Stephen Sommers Isn’t Going To Direct ‘G.I. Joe 2,’ Paramount Seeking Other Filmmakers

We’re Not Sure Who’s Luckier, The Sequel Or Him

Oh hey, remember last summer when it was announced that big budget hack Stephen Sommers would return to direct the sequel to his absolutely terrible “G.I. Joe.”? Turns out he actually won’t be.

The LA Times reports that Paramount has done a 180 on the hire, and has started speaking to other filmmakers about sitting in the director’s chair (no names were mentioned). It always was a little strange that Paramount would hire back Sommers after what was believed to be a very contentious shoot with some reports claiming Hasbro was extremely upset by the finished product and worried, prior to release, it would damage the brand. It looks like the studio is realizing they may not want to go through all that drama again. Or they may have finally realized that Sommers is a shitty director.

Of course, there’s no official comment from Paramount or from Sommers who apparently has a “Tarzan” reboot in the works (typical) but it’s far from being camera ready (thank God). The helmer also signed on to direct “Odd Thomas” earlier this fall, so that could be another project that becomes the focus of his attention.

But the larger question looming is: does anyone really want a “G.I. Joe” sequel? It was pretty much a disaster on all levels save the genius bit of casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the villain (with the door open for him return). And it’s not as if the film was a resounding smash succes: it cost nearly $325 million once you factor in marketing and ended up doing $302 million worldwide. Not so great. And it’s not like any of the principal actors have become big, proven box office stars just yet (sorry, Channing Tatum).

But hey, they can always reboot with a new cast and smaller budget and it wouldn’t surprise us if they went that route, frankly. Anyway, more to come we’re sure. Yo Joe!