Did Sommers get himself a better deal to direct G.I. Joe?

Stephen Sommers a massive amount of money to direct G.I. Joe? Variety are reporting that he has now been confirmed as the man given the task of bringing the Hasbro toy franchise to the big screen, just one week after it was reported that he had priced himself out of the movie. Either Sommers settled for less, the studio gave him the money he wanted or as the trade strangely report he was hired on the spot after an excellent pitch... it doesn't really matter to any of us because the result is the same to us... Sommers is directing it. Paramount believe this project to be every bit as valuable to them as the Transformers franchise and are hoping for a similar kind of success. A quick February start date is planned for a release slot in the summer of 2009 with the latest draft coming from Stuart Beattie according to IESB. Beattie is one of Hollywood's hottest screenwriters right now after penning the scripts for Collateral, 30 Days of Night, Australia and a new Tom Clancy movie in early development Without Remorse. Sommers spoke to the trade about it and he sounds like he isn't going to be changing his directing style on this one. If you were a fan of The Mummy,The Mummy Returns and Van Helsing then that's great news, if you weren't then this will probably disappoint you...

"Our vision (for "The Mummy") was clear the time the first trailer played during the Super Bowl, and by the time this one plays a Super Bowl, you'll see the coolest characters and visuals you can imagine, and beyond-state-of-the-art equipment," Sommers said. "I wouldn't have jumped into this just because of the Hasbro-Transformers tie. Remember, 'Pirates of the Caribbean was a big hit, but 'Haunted Mansion' not so much."

So then Sommers promises much of the stunning backdrops and settings that his recent filmography boats for G.I Joe then. This includes the special effects we have to presume. I love the way Sommers shoots his movies, I'm just waiting for him to put it into an environment where he has characters have some life and purpose to them. I'm very fond of the first Mummy, which is the film that has been the closest of his to work as a whole. He seems like he could do a good job with this one if they are going for the 'lite' version of the characters but I'll guess we will have to see.