After a nearly year-long delay to add 3D and make some “creative” changes (mostly the first one, judging by the final product) G.I. Joe: Retaliation finally made its way into theaters this past March. The sequel/reboot went on to gross $365 million worldwide, and Paramount and MGM have deemed that number successful enough to keep the director for the next installment.
Deadline reports that Jon M. Chu, who took over the franchise from Stephen Sommers, will jump back into the saddle for the third installment which we’ll just call G.I. Joe 3 for the time being. Paramount is also currently securing a screenwriter for the project, working off a shortlist of four potential candidates. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who jumped onto the franchise with G.I. Joe: Retaliation, is expected to be back for the third film unless Paramount doesn’t want to make money this time around.
I hated G.I. Joe: Retalation with a passion, feeling that it stripped away all of the personality from G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra in favor of something more gritty and “realistic.” Although it was a massive letdown for me, others did seem to enjoy it and considering it made a good chunk of money it makes sense why Mr. Chu would be brought back aboard. On a business level I totally get it and I’ll likely see G.I. Joe 3 despite not agreeing with the turn they took with the franchise. I just hope there’s room for RZA; if I’m going to sit through a movie full of bland characters, I would like at least one goofy one tossed into the mix.
Are you happy to hear Jon M. Chu is sticking with the G.I. Joe franchise?