In a move likely to be viewed by studio execs as a bolstering win rather than an uneasy battle, “GI Joe: Retaliation” has overcome delays, reshoots, and narrative rejiggering to win the weekend box-office with $54.7 million. Leading on to a $132 million global haul, that leaves Paramount with a deep sigh of relief, and a newfound aim to try their luck a third time.
Paramount and Hasbro have announced today that plans are set for a third installment of the “G.I. Joe” franchise, albeit without star draw Channing Tatum in the mix. Now, with the sequel’s financial take and its stellar A- Cinemascore rating, the decision seems like an obvious move, but keep in mind the initial feelings of utter dread that plagued its run-up — a sinking feeling in the stomach similar to that being felt with “World War Z,” slated for this summer.
None of the cast (or director, Jon M. Chu) from the sequel has been confirmed to return, but with Paramount riding high on their success, you can bet that they’ll make some promising offers to keep the likes of Dwayne Johnson, D.J. Cotrona, Lee Byung-hun, Ray Park and Adrianne Palicki around, and hopefully with a smoother production as well. [Variety]
