GIJOE Retaliation Movie Spoiler Images and Information

Here are the major spoiler lines located in full production notes.

"A major storyline in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION focuses on the relationship between SNAKE EYES and his arch-enemy STORM SHADOW, who was presumed dead at the end of G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA. When we first meet SNAKE EYES again, he is on a search for peace within himself after retreating to the Arashikage to train with the BLIND MASTER. It is there that SNAKE EYES learns that STORM SHADOW is still alive. “SNAKE EYES is set to the task of finding STORM SHADOW and bringing him to the Blind Master to face judgment and accountability for his actions,” explains Park."

Director Jon M. Chu wanted to delve deep into the emotional storyline of the ninjas and the depth of the animosity between the two men who trained side-by-side as brothers. “We really wanted to explore where the human and ninja collide, where the anger and jealousy start to take over and that’s where we find both these characters.”

The centerpiece action sequence that is sure to be a much talked about crowd pleaser is a sequence that involves a high-altitude zipline chase and Ninja fight on the mountaintops of the Himalayas. After discovering that STORM SHADOW was healing and seeking refuge with the red Ninjas in a Nepalese monastery, SNAKE EYES and JINX set out to retrieve him and bring him back to the BLIND MASTER for judgment. After an epic fight between the two adversaries that leads to having STORM SHADOW’s unconscious body in tow, the duo are forced to take the only route of escape. The most dangerous sequence follows them down the majestic snow-covered mountainside on a zip line while being chased by hordes of red ninjas.

In the first act, audiences are introduced to the G.I. JOE team and their level of physical intensity illustrated by two grandiose action sequences that set the bar for the level of action the audience can anticipate. On a mission to neutralize Pakistan’s’ nuclear arsenal, the teams perform a dangerous and high-risk extraction with great precision and skill. The sequence is an action smorgasbord that involves high-height rappelling, hand-to-hand combat, parkour, gunplay and a great deal of weaponry and ammunition. The sequence showcases each of the G.I. JOE team members’ special skill set and their undeniable proficiency and domination as a team.

Shot in NASA’s VAB, short for the Vertical Assembly Building, the production team utilized the 220 foot tall ceilings and never-before-seen rocket boosters to push the limits of the action coverage. “The production value is amazing and we had ROADBLOCK and two other JOE’S repel down the face of this 200-foot rocket into battle,”

While celebrating the successful completion of the complicated and dangerous mission with no G.I. JOE lives lost, the team is ambushed and blindsided by a powerful force that essentially wipes out the majority of the unit. The stunts and special effects team orchestrated a powerful and explosive portrayal of a military force under siege. The sequence involved Humvee’s blown 30 feet into the air, numerous rocket-charges staged all over the set and vehicles on fire all within a carefully choreographed sequence that implicated the extensive unit of core G.I. JOE’s, additional Navy Seals, over 30 stuntmen and roughly 40 extras.


Below is the full GIJOE Retaliation Production Notes for the movie.

In this sequel, the G.I. JOE team is not only fighting their mortal enemy COBRA; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Stevenson, Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. G.I. JOE: RETALIATION is directed by Jon M. Chu; produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner and written by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, based on Hasbro’s G.I. JOE® characters.
The executive producers are Stephen Sommers, Herbert W. Gains and
Erik Howsam. The director of photography is Stephen Windon. The production designer is Andrew Menzies and the editors are Roger Barton and Jim May. The costume designer is Louise Mingenbach.

ABOUT THE FILM

​Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who has had a hand in some of the most successful film franchises to date, including the billion dollar franchise TRANSFORMERS, felt that the first film’s conclusion left the door open to explore more within the G.I. JOE world.
“I thought that ending the first film with the suggestion that there was an imposter in the oval office was something that was completely unique and would be an interesting thing to examine… It was important to find a director who would really own it completely and be able to take all the multi-layered characters and treat them with gravity,” says di Bonaventura.
When considering directors to helm the sequel, Adam Goodman, President of Paramount’s Film Group, surprised di Bonaventura by suggesting director on-the-rise Jon M. Chu, who had just come off of the hugely-successful Justin Bieber movie NEVER SAY NEVER. “Jon and I had a funny first meeting because his experiences are pretty far away from mine and vice versa, but I discovered that he grew up with the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA mythology and understood the internal aesthetics of what G.I. JOE is and that is something that’s invaluable,” recalls di Bonaventura. “After talking, we found out that we were both trying to make the same movie and it’s been a great partnership.”
In Chu, producers saw a fresh set of eyes with genuine enthusiasm and love for the brand. “He has a shorthand with these characters and he brings a great sense of experimentation to his films,” says executive producer Erik Howsam.
Recalls Chu, “I grew up with G.I. JOE and was familiar back before the cartoon and comic books, and felt that that we could tie in the brand to various generations. My version would be what any fan boy would want to see.”
The G.I. JOE mythology runs deep and has a pantheon of characters to draw from, each with their own back-story, nuances and characteristics. When approaching the sequel, the filmmakers wanted to build on the best elements and storylines from the first film and carry those through to the second installment while simultaneously creating a new identity and feel. This offered the opportunity to introduce new characters from the mythology to the franchise.

