“Beauty and The Beast” screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos has been tapped to write the third “GI Joe” film for Paramount and Allspark Pictures.
The third “GI Joe’ film in the franchise, based on the world’s most-famous toy, will be a spinoff film based upon fan favorite character Snake Eyes.
In the spring of 2016, Paramount Pictures and Hasbro set up a writers room for developing its cinematic universe for Hasbro properties, with Akiva Goldsman overseeing the screenwriters. Along with “GI Joe” other featured brands include “Micronauts,” “Visionaries,” “M.A.S.K.” (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) and “ROM.”
“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” grossed more than $300 million worldwide back in 2009 on a reported production budget of $175 million, not including prints and advertising. The 2013 sequel “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” starring The Rock as Road Block grossed $375.7 million on a budget of $155 million. Channing Tatum who played Duke in the first two films was killed off early in “Retaliation” after complaining to Howard Stern how much he hated the role.
According to Variety, Allspark Pictures, Hasbro’s film label, plans to produce films based on this cross-property universe, with chairman, president and CEO Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis serving as producers, and Josh Feldman as co-executive producer. Hasbro will also deploy an unprecedented team of its top artists and designers to assist Goldsman and the writers to visualize this all-new cinematic universe.
The toy company recently hired Greg Mooradian as president of Allspark Pictures, with responsibility for live action film and television. Allspark Animation, the company’s label for animated film and television content, is led by Hasbro’s Meghan McCarthy.
Hasbro Studios, its distribution arm which the company founded in 2009, distributes TV and digital content to more than 190 territories globally. The entertainment division reports to Hasbro’s Chief Content Officer, Stephen Davis.
Earlier this week Spiliotopoulos has also been tapped to write the “Bright” sequel for Netflix. Spiliotopoulos is repped by WME, manager D.J. Talbot, Fourth Wall Management and attorney Sean Marks.
Paramount’s untitled “GI Joe” Snake Eyes spinoff film will open on March 27, 2020.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news about Snake Eyes.