Joining Wahlberg is Nicola Petlz, Sophia Myles, Li Binging, Kesley Grammer, and Stanley Tucci.

There’s a lot to look forward to with Autobots seeing red and tearing off Decepticon faces left and right. And with Wahlberg as lead, there will be a likeable protagonist. Because let’s face it, even if he plays a jerk, he’s fun.

Transformers: Age of Extinction tramples theaters without remorse, July 10, 2014.