Stephen Sommers hasn’t directed a thing since he helmed what I believe to be one of the worst films of all-time in Van Helsing. Since then we haven’t heard much from the man that created the Mummy series, but is not returning to helm the third one. We did hear, however, that he was in talks to direct a feature film adaptation of G.I. Joe, but then we heard he asked for $10 million and conversations ceased. Guess what, appears they didn’t cease for too long.
Variety is reporting that Paramount has signed on Sommers and an accelerated schedule began right after Sommers pitched a version of a film based on the Hasbro toy line on Wednesday evening. Variety reports he was hired immediately.
Quick starts are great aren’t they? Especially when rumors all say that the script is terrible. On top of that, I actually enjoy the Mummy films, but don’t see Sommers’ style of storytelling working for a military special ops group that takes on a terrorist cell.
Harry at AICN puts it best saying, “I’m a little terrified that this film is being rushed into the pipeline – I hope it works out – but I fear the worst.”
Sound like we just might see Joe taking on Cobra in 2009 as a February production start and a summer 2009 release date has been set.
