Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is only months from its release date, but Transformers 3 is getting all the attention.

Although no deals have been made with the director or any writer, Paramount has announced that the third episode in the Transformers franchise will be coming to US cinemas on July 1, 2011.

However, this appears to be without the express consent of franchise’s director, Michael Bay. Variety Magazine reported yesterday that Bay wrote in the forums on his site that Paramount got the date he nominated wrong – by 12 months.

Bay wrote:

“I said I was taking off a year from Transformers. Paramount made a mistake in dating Transformers 3 – they asked me on the phone – I said yes to July 4 – but for 2012 – whoops! Not 2011!!!”

Bay’s explanation for the much-needed break is straightforward enough.

“That would mean I would have to start prep in September. No way. My brain needs a break from fighting robots.”

Still, scheduling the release of a sequel more than two years ahead of its predecessor’s release is hardly unheard of. Earlier in the year, Warner Bros. pacified Harry Potter fans by announcing release dates for the final films (Deathly Hallows: Part I due on November 19, 2010 and Deathly Hallows: Part II due July 15, 2011. This announcement came months before the scheduled release of the sixth Harry Potter movie (Half-Blood Prince) due in Australia on 16 July 2009.