ABOUT THE CHARACTERS & CAST

Returning from the first installment is DUKE, the young all-American soldier who leads his team with confidence, precision and a great deal of pride. DUKE, dedicated and loyal, will do anything to protect the soldiers under his care and strives to bring out the best in each one of them.
​Reprising the role is actor Channing Tatum, who brings ease to a character who appeals to a varied audience. “Channing is an everyman and we can relate to DUKE much more because he is straight-up and has an amazing ability to feel familiar with the audience,” says Chu.
​“It’s been so fun to be back playing the biggest make-believe game of all time,” says Channing.”
With DUKE as the head of the elite unit, the spine and backbone of the group is ROADBLOCK, his second in command. ROADBLOCK is a mountain of a man who helps lead the team with experience, honor and an unbreakable dedication to his unit and country. “He is one of the most loved characters in the G.I. JOE world and we knew we wanted ROADBLOCK to be a part of the movie,” explained Chu.
​When casting a character known for his extreme physical dominance and legendary size, filmmakers were put to the task of finding an actor who could match the character’s physicality while embodying his internal strength and fortitude.
​“There is only one person I can think of in the entire world who could ever embody this character and Dwayne Johnson was that guy,” says Chu. “Beyond the obvious fact of his physicality, Dwayne understands what it means to be a soldier and a leader. He brought an honor and grounded humanity to the role.”
​Chu continues. “Dwayne is essentially a G.I. JOE and that’s something you can’t act or script out. It’s just in his DNA. When you think of anyone who is almost a living action figure, Dwayne comes to mind.”
​“Dwayne is an actual action figure,” says Tatum. “Every time I look at him on set I think ‘That’s The Rock!’ His arm is literally as big as my waist.”
​Like many, Dwayne Johnson had his own cherished memories of playing with G.I. JOE toys as a child. “As a kid, I loved playing with the G.I. JOE action figures. When I got involved with the project I began to understand the mythology and was impressed by how layered it is and how deep it goes,” says Johnson.
“ROADBLOCK is considered the glue that holds the G.I. JOE team together and I really appreciated his reluctance to being in the front or in the limelight,” says Johnson. “He does it for the love of country and service and I find it very admirable when a man is in that space.”
The relationship between ROADBLOCK and DUKE is that of a partnership steeped in mutual respect and experience. “DUKE is the head of the G.I. JOE team and ROADBLOCK is the spine and they work really well together,” explains Chu. “While DUKE gives the commands and serves as the quarterback, he relies on ROADBLOCK’s experience and strengths to back him up. Their relationship is very close.”
Another beloved character of the G.I. JOE mythology introduced to the film franchise is FLINT, a solid and strong-willed soldier who has a bit of a rebellious streak. “FLINT is the guy who is really good at what he does, but is a bit of a renegade,” explains di Bonaventura. “He doesn’t want to follow party lines, which doesn’t always go down particularly well in an organization like the G.I. JOE team.”
Casting the role meant finding an actor who could hold his own, fighting side by side with co-stars Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum, and exude enough confidence to not want to always follow the path laid out. Filmmakers found their FLINT in newcomer D.J. Cotrona, who had the right combination of strength, charm and slight cockiness.
“D.J. has a quiet intensity and is a good contrast to Dwayne and Channing. Channing has a real affability and Dwayne has a lot of strength and D.J. goes along, but he has a very firm backbone of his own,” says di Bonaventura.
​Having a personal connection to the mythology, Cotrona was excited about the opportunity to live out his childhood fantasies. “I grew up playing with G.I. JOE action figures, so I’ve been preparing for this role since I was six years old,” he says. “G.I. JOE was my first toy obsession, so this holds a very special place in my heart.”
​In the unit, each G.I. JOE team member has unique and special areas of expertise and FLINT is no exception. His special skill is Parkour, a very athletic and dangerous method of using movement and flexibility to maneuver the body to point A to point B. To train for the role, Cotrona worked with Parkour specialists at Tempest studio in Los Angeles for months. “I’m not going to even pretend that I have a knack for it,” laughs Cotrona. “I went in cold and worried, but the guys at Tempest were able to break each sequence down piece-by-piece that made it a lot less intimidating.” As one of the newer members of the elite team, FLINT struggles to find the balance between being a hero in his own right and a supportive member of the unit. “FLINT has a lot of natural ability, but has a very short trigger and thinks that his way is the best way,” Cotrona continues.
​Another new character introduced in the film is LADY JAYE, the only female in the squad and never one to back down or be intimidated. An expert marksman who also handles intelligence, LADY JAYE is an integral part of the unit who fights alongside her male counterparts with equal passion and strength.
​The search for an actress to embody a character with both beauty and muscle was not an easy one nor taken lightly. The filmmakers found their LADY JAYE in actress Adrianne Palicki whose previous credits include RED DAWN and the television series “Friday Night Lights.” She had also been cast as the lead for the “Wonder Woman” series.
“We needed a strong woman who could hold her own and Adrianne is whip smart, beautiful and extremely physically competent, which helps audiences really experience her as one of the G.I. JOE team members,” says di Bonaventura.
​Palicki was enthusiastic about tackling a character as strong as LADY JAYE. “She has a bit of sass to her and a strength in having to constantly prove herself,” says Palicki. “She’s a gun specialist and the intelligence of the group and has multiple qualities that they need.”
​“Adrianne is a tough chick, she’s no one’s pushover,” says Dwayne Johnson. “She comes from a long lineage of military families and can tell a dirty joke and that makes her A-Number one on my list.”
​Although she went through training with military and fitness advisors for the extensive demands of the role, Palicki came with a familiarity from her previous work in the action realm. “Thankfully, I’d already done RED DAWN and had just come from doing “Wonder Woman.” Because of those experiences, I was able to focus on the fine-tuned details like how to holster a gun and pull it out correctly so that guys who have been doing this for years won’t watch it and think we’re full of it,” laughs Palicki.
“Adrianne was wide open and wanted to know the very basics of gun handling and tactical movement and the result was that I didn’t have to coach her at all on set,” says technical advisor Harry Humphries.
​Also returning to the franchise is SNAKE EYES, a fan-favorite and one of the most iconic G.I. JOE characters in the mythology. “We knew we had to bring back SNAKE EYES, says Chu. “Throughout the film, he discovers a lot about himself and the truth of his past.”
​Reprising his role for a second time around, actor and martial artist Ray Park suits up again as the deadly ninja. A dynamic physical performer who has found great fanfare from his work as Darth Maul in STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE and X-MEN, Park has a reputation for his ability to breathe life into characters with little or no dialogue.
“Ray is able to communicate a lot with a nod or look and really brings SNAKE EYES to life without a single line of dialogue,” comments di Bonaventura.
“Ray’s movement has its own language, whether it’s a shift of the shoulders, the tilting of his head or just his chin lifting up,” adds Chu. “It’s amazing how everyone has a very specific idea of the personality of SNAKE EYES and that all goes to Ray Park.”
After their initial meeting to discuss Chu’s vision and his thoughts on what would be explored with the character, Park knew he was in good hands. “We really hit it off and Jon knew a lot about the characters. He knew how important it was to stay true to the characters and he had a strong vision for this movie.”
One advantage of having an accomplished martial artist such as Park for the role meant the filmmakers were able to push the limits of the fight sequences without having to cheat with cut-aways and traditional movie magic. “Because Ray is so good at what he does, we’re able to have fights without pulling any punches,” says di Bonaventura.
A major storyline in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION focuses on the relationship between SNAKE EYES and his arch-enemy STORM SHADOW, who was presumed dead at the end of G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA. When we first meet SNAKE EYES again, he is on a search for peace within himself after retreating to the Arashikage to train with the BLIND MASTER. It is there that SNAKE EYES learns that STORM SHADOW is still alive. “SNAKE EYES is set to the task of finding STORM SHADOW and bringing him to the Blind Master to face judgment and accountability for his actions,” explains Park.

