‘G.I. Joe’ Sequel Director Shortlist Includes Jaume Collet-Serra, F. Gary Gray and Jon Chu

Posted on Friday, February 11th, 2011 by Adam Quigley

While the main cast of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra will most likely be back for a second round of goofy gadgetry and ninja combat, director Stephen Sommers didn’t have a sequel in his contract, and won’t be returning. That either means he had his eye on other projects and wasn’t interested in coming back, or that the studio told him to take a hike. Whichever explanation, it’s probably best that someone new will be helming the sequel, since the movie is “definitely different” from the first, if Channing Tatum is to be believed.

So who does Paramount have in mind? According to a shortlist that was released, the directors circling the sequel are Jaume Collet-Serra (Unkown), F. Gary Gray (Friday) and Jon Chu (Step Up 3D). More on those possibilities after the break. Read More »

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Stephen Sommers Won’t Direct ‘GI Joe’ Sequel

Posted on Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 by Peter Sciretta

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra earned over $302 million worldwide despite mostly negative buzz and reviews (34% on Rotten Tomatoes). The film surpassed studio expectations domestically, which was enough to greenlight a sequel. Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick were hired to pen the screenplay. While the main cast are contractually obligated to do the sequel, director Stephen Sommers did not have that clause in his contact. It was later reported that Sommers had committed to return for the sequel. It now appears the earlier report was premature.