G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
- Stephen Sommers originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Stephen Sommers's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- The original script for G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was written over a decade before production finally began in 2009.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is a 2009 American military science fiction action film directed by Stephen Sommers, based on the Hasbro toy line and media franchise. Channing Tatum and Marlon Wayans star as Duke and Ripcord, two U.S.
Army soldiers who join G.I. Joe, an elite international military unit, after their convoy is attacked by the forces of COBRA, a terrorist organization led by a mysterious arms dealer seeking world domination through nanotechnology weapons. The film featured elaborate, CGI-heavy action sequences including an accelerator-suit chase through Paris that destroyed the Eiffel Tower and an underwater Arctic base battle.
The ensemble cast included Dennis Quaid as General Hawk, Sienna Miller as the Baroness, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobra Commander. Rise of Cobra earned $302 million worldwide on a $175 million budget. The visual effects-heavy action sequences included a submarine-based underwater battle and the destruction of the Eiffel Tower.
Despite mixed critical reception, the franchise continued with a more grounded sequel directed by Jon M. Chu.
