More 'G.I. Joe' Means More Stephen Sommers

It really didn't make money, but there will be a sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and Stephen Sommers will direct it. The sequel itself isn't news; Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have written a script that The Wrap says the studio really likes. And most of the cast members signed deals to come back if there were follow-ups, so here we are. The slight surprise is the retrun of Sommers, whose best movie is the first Mummy, and who the studio didn't need to bring back, and depending on your level of skepticism, didn't even want around for post-production of the first movie. Prior to the film's release last summer, there were reports, widely denied, that Sommers was barred from the editing suite and Paramount was taking the project over because it was displeased with what the director delivered. Really, until today, that could have been manifestly true, with Sommers only staying onboard for the sake of appearances. But bringing the director back kind of validates that Paramount was pleased with the performance of G.I. Joe, in spite of the fact that even after DVD sales, it only doubled its $175 million budget. Factor in marketing and print costs, and who knows what the actual outlay was, but Paramount didn't do a whole lot of positive business until you count the merchandising. There is, of course, that theory that sequels do better. It's as true as it isn't, but even if Joe: The Sequel does 30% better, will it be worth the investment?

Comments

[Rob B. from Vegas]

I almost hate to admit it, but I liked the first movie. It was silly, but it was fun. I would love to see what they do with the characters.