“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” teaser arrives

Last time we saw a first trailer for a “Tranformers” movie, there was a distinctly different buzz in the air. The 2007 film was a major hit and we all eagerly awaited how Michael Bay and co. would top it. Several scathing reviews, racial stereotype accusations, a “feud” between Bay and star Megan Fox, and the dismissal of Fox from the franchise later, the third installment, subtitled “Dark of the Moon” (“Side” omitted to avoid Pink Floyd issues), has a lot to prove.

Now we have our first look at the film (debuted on Apple), a teaser trailer giving us the set-up. Apparently, our buddy Neil Armstrong and his crew did more than just land on the moon in 1969 — they found Transformers. How this new addition to “Transformers” lore will play out, we have no idea. The teaser shows nothing else, but we do know the action takes place in D.C. and Chicago for the most part.

We also know Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a Victoria’s Secret model, will take the place of Fox. Some reports she is a White House exchange intern who at the time of the story will have been dating Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) for awhile. Other additions to the cast include Patrick Dempsey, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand.

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” lands July 1.