Gemma Arterton Frontrunner for Replacing Megan Fox in Transformers 3

It looks like collagen and plastic surgery can only get you so far in Paramount's world, as The Wrap is reporting that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time star Gemma Arterton will take Megan Fox's place. Not only that, but models Bar Rafaeli and Miranda Kerr have been brought on for script readings.

My first thought here is that how the hell is Shia LeBeouf so lucky? I mean, he stars in one of the most financially successful franchises of all time and he literally has his pick of attractive actors to play on screen opposite him. Sure, the whole premise with Fox was that yes, she was out of his league, but she was more forced into loving him due to the circumstances than anything. It's not like he would've been able to get her on his own. Regardless, it seems Michael Bay felt that Sam Witwicky should have a new love interest in the third film, so moving away from Fox makes sense. Is that the only reason though?

Well, if you're Bay, you can't be too pleased that Fox compared you to Hitler and blasted you in public, despite making you a world recognized actor. I'm sure he also sees the writing on the wall about Fox and her reputation, leading to any movie she's in immediately being savaged by critics. Remember the hype behind Jennifer's Body? Remember the movie Jennifer's Body? Exactly. Not exactly Oscar-worthy material there. Jonah Hex is already getting mixed reviews, so you've got to wonder if Fox is toxic to any franchise she touches.

On the other side of things, Arterton could be a good a replacement for Fox. Still way out of Sam's league, but if you can suspend disbelief long enough to sit through the first two movies it's not that far-fetched. I mean, in the second Transformers film Isabel Lucas was all over Sam as well (once again, circumstances). There's a report by AICN that just about half of Hollywood is in the running for the role though, so we'll have to wait and see what happens.