Director and producer Michael Bay has revealed what was said in a recent chat he had with his three-time collaborator, the controversial actor and filmmaker Shia Labeouf.
Bay, 61, directed Labeouf, 40, in the first three movies in the live-action “Transformers” franchise. They were 2007’s “Transformers,” 2009’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” and 2011’s “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.”
Labeouf played Sam Witwicky in the franchise. Witwicky is an ordinary, somewhat awkward teenage boy who discovers a connection to the eponymous alien robots, allies with the heroic Autobots, and grows into a reluctant hero battling the evil Decepticons while navigating high school, family issues, and romantic relationships.
“Bad Boys,” “The Rock,” “Armageddon,” and “Pearl Harbor” director Bay spoke to TMZ about his recent catchup with his former leading man Labeouf.
Michael Bay Says Shia Labeouf Told Him He Took His Daughter on the ‘Transformers’ Ride
GettyIn Michael Bay’s chat with TMZ, the director spoke about many things, one of which was his recent chat with Shia Labeouf.
Unfortunately, Labeouf does find himself in hot water fairly regular. In 2026, he has made headlines for being arrested in New Orleans around Mardi Gras and for admitting that he drinks “daily” despite previously going through rehab.
Bay told the popular celebrity news outlet that he spoke to Labeouf around six months ago. While they didn’t discuss any of the actor’s legal issues, the actor did rather wholesomely tell him that he had taken his daughter, Isabel, on the “Transformers” ride at Universal Studios. The controversial star described how he got to watch his four-year-old take in the experience, which, in essence, allowed him to see the ride through her young eyes and brought him to tears.
Bay also told TMZ that he has a message for Labeouf. He says the actor is a hugely talented performer, a great guy, and he treasures the time they spent working together.
Bay’s full discussion with the outlet is viewable on YouTube. Other topics discussed in the chat include the sad passing of Peter Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime in Bay’s “Transformers” films.
Bay & Labeouf in 2026 & Beyond
GettyIn 2026, both Michael Bay and Shia Labeouf have had quiet years professionally — especially by their usual standards.
Bay’s most recent credits came in 2025, when he directed and produced the freerunning and parkour documentary “We Are Storror,” and produced the mystery thriller movie “Drop.”
Labeouf’s most recent credits, also in 2025, came in the prison drama movie “Henry Johnson,” the boxing crime drama film “Salvable,” and the feature-length documentary about him entitled “Slauson Rec.”
Both men have upcoming projects confirmed, however.
Bay will produce 2027’s horror sequel “A Quiet Place Part III,” as well as the untitled “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe” crossover film, and various other upcoming movies like “The Raid,” “The Caretaker,” “Sponsor,” “Outrun,” “Little America,” “Blink of an Eye,” and “Armored.”
Meanwhile, Labeouf will star in the drama movies “The Rooster Prince” and “Angel of Death.”
We look forward to seeing everything Bay and Labeouf have to offer in the near future.
Michael Bay and Shia Labeouf’s filmography info was courtesy of IMDb.