Director Jon M. Chu wanted to delve deep into the emotional storyline of the ninjas and the depth of the animosity between the two men who trained side-by-side as brothers. “We really wanted to explore where the human and ninja collide, where the anger and jealousy start to take over and that’s where we find both these characters.”
Korean superstar Byung-hun Lee, who reprises his role of STORM SHADOW, was excited by the possibility to explore the more internal side of the character. “I am really glad to be back in the role and was excited to show more of STORM SHADOW and his different sides,” says Byung-hun Lee.
Fully prepared to dive into the emotional inter-workings of the character, Lee brought a great deal of passion and physical commitment to the role and his approach. “Byung-hun came with strong ideas on who this character is and he spills it all on the screen,” says Chu.
“Byung-hun has an amazing presence,” says di Bonaventura. “He’s doing all these fights himself, but also has an internal strength of character that gives STORM SHADOW great dignity.”
Also an incredibly powerful martial artist and athlete in his own right, Lee did extensive training to reprise the role and was excited to approach the action sequences from a more practical standpoint. “Jon said that he wanted the movie to be more real, so I trained a lot to make my body bigger and more cut.”
“Because we had actors who could really fight, I wanted to show the brutality of their fights and steer away from the uptight ninjas we’ve all seen before,” recalls Chu. “When STORM SHADOW gets hit in the face, I wanted to see the blood seeping through his white mask.”
A new component of the martial arts sequences that is sure to excite audiences is the introduction to the use of sais, the deadly sharp-bladed weapons often seen in the G.I. JOE comics. “I was excited about using the sais as an extension of their punches, like brutal brass knuckles with an extremely sharp edge,” says Chu. “We put them in close quarters where audiences can really experience just how dangerous this is.”
​Introduced to the film franchise, but a well-known character within the world of G.I. JOE is JINX, a female ninja and cousin of STORM SHADOW. “JINX is one of the characters I’ve always wanted to see on film,” recalls Chu. “She is sort of the princess of the Arashikage world, but doesn’t want the title. She hates it and wants to fight and do what SNAKE EYES does, but has always felt put in the corner.”
​For the role of JINX, filmmakers found their first female ninja warrior in actress Elodie Yung who appeared in the French parkour film DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM and most recently in the David Fincher-directed THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. “Elodie made a huge impression and we just knew she would be perfect for JINX,” recalls Chu. “When she came in, she exuded such a strong presence that made it pretty clear that JINX was already alive in Elodie.”
The classic saying that big things come in small packages certainly applies to Yung, who attacked the role with extreme focus and passion. “Elodie is deceiving because she is a small woman and very elegant, but can kick your butt,” says di Bonaventura. “At first glance, you may worry about her, but you quickly realize that she’s a killer, which is fun because it brings both sides of the equation.”
​Although already a black belt in karate, Yung went through rigorous physical training for the role. “We worked for about a month before shooting and focused on my cardio because of how demanding it all was,” recalls Yung.
A large part of that preparation was training in the Chinese Martial Art Wushu, which entails extensive use of sword fighting. “I’ve done other action films before, so I was a bit familiar, but when I arrived here I quickly realized that fighting with two swords is completely different,” laughs Yung.
“I’ve never seen anyone make such a huge leap from knowing nothing about swords to whipping around hitting her marks. It was amazing. You feel her grow as a warrior beyond just her character and I think the audience is really going to enjoy that journey,” says Chu.
​A major point of the film involves the fate of the United States Presidency and the highjacking of the Oval Office. Fans of the first installment will recall the President suspiciously whistling ZARTAN’s signature tune at the end of G.I. JOE: RISE OF THE COBRA. This installment confirms that evil forces have taken over the White House and have somehow gotten inside the Presidency. Literally.
Acclaimed actor Jonathan Pryce reprises his role as the American President and was set with the extraordinary task of playing two different characters on opposite sides of the spectrum of good (the real American President) versus evil (the villain posing as the American President).
Pryce approached the opportunity to play opposite sides of one character with great enthusiasm and loved the challenge. “People always ask if it’s more interesting to play the good guy or the bad guy in this one. It was fun to play both someone who is the oppressor and the victim at the same time,” says Pryce.
The role, however, did not come without its challenges. The duality of the character required extraordinary focus to maintain consistency throughout the shoot and Pryce never missed a beat. In addition, Pryce had to manage the technical mechanics required to shoot scenes essentially against himself. “I wasn’t quite prepared for how difficult, technically, it was going to be to talk to myself,” laughs Pryce. “Talking to a piece of green paper on a stick was certainly interesting, but the amazing thing was that we were able to see almost immediate playback and how they could match the two images of me together. I thought it was an extraordinary thing to be able to do.”
Happy to be working with Pryce again, di Bonaventura says, “The movie doesn’t work without Jonathan Pryce. We’re thrilled to have him back because we needed his humor and his sense of gravitas to hold the two sides of the movie together. He has such a presence and great sense of timing. He is able to capture the right balance of the character that is very tricky.”
Sure to be a new fan favorite is the explosive new villain FIREFLY, who is enlisted by COBRA to help break COBRA COMMANDER out of prison and take the stage on their quest for world domination. One of the more evil characters found in the G.I. JOE mythology, is committed to creating chaos and considers the act of destruction as artistic expression. In short, and in his own words, FIREFLY loves to make things go “boom.”
“Firefly sees beauty in the redistribution of energy, so while explosions may seem like destruction to us, he believes he is creating something,” argues Chu. “This almost artistic philosophy made FIREFLY really interesting to me and it went way beyond being merely a cold-hearted killer.”
“FIREFLY only had about six lines when we first read the script, but we quickly realized just how cool the character is,” recalls di Bonaventura. “There is something fundamentally badass about him.”
To flesh out the role of the eccentric madman, filmmakers enlisted the talents of British actor Ray Stevenson, who recently wowed audiences in the films THOR and THE BOOK OF ELI. Stevenson approached the role with intensity and flair that went well beyond expectations. “Ray is such a consummate actor and brought such depth to FIREFLY in such a sinister and sadistic way,” says di Bonaventura. “He brings a certain gravity to the role that really grounds this crazy psychotic character.”
​“Ray really built this character from the ground up and gave him this southern swagger and lingo all his own. He was interested in all the details from the type of skin on his leather jacket and the COBRA ring that he wears, to his facial scarring. He had a huge amount of input on who FIREFLY became,” says Chu.
​Not an easy feat by any stretch, the filmmakers took into consideration the importance of casting an actor who would be a believable threat to Dwayne Johnson’s ROADBLOCK. “When it came to finding a nemesis for my character, it was important to find an opponent who could conceivably beat me and that’s not an easy thing to do,” laughs Johnson.
​“We purposely designed the fights in a way that you could feel that FIREFLY had a real chance to beat ROADBLOCK and actually does in certain parts of the movie,” says di Bonaventura. “These are two big guys facing off and there’s a healthy competition between those two.”
​Both actors put forth great effort and commitment to preparing for the brutal combat scenes which at times left them both bruised and bloody. “Pitting these two is great and the fights have been so intense that you felt the walls shake when they hit each other,” recalls Stevenson. “One thing about fighting with Dwayne is that when he blocks a punch it’s like hitting an iron bar. The man is literally made of rock. You don’t walk away from that unscathed and I certainly had my fair share of cuts and bruises.”
​In an exciting turn that is sure to thrill G.I. JOE enthusiasts, the filmmakers sought to pay homage to the heart and soul of the G.I. JOE brand by introducing the original Joe Colton to the film franchise. “We wanted to connect all those different incarnations by bringing it back to where it all started with the original 12” action figure Joe,” explains Jon M. Chu. “Joe Colton coming back into the picture was something we thought was really exciting.”
​International box-office superstar Bruce Willis makes an appearance in the film as none other than the original G.I. JOE himself, Joe Colton. Producer di Bonaventura felt that there is no other actor better suited for the role. “The original G.I. JOE was an iconic concept and Bruce is an icon in his own right, so putting them together is exciting for those in my generation and those older than me. Bruce was a huge fan of G.I. JOE growing up and played with the action figures, so it couldn’t have made more sense.”
​“Who else could embody the soul and spirit of the original G.I. JOE but Bruce Willis?” asks Chu. “Joe Colton is a mysterious character who’s been talked about in some of the comic books but not fully realized. So when Bruce Willis comes here and fills in all the gaps, it became very clear that Joe Colton is a huge presence in the soul of G.I. JOE.”
​Equally as excited about Bruce Willis fleshing out the role of the original G.I. JOE was Dwayne Johnson. “Bruce Willis is the ultimate man’s man. He couldn’t have been more perfect for the role.”
​Lovers of film or certainly fans of the action genre will be excited about two-seasoned action icons fighting side-by-side. Director Jon M. Chu found himself taken aback when witnessing the two powerful actors in a scene together. “There were only a few moments in the movie where I just stopped and thought ‘I can’t believe this is happening right now’ and when you’re in a room with Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis and there’s SNAKE EYES, I was speechless.”
​Johnson was grateful for the opportunity to finally work together with Willis with whom he’s shared a friendship over the years. “Bruce and I have been buddies for a long time and I was over the moon when I found out he was going to be involved,” recalls Johnson. “As a fan of action myself, it’s pretty cool to see Bruce and I on the screen kickin’ all kinds of butt.”

