All summer long, the kids were raving about the screenplay for "Transformers," so that film's writers are returning for the sequel.

With Paramount and DreamWorks looking to get "Transformers 2" into production before possible strikes next summer, the studios have enlisted not only original franchise scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, but also Ehren Kruger.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the pact for the three writers is believed to be between $5-to-7 million, which the paper says "might be an industry high for a nonoriginal screenplay."

Kruger ("Scream 3), Kurtzman and Orci are currently working on an adaptation of Thomas Perry's "Nightlife" for DreamWorks. Kruger's involvement on the "Transformers" sequel may have something to do with the fact that the other two writers are doing "Star Trek" for J.J. Abrams, plus producing "Eagle Eye."

The trade paper says that Kruger impressed the other writers, director Michael Bay and Hasbro president Brian Goldner with his knowledge of "Transformers" mythology. Now we're impressed too, since our collective Transformers knowledge has never earned us a nickle.

Bay and star Shia LaBeouf are also expected to return for "Transformers 2," which has already staked out a June 29, 2009 premiere date.

Based on the popular toy and cartoon line, "Transformers" was one of the summer's biggest hits, making almost $700 million worldwide.