Rejoice! 24 Frames has learned that blockbuster hack extraordinaire Stephen Sommers will not be returning to direct the sequel to G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra. There are two good things to come out of this report.
First, Sommers has “no movie that’s ready to shoot imminently.” The second, there is a chance for a talented director to come in a do something worthwhile (or at least enjoyable) with the franchise. We know the script will be better by default, due to Zombieland writers Rhett Rheese and Paul Wernick crafting it.
Of course, it could be the end of times and we could see Sommers go on to do something dumber than G.I. Joe (say, the Tarzan reboot he is interested in) and the new director could actually make something worse than the original. But for now, let’s hope for the best. 24 Frames reports below:
Two agents who represent other filmmakers have said they’d recently been approached about their clients coming on to helm the movie and were told that Sommers would not be getting behind the camera. Paramount declined to comment.
There is no word yet if Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, or the rest of the cast will return. It would be wonderful to see a Darren Aronofsky/Wolverine-esque takeover of a highly talented director coming in, but I wouldn’t want it to be a waste a time for them and especially the audience. With a finished script and the original taking in over $300 million worldwide, you can bet Paramount will lock down a new director soon.
Who could direct G.I. Joe 2?