From Stephen Sommers to Jon M. Chu to…Martin Campbell? That may be the progression for the G.I. JOE franchise as a source claims the CASINO ROYALE and GOLDENEYE director is the studio’s top choice to helm the sequel to G.I. JOE: RETALIATION. Yes, Campbell is also responsible for GREEN LANTERN, but that still makes him the most talented director associated with this franchise.
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION raised a lot of eyebrows when it suddenly moved it’s release date almost a full year just weeks before it was set to hit theaters. Many thought it was a bad omen for the film which was following the critically bashed original but actually ended up being an enjoyable film, mostly thanks to the work of star Dwayne Johnson. Johnson has already signed up for G.I. JOE 3 which is currently being scripted by THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE and LETHAL WEAPON 4 screenwriter Jonathan Lemkin.
G.I. JOE is a series that was meant to capitalize on the success of the TRANSFORMERS series by bringing another classic toy line and animated series to modern kids. Both films had significant issues, but Martin Campbell is a name I can get behind. GOLDENEYE and CASINO ROYALE remain two of the best action films in the James Bond series. Here’s hoping this turns out to be true.