Chu, whose resume consists of twoStep Upmovies and recently the concert documentary Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, was on a short list of names to replace Stephen Sommers, who directed the original butskipped the sequelafter rumored clashes with the studio. Others considered for the job, according toLatinoReview, included Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown) and F. Gary Gray (Law Abiding Citizen).
But Chu turned a $15 million budget onNever Say Neverinto $57.5 million (and rising), which showed not only strong numbers in the Bieb’s die-hard fan base, but decent returns in other demographics after the film gathered a rather positive consensus from critics.
Chu also whipped up an alternate“Director’s Fan Cut” for the film last week (now in theaters), making it possible for Paramount to re-release the movie to its digital, 3D locations with enough extra footage to double dip into the pockets of the pop sensation’s loyal following. Meanwhile, Collet-Serra’s movie with Liam Neeson performed well enough, but didn’t quite gather theTakensize numbers of Neeson’s previous Winter hit. ButDeadlinereports the decision came down to Chu and Gray, who turned the studio’s The Italian Jobremake into a blockbuster roughly eight years ago.
Channing Tatum, who oddly enough starred inStep Up, is expected to return as the central hero, Duke, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt could (and should) reprise his role as the villainous Cobra Commander, considering the first film’s cliffhanger. Though Gordon-Levitt has become even more of a star since 2009, and is already lined up to play an unknown part in Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight Rises. The original G.I. Joe, made for a bloated $175M, brought in $300 million worldwide.
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who wroteZombielandand one helluvaDeadpoolscript, penned the toy-based sequel. No word on if Paramount is planning 3D for the follow-up, given Chu’s background with the technique.
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