"G.I. Joe" has a director. Variety reports that Stephen Sommers will be sitting in the big chair for the live-action version of everyone's favorite uber-American heroes.  The film is set for a 2009 release (helloooo, tentpole).  Paramount is scrambling for a writer right now, based on Sommers' pitch to Paramount chairman-CEO Brad Grey and producer Brad Weston earlier this week.

The film version of the action figure line / animated series / comic heroes has undergone a lot of turmoil.  Scripts have been leaked that, according to rumor, suck.  The rather jingoistic themes of the franchise aren't likely to play well overseas in the current political climate.  However, the recent success of sister franchise "Transformers" has bolstered enthusiasm for the other Hasbro-based products, so the project is moving once more.

Hasbro chief operating officer Brian Goldner said, "Marrying Steve's vision with 25 years of this brand mythology feels like a great way to go forward."