​
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

With a storyline that travels from the deserts of Islamabad, skyscrapers in Tokyo, the mountain peaks of the Himalayas, a sub-terranean prison in Germany to the streets of D.C., the filmmakers had the extraordinary task of finding a location that could accommodate most of the various elements needed. Unlike many films of this size and scope who rely on CGI-based technology to create their visual worlds, the filmmakers wanted to utilize practical locations as much as possible to stay in-line with the effort and mandate to make the film more reality-based and grounded.
​After a meticulous search of various locations with the knowledge that certain key exteriors could be captured with a reduced unit outside of the main unit, the producers found most of the elements needed in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“We realized that we couldn’t do this in all the actual places in the script and looked at a reduced second unit approach and try to base the movie in one place,” explains Executive Producer Herb Gains. “After touring the various potential locations with Lorenzo and Jon, we all agreed on New Orleans and it worked extremely well for us.”
Taking advantage of some of the southern aesthetics, the attractions of New Orleans and the surrounding areas, the filmmakers decided to make a few alterations to the script. Once such adjustment was setting the final sequence of the film at Fort Sumter, a bunker just outside of New Orleans where the first shot of the Civil War was fired. “With some clever screenwriting and without any real loss in terms of storytelling, we found the right location in Louisiana that could serve us well and offer some historical value to elevate the final act of the film,” explains Gains.
The 72-day shoot began outside of Baton Rouge in a massive man-made sandpit that served as the deserts of Pakistan. With the summer heat and humidity reaching well above 100 degrees and virtually no-shade for shelter, the experience brought the cast and crew together in an invaluable way. “Starting off the movie in the sand pit put everyone into a war mentality right off the bat, we were under siege,” recounts di Bonventura. “The temperature and humidity were extreme and it made a common misery and there’s a certain amount of fun that comes from that. We survived the desert together and that bonded the group in a really interesting way.”
​For director Jon M. Chu, it was a great way to jump into the fire. “It was the most intense heat I’ve ever experienced and we were all just getting to know each other. On top of that, it’s my first action movie and we were starting with an extensive sequence with huge explosions…it definitely felt like our own boot camp of sorts.”
​The unforgiving weather was particularly challenging for the cast, who were outfitted in their full military gear and weaponry and had to trudge up and down the massive sand hills repeatedly over a week and a half. Recalls Johnson, “You’re in the sand and it’s hot, sweaty and muggy and it’s easy to get tired and pissed off, but at the end of the day we were all in it together for the betterment of the team and, ultimately, the movie.”
One of the challenges of filming outside of production-heavy cities like Los Angeles, Vancouver, Sydney or London is the lack of infrastructure needed to support a film of this scope. A huge component to making this film a reality in New Orleans was the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, which was utilized as the film’s makeshift production facility and housed most of the grandiose sets. The dismantling of the Space Shuttle program allowed the facility to open its doors for the first time to a film production and allowed the creative team to create the various environments and large-scale sets needed for the project.
In addition to the extraordinary amount of acreage available, the massive warehouses offered 250-foot ceiling height built to accommodate assembly of the massive pieces of the Space Shuttle and their fuel boosters. This gave the creative team the ability to construct multiple sets of significant size simultaneously. Throughout production sets were in a constant state of transformation; either being assembled, used or being struck in preparation for the next round of construction. “One of the many things that NASA gave us was space and the ability to expand and contract,” explains Executive Producer Herb Gains. “There were times we had two units filming here simultaneously, sets going up and coming down and probably had up to 700 employees working here at once. Never once did we trip over each other, there was that much space.”

