Although the highly anticipated "Transformers" sequel hasn't even hit cinemas yet, the third offering has already been secured a release date.

Paramount and Dreamworks confirm that "Transformers 3" will hit theaters next year, July 1, 2011.

Studio sources told Variety that a third installment is really happening and soon. Before others claim the summer date, the film studios have announced the date to ward off competitors.

Director Michael Bay or stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox haven't been confirmed yet for the project, nor has a writer been tapped yet.

Meanwhile, sequel "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" is set to arrive in theaters on June 24. Bay returns as the helmer, while Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro join LaBeouf and Fox for the film.