Will Jason Statham Replace Shia LeBouef in 'Transformers 4'?

Not that anyone really needs reminding, but just because it bears repeating: in Hollywood, it’s who you know.

So you might not have heard by now – don’t worry, it’s the cacophony of explosions, it just drowns everything out – but “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” set a 2011 high-water mark by grossing $37 million on its opening day. Depending on how you feel about the “Transformers” franchise at this point, the fact a fourth “Transformers” flick is now a mortal lock is either making you weep in joy, or hopeless resignation that critics and fans’ outcries are undeniably meaningless.

There’s this nagging problem with the next one, though: the winning formula is about to fall short a few ingredients. Both star Shia LaBeouf and ADD-addled man-child director Michael Bay say it’s three and out for them. Granted, they have both officially endured one more film than one-time breakout star Megan Fox, and producer Steven Spielberg’s name has popped up here and there as a possible helmsman for a fourth film.

But a leading man? Meet our friend . . . . Favoritism.

Bankable action star – and main squeeze of Fox’s eye-candy replacement, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – Jason Statham’s name has arisen in Paramount Pictures’ discussions about a successor to LaBeouf, according to Showbiz Spy.

“It’s clear the franchise has huge potential but with a new leading man capable of taking ‘Transformers’ in a new, darker direction. Jason could be just the man to do that and his relationship with Rosie would be an added bonus in marketing the movie,” said an inside source.

At this point, Statham is an old-school action throwback who brings authenticity and a genuinely rugged, don’t-f***-with-me presence to rough-and-tumble roles like the “Transporter” series, “The Expendables” and the two “Crank” films. Even then, though, his turns in Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch” show he’s got some acting chops to spare, as well.