Producers surrounded the director with an accomplished group of behind-the-scenes talent to support his vision that included cinematographer Stephen Windon, who had recently lensed one of 2011’s biggest films, THE FAST & THE FURIOUS 5, costume designer Louise Mingenbach, production designer Andrew Menzies, stunt coordinator Steve Ritzi, fight coordinator Thomas Dupont and second unit director George Ruge. “One of Jon’s greatest strengths is that he has a very strong ego, but doesn’t have to deny other people’s ideas. As a result, he is a great collaborator and has brought out the best in everybody,” says di Bonaventura. “He’s taken their best ideas and combined with his own and that’s resulted in the best that we could have hoped for.”
When it came to the visual look and scope of the film, the filmmakers enlisted the innovative input of production designer Andrew Menzies, who had served as art director on such films as MUNICH and SYRIANA. Menzies was excited about taking the film out of the CGI world into the real world and how that would translate to the overall look of the film. “When I read the script I got very excited about the possibility of bringing some real grit to it similar to other military films like BLACK HAWK DOWN,” recalls Menzies.
Upon hearing Menzies initial ideas about the look, tone and textures of the film, Chu trusted that Menzies was just the designer to bring the far-reaching worlds of G.I. JOE into the real world. “From the beginning we knew we wanted the movie to have real texture to it, to have a lot of layers and thickness to it and we knew that Andrew had the ability to make his sets feel lived-in and not fake.”
Having massive spaces to work with gave Menzies and his team the ability to create the various worlds of G.I. JOE with unprecedented restriction. “I was on the first scouts of NASA with Lorenzo and Jon and Herb and I think it was a done deal once we saw the size of the VAB. It was such a unique environment for a film to shoot. It was almost too big, but it was too juicy a morsel to pass up,” laughs Menzies.
“Andrew did a phenomenal job. It was a big challenge and he just killed it,” says di Bonaventura. “We have an extraordinary number of looks in the film and they are all incredibly rich. We jump all over the map and visual diversity offers a real ‘wow’ factor.”
Whether it be the sub-terranean prison, the modern urban Zen sophistication of the Tokyo skyscraper dojo or the rustic monastery on a Himalayan mountaintop, Menzies was put to the task of creating each space to fit within the framework of one film. One of the most engaging sets for the designer was the Arashikage set where SNAKE EYES and JINX train with the BLIND MASTER. The dojo is a perfect combination of modern and rustic incorporating both organic and industrial materials into the contradiction of a Zen dojo on top of a Tokyo skyscraper.
This environment exemplified the idea of two-worlds colliding. “When you put a dojo on the top of the tallest skyscraper in Tokyo, it speaks to the fusion of our movie, which is the old and the very new, the modern and the ancient,” explains di Bonaventura.
In his design, Menzies had to keep the action sequences in mind and how the set would affect the stunt sequence and vice-versa. “Obviously, I wanted the sets to look as beautiful as possible but had to always keep in mind the stunts and performances,” recalls Menzies. “I was very cognizant of this in the approach to the look of the sets and the dojo is a classic example of that.”
​Beyond the mere functionality of the sets, Jon M. Chu appreciated how the realism of the sets inspired the actors. “The sets gave the actors a lot of room to play it more real. From the monastery in the Himalayan Mountains, the visitor’s center, the prison and the new ‘pit’, he designed a collage of worlds for us.”
​ “Andrew knocked this one out of the park. Every set you walk onto you can’t believe how cool it looks and it really energizes the cast and crew. It’s a perfect example of what production design can really mean to a movie,” says Howsam.
​Working closely with Menzies to create a thread line through the entire look of the film was Costume Designer Louise Mingenbach, who approached the film with the objective to build upon what worked from the first installment and bring in new looks when needed. “Having the first film as a reference was a great tool,” she explains. “We looked at what we wanted to continue with and what we might want to change and that gave us a great leg up.”
​Making the film more reality-based meant making some changes to the design of the character’s costumes and overall looks while not straying too far from the mythology. Walking the thin line between the real world and the G.I. JOE world was taken into great consideration. “I think one of the challenges with this type of movie is how these characters would exist in the real world because if it’s not done properly, it just doesn’t look good and people won’t buy into it,” says Erik Howsam. “Louise did a tremendous job bringing the looks of these great characters into more of the real world.”
For the G.I. JOE team, Mingenbach made a departure from the one-size-fits-all universal uniform of the first installment to crafting a look that catered to each character’s specific set of skills. Each of the core G.I. JOE team members has their own signature combat chest-plate that provided a little insight into their fighting style. For Dwayne Johnson, putting on ROADBLOCK’s G.I. JOE uniform helped him get into the mindset. “The vest I wear was specifically made just for ROADBLOCK, it was outfitted for my brass knuckles that can click on or off as needed. The vest probably weighs around 30 pounds and I feel like I’m ready to go to war when I put it on.”
​For the visually iconic SNAKE EYES ninja character, Mingenbach and filmmakers decided to adjust his look to read as more of a suit than something intrinsic to his body. “We went with the notion that SNAKE EYES suits up everyday; that it’s an armor that he puts on,” explains Mingenbach.
​For the SNAKE EYES costume, Mingenbach spent 2 months researching and developing seemingly endless illustrations and revisions. Taking into consideration that most superhero suits tend to be somewhat cumbersome and restrictive for the actors who wear them, the team settled on a look for SNAKE EYES that offered more fluidity and comfort. “We had to find the balance between what Ray could live with and comfortably move in and what looked good. You have to work with the actor and be open to his or her feedback, so we changed some pieces of armor, added some softer elements and more rubberized pieces along the sides so he could actually move. There was a lot of R and D to find the right fit.”
“This one is more geared for battle as if SNAKE EYES had it made himself,” says Ray Park. “It’s more durable and flexible. It looks more like a real man inside this battle armor. I love it.”
For JINX, the ninja warrior and SNAKE EYES protégé, Mingenbach didn’t stray from the trademark red found in the original comic book series but was able to incorporate some more fashion-forward ideas with the character. “JINX was so fun because there was a way to bring in some more fashionable elements. Asian fashion is asymmetrical and sculptural, so we had the opportunity to include as many bits of that as we could.”
​For STORM SHADOW and his iconic white costume, the filmmakers found no reason to alter something that was pitch perfect already. “We only made slight alterations to STORM SHADOW, but his costume was really almost perfect already.”
​To create as much realism as possible in the military realm, the filmmakers brought in celebrated military technical consultant Harry Humphries, who is a former Navy Seal and extremely familiar with the world of film and how it works. “We brought Harry on because we wanted our military guys as close to reality as they could possibly be,” explains di Bonaventura. “Harry and his team of Navy Seals bring an instant credibility to being a soldier and it has a huge affect on the end result.”
In addition to serving as a consultant to the filmmakers as a temperature gauge of authenticity during filming, Humphries worked with the actors individually in prep in the handling of weaponry, technical aspects of tactical procedure and a lesson on all things military. He firmly believes that the details are not lost on audiences today. “Today’s audiences are sophisticated and there is a large percentage that knows what proper weapon handling is and what it looks like,” argues Humphries. “So there are certain key issues that you’ve got to instill in the actor to make them look as if they’re comfortable with the weapons they’re using and how to move as a unit.”
Prior to and during filming Humphries worked with each of the G.I. JOE cast members on the basics of military technique as well as each of their character’s skill sets. They were then brought together to learn how to work as a unit, a technique often overlooked in feature films. “All the actors were given the same base exposure to skill sets and were then pulled together to merge as a team to master the team operational element.”
“We do want to pay tribute to the men and women in service and to make it feel real. And I think hopefully, we’ve walked that line really well with this movie,” says Erik Howsam.
Having Humphries’ team of active Navy Seals serving as G.I. JOE team members in the film had a significant impact on the cast and crew during filming. “There’s a certain amount of awe we experience being around the Seals and having them around gives it significance,” says di Bonaventura. “You look at these guys as people and what they are willing to sacrifice and we all come away with such an admiration and gratitude to be working with the Seals.”

