One of this summer’s biggest smash-hits, Transformers,  will be getting a sequel.  It’s not the least bit surprising, however, but we do finally have a clearer idea of when we can expect to see the next incarnation of Transformers.  Paramount and DreamWorks are holding the date of June 29, 2009 for Transformers 2, with Michael Bay being expected to return to direct.

Although there have been reports of tensions between DreamWorks and Paramount, it’s nothing that several hundred million dollars can’t patch up.  After all, the first movie grossed nearly $700 million worldwide, giving DreamWorks their first live-action franchise.

Michael Bay hasn’t officially signed a deal to direct Transformers 2, but is currently believed to be in the early stages of negotiations.  And with Bay on board, Shia LaBeouf is expected to return as well.   DreamWorks and Paramount are hoping to start production on the Transformers 2 sequel before a possible strike, even if they are faced with having to finish it up afterwards.