Mark Wahlberg To Star In Transformers 4

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.-- “Transformers 4” has a new star – Mark Wahlberg. Director Michael Bay explained on his website on Thursday that after teaming up with the star for the upcoming “Pain and Gain,” the two will continue their working relationship with “Transformers 4.”

“Mark is awesome. We had a blast working on ‘Pain and Gain’ and I’m so fired up to be back working with him,” Michael said in a statement. “An actor of his caliber is the perfect guy to re-invigorate the franchise and carry on the Transformers’ legacy.”

“Transformers 4” will start shooting next spring.

In 2011, Shia LaBeouf, who starred in the first three films in the series, said he didn’t expect to return for the fourth installment in the series. “I just don’t think right now there’s anywhere to take Sam,” he told MTV News at the time.

Mark Wahlberg is an American actor, film and television producer, and former rapper. He was known as Marky Mark in his earlier years, and became famous for his 1991 debut as frontman with the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He was named No. 1 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of the 90's. Wahlberg is well known for his roles in films such as Fear (1996), Boogie Nights (1997), Three Kings (1999), The Perfect Storm (2000), Planet of the Apes (2001), Rock Star (2001), The Italian Job (2003), I Heart Huckabees (2004), Four Brothers (2005), The Departed (2006), Invincible (2006), Shooter (2007), Max Payne (2008), The Fighter (2010), Date Night (2010), and Ted (2012). He has also served as the executive producer of the TV series Entourage, Boardwalk Empire and How to Make It in America.