Stunts/Fights

​Summer tent pole movies are known for action sequences that defy reality and thrill audiences, and the filmmakers set out to make G.I. JOE: RETALIATION a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Director Jon M. Chu had the benefit of working with a double-punch combination of stunt coordinator Steve Ritzi and fight coordinator Thomas Dupont, who created and choreographed elaborate sequences sure to wow action fans. “The most creative ideas happened in the collaboration between the stuntmen, actors, director, producers and the writers to create a couple of the sequences that are utterly unique in this movie,” explains di Bonaventura. “What audiences are going to find is that when they get into the action it will be intense as hell and something they’ve never seen before.”
​Stunt coordinator Steve Ritzi loved the opportunity to create sequences for both the military and ninja storylines and all that each aesthetic had to offer. “It was challenging having two different elements that are so different,” recalls Ritzi. “The G.I. JOE style was much more straight-forward and then we had the ninjas with very specific choreography and other fun unexpected elements like slinging and flying them through the mountains. The combination was really fun.”
In the first act, audiences are introduced to the G.I. JOE team and their level of physical intensity illustrated by two grandiose action sequences that set the bar for the level of action the audience can anticipate. On a mission to neutralize Pakistan’s’ nuclear arsenal, the teams perform a dangerous and high-risk extraction with great precision and skill. The sequence is an action smorgasbord that involves high-height rappelling, hand-to-hand combat, parkour, gunplay and a great deal of weaponry and ammunition. The sequence showcases each of the G.I. JOE team members’ special skill set and their undeniable proficiency and domination as a team.
Shot in NASA’s VAB, short for the Vertical Assembly Building, the production team utilized the 220 foot tall ceilings and never-before-seen rocket boosters to push the limits of the action coverage. “The production value is amazing and we had ROADBLOCK and two other JOE’S repel down the face of this 200-foot rocket into battle,” explains stunt coordinator Steve Ritzi. “There are G.I. JOE’S literally raining from the sky firing at insurgents the whole way down. We had people shooting, falling and fighting at every level and each character has their own moment within the fight. It was pretty elaborate.”
“The scene in the nuclear weapons depot illustrated the units’ cohesiveness and efficiency and showcases their talents as soldiers,” explains Dwayne Johnson.
​While celebrating the successful completion of the complicated and dangerous mission with no G.I. JOE lives lost, the team is ambushed and blindsided by a powerful force that essentially wipes out the majority of the unit. The stunts and special effects team orchestrated a powerful and explosive portrayal of a military force under siege. The sequence involved Humvee’s blown 30 feet into the air, numerous rocket-charges staged all over the set and vehicles on fire all within a carefully choreographed sequence that implicated the extensive unit of core G.I. JOE’s, additional Navy Seals, over 30 stuntmen and roughly 40 extras. Doing the stunts practically with little plans for CGI enhancement meant real explosions and the amount of charges and ammunition on the set left little to no error for margin. “Most of the hits and explosions are all very real. We’re not enhancing a lot,” explains Ritzi. “We’re doing charges right next to our actors and stuntmen and wanted to experience them taking the hits and showing the action in a very realistic manner.”
​Although the sequence was incredibly complicated, the filmmakers worked as a team to map out the action to create a seamless portrayal of the unfolding devastation. “The special effects guys were amazing and had it designed to where we had these large special effect pods built into the set and Jon M. Chu, Steve Windon, our 1st AD Phil Patterson and I designed the layout where the actors should move to and from with our stunt team filling in the holes,” recounts Ritzi. “It’s a very elaborate sequence that could have gone either way, but everyone really came together and it worked out really well.”
The centerpiece action sequence that is sure to be a much talked about crowd pleaser is a sequence that involves a high-altitude zipline chase and Ninja fight on the mountaintops of the Himalayas. After discovering that STORM SHADOW was healing and seeking refuge with the red Ninjas in a Nepalese monastery, SNAKE EYES and JINX set out to retrieve him and bring him back to the BLIND MASTER for judgment. After an epic fight between the two adversaries that leads to having STORM SHADOW’s unconscious body in tow, the duo are forced to take the only route of escape. The most dangerous sequence follows them down the majestic snow-covered mountainside on a zip line while being chased by hordes of red ninjas.
​“When we first read that sequence we had to ask ourselves if we could actually pull it off,” recalls di Bonaventura. “It took its shape along the way and, with a little bit of luck, an incredible stunt team to do some seriously crazy things on ropes and a few key visual effects, it will have an excitement level and scale I don’t think audiences have seen before.”
​The sequence entailed several months of rigging, huge high-speed winches that were flown up to the mountaintops and anchored down into big tents and thousands and thousands of feet of line that strung between peaks. Expert mountain climbing expert Paul Borne was brought in and with the help of key rigger Dave Lane, Ritzi and the team pulled off the extraordinary sequence. “It’s very elaborate and I think when people see it they’ll assume it was done completely with CGI, when we actually did the majority of it,” says Ritzi. “We had huge 100-foot repels down the sides of mountains, a lot of shuttling back and forth with helicopters and Snowcats carrying equipment back and forth. It was extraordinary.”

