December 25, 2024

Michael Bay Tells ‘Transformers’ Fans: ‘Let Them Hate’

With Reporting by Josh Horowitz

A little tension goes a long way, at least where Michael Bay is concerned.

The “Transformers: Age of Extinction” filmmaker spoke with MTV News in Hong Kong about his relationship with fans of the “Transformers” franchise. Everyone has an opinion about Optimus Prime, from fans of the Autobot leader’s 1980s roots to his current incarnation on the big-screen. And while some of these fans are vocally against Bay’s vision of “Transformers,” the director himself is all about the outcry.

“They love to hate, and I don’t care; let them hate,” he told MTV’s Josh Horowitz. “They’re still going to see the movie! I think it’s good to get a little tension. Very good.”

“I used to get bothered by it,” he continued, “but I think it’s good to get the dialogue going. It makes me think, and it keeps me on my toes, so it’s good.”

In fact, Bay’s flirtation with fan ire doesn’t end with “Transformers.” He’s the producer of this summer’s coming “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” directed by Jonathan Liebesman. Like “Transformers,” the “Ninja Turtles” reboot has been the subject of some online debate. But with “Age of Extinction” now finally hitting theaters, Bay is only now starting to think about what the reaction to “Turtles” might be.

“I’m just starting to get into that more,” he said. “The Turtles are great looking, so we’ll see.”

“Transformers: Age of Extinction” is in theaters now.

About the author  ⁄ Josh Wigler

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