It looks like the upcoming "Transformers 5" sequel is set to incorporate a new cast for its rumored release next year. According to Cinemablend, director Michael Bay has decided to go on a different direction and made it pretty clear that he will not be returning to direct the sequel in what was supposed to be the next phase of the blockbuster franchise. And Bay's departure has gotten a lot of fans worried that the cast, which includes Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor might decide to drop out from the movie as well.

Though many thought that "Transformers 4" was a sequel to the first three "Transformer" movies, Wahlberg told L.A. Times back in April that although, "Some people think of this as a sequel. We thought of it more as a stand-alone thing. I've never done a sequel."

Meanwhile, rumors that the original "Transformers" female lead, Megan Fox making a comeback in the upcoming movie is unlikely, especially since Fox is starring in the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movie.

The rumor mill also suggests that the "Transformer 5" sequel is set to hit the theaters sometime next year. However, "Transformers" producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, shot down the rumor, as well as Bay's alleged departure from the franchise.

In an interview with Screenrant, di Bonaventura said, "We have never discussed the idea of how to hand it off, honestly. It's not like we don't think, well what happens if Michael doesn't do it, of course you do. But we want to keep Michael on this, so we're not spending any time worrying about who could come in. We're trying to figure out how to keep him going and keep him excited. "

"It's an exhausting process to make these movies. The scale of them is so enormous. It really does tax everybody and our tendency is to finish one at a time, recover, and then begin talking."