Toys/Vehicles
​
To satisfy the cravings of the toy enthusiasts and action-genre fans, the film is chock full of souped-up vehicles that the G.I. JOE brand is known for and an elaborate cache of diverse weaponry sure to be fun for fans. For Luke Freeborn, the vehicles art director, it brings out the kid in everyone. “Creating these giant toys and making them come to life is like being a kid all over again. We were all giddy with anticipation to see them actually put to work,” he says.
The film features a wide array of weapons and vehicles that included two different kinds of tanks, three different helicopters, two different kinds of planes, a souped-up motorcycle, swords, knives, sais and other weapons. Said di Bonaventura, “Bringing these toys to life makes you feel like a kid again and I think people are going to be thrilled seeing something they’ve never seen before.”
When first creating the vehicles, the team was very mindful to push the envelope while still honoring the G.I. JOE legacy. “The directive has always been to make the vehicles as real and formidable as possible with dynamic silhouettes,” says Freeborn. “We strove to incorporate some of the toy language that we’re familiar with and hope to see.”
​One such toy incorporated into the film is the COBRA AIR BOAT. This massive and ominous looking boat is loosely based on the water moccasin toy with added elements that included twin engines, counter-rotating blades and enough horsepower to push it across dry land.
​Inspired by another classic G.I. JOE/Hasbro toy and sure to excite fans from every age group, the film features a new version of the iconic COBRA HISS TANK. To create this massive vehicle the production team started with a M548 base that took 12 weeks to build before adding the outer shell and flourish of a cockpit and extra weaponry. Vehicles art director Luke Freeborn explains that, “our biggest challenge was figuring out exactly how all of it would go together, how the base would work with the top and how it would be shaped together. We thought about the aesthetics of it and how to make it look scary and formidable. It was a true team effort to then make sure that the guns, tracks and steering all work and perform on camera.”
​A significantly smaller but faster tank seen in the film is the Joe Colton tank that ROADBLOCK uses to mow down his enemies. Although seemingly less formidable than the HISS TANK, the Joe Colton tank’s power comes in its speed and agility. Considered to go as fast as a ZR1 Corvette in the grass, the Colton tank has 750 horse power and can go up to 65 mph. In addition, the tank is outfitted with rocket launchers as well as a 100 lbs. 50 cal mounted on top that the ROADBLOCK character utilizes in a show of his great ingenuity and physical strength.
The production team made a great effort to design each character’s weapons to compliment their individual fighting styles and strengths. Not one to shy away from hand-to-hand combat, ROADBLOCK was given special accessories that were incorporated into his wardrobe. “ROADBLOCK has specially designed brass knuckles attached to the vest that could split your skull and have the ability to attach onto different weapons. With the combination of the weaponry and fighting style you’re really able to see his raw brutality,” explains Dwayne Johnson.
To differentiate the ninjas and their skills, each character was outfitted with a specific sword and way in which they were incorporated into their costumes. “The weapons of the ninjas were especially fun because we tried to define how each of them is different,” explains Jon M. Chu. “JINX has 2 swords on one side, STORM SHADOW has two swords on two sides and SNAKE EYES has 1 sword which helped distinguish which ninja was who from the profile.”
Even more challenging, however, may be creating an action figure that lives up to the characters seen in the film. “I don’t know if they have enough plastic to fill out how cut the real ROADBLOCK is,” jokes Chu. “I’m not sure they’ll be able to give it enough action movements because Kung-Fu grip is not enough for this one. They’ll need to up the ante with the capability to body slam as well as a neck breaker and sleeper hold.”

Dwayne Johnson (ROADBLOCK) has solidified himself as a global box office success with gross film revenues in excess of 1.5 billion dollars worldwide.​Born into a family of unique entertainers, Johnson had the opportunity to develop a grass roots understanding of the nuances of live performance as he watched both his father and grandfather achieve tremendous success in the world of professional wrestling. Watching them perform throughout the country gave Johnson a primary education that was unlike any other. With a move to Pennsylvania in his latter teen years, Johnson focused his natural athletic abilities on football attracting the attention of the University of Miami. After receiving a full football scholarship, Johnson joined the powerhouse football program and won his first National Championship with the team in 1991. He played again for the National Championship in 1992, closing out his illustrious football career by competing for a third National Championship in 1995 against the University of Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.​Upon graduation Johnson capitalized on his inherent drive and discipline to turn his passion for entertainment into a life-changing career. Following in the footsteps of his World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame grandfather and father, Dwayne quickly utilized his past life lessons to develop the iconic character ‘The Rock.’ Johnson performed to over 10 million fans a week on television as well as both domestic and international live audiences that reached in excess of 70,000 people. Johnson consistently sold out venues such as the Houston Astrodome, Madison Square Garden and Toronto Sky Dome. As the character ‘The Rock,’ Dwayne achieved unprecedented success becoming a New York Times bestselling author for his autobiography entitled The Rock Says as well as a platinum recording artist for his WWE compilation CD, performing with such artists as Grammy Award-winner Wyclef Jean.​In April 2011, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson made a highly anticipated return to the WWE as host of WrestleMania XXVII. In April 2012, he will compete against John Cena in WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami, Fl. ​Johnson pursued his desire to expand his entertainment mediums and transitioned from television to film where he played the Egyptian man/god ‘the Scorpion King’ in the 2001 blockbuster THE MUMMY RETURNS, leading to his first starring role in THE SCORPION KING in 2002. The success of that film led to subsequent leading roles in THE RUNDOWN (as a bounty hunter out of his element in South America), WALKING TALL (as a returning Persian Gulf War hero who protects his hometown from drug dealers) and GRIDIRON GANG (as a compassionate, yet tough corrections officer inspiring a team made of teenage inmates). He also gave an acclaimed standout performance in the ensemble hit BE COOL, as a colorful gay Samoan bodyguard.​Johnson has traversed the world of animation by lending his voice to PLANET 51 as astronaut ‘Captain Charles Baker.’ The actor returned to big-family comedy with his starring role in THE TOOTH FAIRY.​Johnson was most recently seen introducing United States DSS Special Agent ‘Luke Hobbs’ in FAST FIVE, the fifth installment of Universal’s FAST AND FURIOUS franchise. The film had the highest grossing debut of any other film in the franchise. Johnson recently wrapped production on the Jon Chu directed feature G.I. JOE: COBRA STRIKES, in which he stars as ‘Roadblock” one of the franchise’s largest and strongest characters. Additionally he recently starred in the Brad Peyton-directed feature JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, which released in 3D in February 2012 and will star in and produce a biopic of black country music star Charlie Pride. In November 2010, Johnson was seen starring in the George Tillman-directed CBS Films feature “Faster,” where he starred as an ex-con set to avenge his brother's death as a result of a horrific double cross during a heist gone wrong. The film marked Johnson’s highly anticipated return to action. ​A global philanthropist, Johnson is a committed Celebrity Cabinet Member for The American Red Cross, has served on the National Advisory Board for The Make-A-Wish Foundation where he serves as a Wish Ambassador, and has served as the National Spokesperson for After School All-Stars (f.k.a. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Youth Foundation).​The Giving Back Fund recognized Dwayne in 2006 as one of the top 30 celebrities who made the largest public charitable donations (University of Miami).​In June 2008, the United States Congress, the Joint Leadership Commission and the United States Congressional Award Foundation recognized Johnson with the prestigious Horizon Award, the U.S. Congressional Award given to an individual in the private sector who has contributed to expanding opportunities for all Americans through their own contributions, and who has set exceptional examples for young people through their successes in life.​Dwayne is a loving father to his 9-year-old daughter Simone.

