The Future of G.I. Joe: Will We See a Third Live-Action Movie?

From the toy franchises that lit up toy stores to the beloved movie series that brought the action figures to life, the G.I. Joe brand has captured the imagination of generations. After three live-action movies, the decision to drop a third feature film in favor of a complete reboot has left fans and analysts alike in suspense. Will there ever be a third G.I. Joe live-action movie, or has the franchise run its course?

A New Direction for G.I. Joe

Hasbro, the company behind the iconic toys, has announced plans for a complete reboot of the G.I. Joe franchise. This decision marks a significant departure from the previous films, which, while financially successful, did not generate a substantial enough fan base to warrant a sequel. According to reports, the upcoming reboot aims to update the franchise for a more contemporary setting, addressing the changing audience tastes and incorporating new characters and storylines.

The buzz surrounding the reboot is intriguing, especially given the mixed reception of the previous movies. The first G.I. Joe film in 2009 made over $330 million worldwide but was criticized for its plot and over-the-top action. The 2013 sequel, although more critically acclaimed, struggled to replicate the financial success of the first installment. These factors, combined with the difficulty in attracting a dedicated fanbase, likely informed Hasbro's decision to overhaul the franchise completely.

Sieving the Rumors: Screenwriters and Stars

The announcement that Jonathan Lemkin, a prolific screenwriter known for his work on Marvel and DC franchises, is on board as a screenwriter for the new film, adds weight to the possibility of a third G.I. Joe live-action movie. Director Jon Chu, who helmed the 2013 sequel, has also expressed interest in the project, stating that the new film will center around Dwayne Johnson's character, with a mix of returning and new G.I. Joe soldiers. Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Channing Tatum is rumored to reprise his role as Duke, but this remains unconfirmed.

IMDb lists Adrianne Palicki, known for her role in Battlecast, and Lady Gaga as potential candidates for roles in the reboot. However, no official cast list has been confirmed. With Jon M. Chu already committed to directing Jem and the Holograms for release in 2016, it seems that the timing might be less favorable for a third G.I. Joe movie.

Speculations and Anticipation

The G.I. Joe franchise, characterized by its rich lore and dynamic roster of characters, offers immense potential for a reboot. The anticipation for the next steps in the franchise is palpable, given the depth of the source material. Whether it will be a standalone film or part of a larger franchise revival remains to be seen.

While the fans eagerly wait for more concrete details, the mere announcement of a reboot is a positive sign for the franchise's future. The decision to revamp the G.I. Joe story for a more contemporary audience can only help in capturing a wider range of viewers. As the pieced-together puzzle of the third G.I. Joe live-action movie begins to take shape, only time will tell if it will live up to the hype.

Stay tuned for further updates on the G.I. Joe franchise as Hasbro unrolls the new plans for the live-action series. Could we be seeing a third and, perhaps, a better G.I. Joe live-action movie? We'll just have to wait and see.