Transformers 4 Recruits Li Bingbing

While director Michael Bay announced it earlier today via his website, Paramount Pictures have now made it official that Chinese actress Li Bingbing has been cast in Transformers 4. The Resident Evil: Retribution actress joins Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Sophia Myles in the fourth installment in the franchise, which is due in theaters on June 27th, 2014. "I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li," said Michael Bay. Li's recent hits in China include the Tsui Hark-directed Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame and 1911. She was recently named Variety's "Asian Star of the Year." "I am thrilled to get to work with Michael Bay. Transformers has influenced generations in China and the movie franchise has a massive fan base. I am very happy to be able to join this international production. Thank you Paramount for the invitation! Looking forward to it!" said Li Bingbing. Paramount hopes to co-finance the film with China--something that's been an increasingly popular option in Hollywood in recent years as China offers generous film subsidies in the hopes of growing their presence in the international film community. On the other hand, their government demands control over content before any of that money is disbursed and many American productions (such as Iron Man 3) have been accused of trying to take advantage of China by doing very little actual production there and then trying to pass the film off as a co-production. After Looper was perceived as pulling a fast one on the Chinese regulators, they cracked down on co-productions and eventually Iron Man 3 gave up its co-production status. Transformers 4's agreement represents the first time that China Movie Channel will work with a western studio in the production of a major motion picture. "We are delighted to see Ms. Li Bingbing being selected for a major role in Transformers 4, a very successful global film franchise," said Yan Xiaoming, Chairman of China Movie Channel.  "Ms. Li is an excellent and famous Chinese actress with many fans in China. She has had many successful projects with China Movie Channel and M1905.com in the past. We wish her every success in Transformers 4 and with the worldwide audience that will enjoy her great talent."