Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay poised for a Transformers reunion

Steven Spielberg is locking in for another round with the Autobots. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the legendary director is returning to the Transformers franchise, focusing on all creative aspects of the upcoming eighth live-action film.

Michael Bay, who helmed the first five movies, is in early talks to direct, per Deadline. The project aims to bring back the original team that launched the billion-dollar series.

The Hollywood Reporter notes the script, by Jason Fuchs, is set in the modern day. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is back on board, with additional producers including Mark Vahradian, Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, and toy company Hasbro.

Shia LaBeouf, the original human star, will not be returning. There's no word yet on the storyline or who might voice Optimus Prime following the passing of Peter Cullen.

Page Six adds that Bay is reportedly negotiating for final cut privileges on the film. The move comes as Paramount, now merged with Warner Bros. Discovery, looks to revitalize the flagship robot franchise.