Sequel Bits: ‘Transformers 4’, ‘Ninja Turtles’, ‘Taken 3’, ‘Jurassic World’

If I asked you to name the most iconic movie franchise of all time, would you sayTransformers?Mark Wahlbergwould — and he’s pretty sure the new one will be the biggest film of 2014. Also after the jump:

“For moviegoers all over the world, I guarantee this will take it up a notch,” he said. “It is bigger and better than the other three (films) combined.” In Wahlberg’s defense, he has reason to be optimistic. The lastTransformersgrossed $1.1 billion worldwide to become the second-highest grossing film of 2011. [Yahoo]

Speaking ofTransformers: Age of Extinction, directorMichael Bayhas reiterated at this year’s Cinema Con that the film will use Dolby’s Atmos Surround Sound System — just as heconfirmedat last year’s Cinema Con. [TFW2005]

And while you’re listening to the movie’s cutting-edge sound mix, you’ll be watching it through an extra-special lens. A new photo from Cinema Con shows off the custom 3D glasses forTransformers: Age of Extinction, as well as ones forTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,SpongeBob SquarePants 2, andMinions.

Transformers: Age of ExtinctionopensJune 27, followed byTMNTonAugust 8,SpongeBobonFebruary 13, 2015, andMinionsonJuly 10, 2015. [Collider]

DirectorJon M. Churevealedlast week that he would be moving ahead withJembefore turning his attention back toG.I. Joe 3. But now, starDwayne Johnsonsays he doesn’t think Chu will be back in time forJoe’s planned January start.

“Well, the idea is that we would start shootingG.I. Joein January, in the first quarter of next year. That’s the idea,” Johnson said. " Look, I love Jon, and I think he did a great job. I get it. He had to go on and do something else."

While Johnson acknowledged that Chu “could be” done withJemby then, he didn’t sound too confident. He added that they were “still looking” for aG.I. Joe 3director. [Collider]

AlthoughThe Lego Moviewas a big, big smash for Warner Bros., the studio didn’t make as much money off of it as it would have liked. Mainly, that was because Village Roadshow Pictures picked up about 50% of the tab for making and marketing the movie — meaning Village Roadshow also got about 50% of the profits.

Warner Bros. originally arranged the split because of a lack of confidence inThe Lego Movie, but now sees the move as “a big mistake.” It’s one they won’t be making again. According to an insider, Village Roadshow will not be asked to help finance the sequel. [THR]

The long-gestatingDark Crystalsequel is still coming along, as revealed byBrian Hensonin a recent interview. “We have one written. It’s really good,” he said. However, you shouldn’t necessarily expect it to come together quickly. “We don’t have a production schedule or anything. It’s a big movie to put all the pieces together.”

Indeed, Henson adds,Fraggle Rockcould actually move forward sooner. “Fraggle Rockis still in development, but the development is looking very strong, whereDark Crystalis mostly developed,” he explained. “Fraggle Rockmight go faster because it’s not as big an undertaking.”

Henson was far less forthcoming about the plannedFarscapefilm. “I can’t tell you anything. That one is pretty secret,” he said. [Variety]

Liam Neeson,Famke Janssen,Maggie Grace, andJon Griesare all coming back forTaken 3, and now so isLeland Orser. The actor has signed on to reprise his role as Sam, friend and ex-colleague to Neeson’s Bryan Mills.Taken 3starts shooting this month for release onJanuary 9, 2015. [Deadline]Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2has found its villain.Neal McDonoughis in final talks to play a criminal who masterminds an elaborate art heist that catches the attention ofKevin James’s Paul Blart character.

Initially, the casino security team makes fun of Paul, but eventually they need his help to catch the bad guys. Also in the cast areNick TurturroandMolly Shannon.Andy Fickmanis directing the comedy sequel, which shoots in April. [THR]

Live in the South and have an affinity for dinosaurs?Jurassic Worldis looking for “thousands” of paid extras in Metairie, LA, with casting calls to be held on March 29 and March 30.

All sorts of people are needed — men and women of any ethnicity, between the ages of 5 and 85. The sci-fi sequel is filming this summer for a June 12, 2025 premiere. For more details, visitOn Location Vacations.