G.I. Joe: The director of the new action movie has reportedly been chosen

It appears a director has been found for the new "G.I. Joe" movie. Danny McBride is set to direct, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It was already known that McBride is writing the screenplay. So it makes perfect sense that he'll now also be taking the director's chair. On the other hand, it's also a bit surprising, since "G.I. Joe" will be his first time directing a feature film.

Most people probably know McBride as an actor. However, he has also made a name for himself in the film world as a screenwriter. Among other things, he was involved in writing the screenplay for the 2018 "Halloween" movie. As a director, however, he has so far worked in television, directing several episodes of the series "Vice Principals" and "The Righteous Gemstones," in which he also appeared as an actor.

Initially, the focus was supposed to be on the Dreadnoks

In that regard, it will be interesting to see how he fares as the director of a franchise action film like "G.I. Joe." One thing that should already excite fans: McBride has apparently had a long-standing passion for the "G.I. Joe" universe. When he recently spoke about the planned film on Josh Horowitz's "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, he revealed that he was already a huge fan as a child – and that he loved "G.I. Joe" even more than "Star Wars." But what's at least as important is that McBride already seems to know exactly which direction his film adaptation should take.

Media outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline report that details about the plot have been kept under wraps so far. That may be true in principle, but it hasn't stopped McBride from already talking about the story. On the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, he revealed that he initially had a film about the Dreadnoks in mind. They are a notorious group of mercenaries from the "G.I. Joe" universe. Paramount, however, wanted to revive the action series in a different way. So he presented the studio with a different approach. Now, Duke, one of the franchise's central characters, is set to take center stage in the new film.

In the fight against Cobra

Together with other "G.I. Joe" members, Duke heads to Springfield – a city that, despite its unassuming name, has a lot going on: The town has been secretly infiltrated by the terrorist organization Cobra. In addition to sharing plot details, McBride explained on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that he has a grounded take on the material in mind:

"It's not a comedy. It's like kind of suspense and action and I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

McBride hasn't commented on potential cast members. That said, with the protagonist Duke, he's introducing a character who isn't making his first appearance in a "G.I. Joe" film adaptation. In "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," Channing Tatum played the role. It remains to be seen who will take on the part this time, however. As for filming, McBride hopes production will begin as early as next year.

Different movies, different directors

The new "G.I. Joe" movie would be the fourth to hit the big screen since the 2000s. In 2009, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," directed by Stephen Sommers, was released. Four years later came "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," which – unlike its predecessor – was directed by Jon M. Chu and featured two popular action stars, Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis, as new additions to the cast. It wasn't until 2021 that another installment, "Snake Eyes," was released, with Robert Schwentke taking over as director.

However, the "G.I. Joe" universe has existed long before the movies. In addition to the famous action figures, which were already around in the 1960s, animated series and comics have also been released over the years, much to the delight of fans of the franchise.