​Bruce Willis (GENERAL JOE COLTON) has demonstrated incredible versatility in a career that has included such diverse characterizations as the prizefighter in Quentin Tarantino’s PULP FICTION (1994 Palme D’Or winner at Cannes), the philandering contractor in Robert Benton’s NOBODY’S FOOL, the heroic time traveler in Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys, the traumatized Vietnam veteran in Norman Jewison’s IN COUNTRY, the compassionate child psychologist in M. Night Shyamalan’s Oscar-nominated THE SIXTH SENSE (for which he won the People’s Choice Award) and his signature role, Detective John McClane, in the DIE HARD quadrilogy.
​Following studies at Montclair State College’s prestigious theater program, the New Jersey native honed his craft in several stage plays and countless television commercials, before landing the leading role in Sam Shepard’s 1984 stage drama “Fool for Love,” a run which lasted for 100 performances off-Broadway.
​Willis next won international stardom and several acting awards, including Emmy and Golden Globe honors, for his starring role as private eye David Addison in the hit TV series MOONLIGHTING, winning the role over 3,000 other contenders. At the same time, He made his motion picture debut opposite Kim Basinger in Blake Edwards’ romantic comedy BLIND DATE.
​In 1988, he originated the role of John McClane in the blockbuster film, Die Hard, one of the highest-grossing releases of the year. He later reprised the character in three sequels- DIE HARD: DIE HARDER (1990), DIE HARD: WITH A VENGEANCE (1995’s global box-office champ), and LIVE FREE, DIE HARD (one of the box-office hits of summer 2007).
​His wide array of film roles includes collaborations with such respected filmmakers as Michael Bay (ARMAGEDDON), M. Night Shyamalan (THE SIXTH SENSE and UNBREAKABLE), Alan Rudolph (MORTAL THOUGHTS, BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS), Walter Hill (LAST MAN STANDING), Robert Benton (BILLY BATHGATE, NOBODY’S FOOL), Rob Reiner (THE STORY OF US), Ed Zwick (THE SIEGE), Luc Besson (THE FIFTH ELEMENT), Barry Levinson (BANDITS, WHAT JUST HAPPENED), Robert Zemeckis (DEATH BECOMES HER) and Robert Rodriguez (SIN CITY, GRIND HOUSE).
​Other motion picture credits include THE JACKAL, MERCURY RISING, HART’S WAR, THE WHOLE NINE YARDS, THE WHOLE TEN YARDS, THE KID, TEARS OF THE SUN, HOSTAGE, 16 BLOCKS, ALPHA DOG, LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN, AND PERFECT STRANGER. He also voiced the character of the wise-cracking infant, Mikey, in LOOK WHO’S TALKING and LOOK WHO’S TALKING TOO as well as the lead character RJ & Spike in the animated hit features OVER THE HEDGE and RUGRATS GO WILD!
​Willis was last seen in the Golden Globe nominated feature film RED opposite Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich and he will next be seen in Wes Anderson’s MOONRISE KINGDOM and Rian Johnson’s sci-fi thriller LOOPER as well as this summer’s G.I. JOE: RETALIATION & EXPENDABLES 2. Willis will soon begin production on A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (the fifth installment in the popular DIE HARD franchise).
​In addition to his work before the cameras, Willis produced HOSTAGE and THE WHOLE NINE YARDS and executive produced BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS, adapted from Kurt Vonnegut’s best-selling novel. With brother David Willis and business partner Stephen Eads, he co-founded Willis Brothers Films, a film production company based in Los Angeles.
​Willis also maintains a hand in the theater. In 1997, he co-founded A Company of Fools, a non-profit theater troupe committed to developing and sustaining stage work in the Wood River Valley of Idaho, and throughout the U.S. He starred in and directed a staging of Sam Shepard’s dark comedy TRUE WEST at the Liberty Theater in Hailey, Idaho. The play, which depicts the troubled relationship between two brothers, was aired on Showtime and dedicated to Willis’ late brother Robert.
​An accomplished musician as well, Willis recorded the 1986 Motown album The Return of Bruno, which went platinum and contained the No. 5 Billboard hit “Respect Yourself.” Three years later, he recorded a second album If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger. In 2002, he launched a U.S. club tour with his musical group, Bruce Willis and the Blues Band and he traveled to Iraq to play for U.S. service men.

​Channing Tatum (DUKE) is one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors and has established himself among the next generation of leading men.
Most recently, Tatum starred in Steven Soderbergh’s HAYWIRE (formerly known as KNOCKOUT). In this spy thriller Tatum starred opposite Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender and Michael Douglas. The movie was released on January 20, 2012.
Also in 2012, Tatum starred in Sony Screen Gems’ THE VOW opposite Rachel McAdams. THE VOW revolves around the real-life story of New Mexico newlyweds who are involved in a car crash. The wife slips into a coma and is cared for by her devoted husband. When she wakes up, without any memory of her husband or their marriage, he attempts to win her heart again. The film is directed by Michael Sucsy and was released on February 10, 2012.
Immediately following, Tatum starred in a contemporary motion picture adaptation of 21 JUMP STREET opposite Jonah Hill. Tatum and Hill are also executive producers on the project, which is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from a screenplay by Michael Bacall based on a treatment from Hill and Bacall. Sony released the movie on March 16, 2012.
Tatum will then star in the Warner Bros. film MAGIC MIKE directed by Steven Soderbergh. The film also stars Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello. The film was produced by Tatum and his Iron Horse productions partner Reid Carolin, who also wrote the script. Other producers include Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs and Steven Soderbergh. The film centers around the world in which Channing Tatum experienced while he was a stripper at eighteen years old. The film will be released on June 29, 2012.
Tatum will also be seen in TEN YEAR, a film which he produced alongside producing partner Reid Carolin and their Iron Horse production company. The movie follows Tatum’s character to his High School Reunion as he tries to decide whether or not he wants to propose to his girlfriend. Also in the film are Jenna Dewan, Rosario Dawson, Lynn Collins, Kate Mara, Anna Faris, Brian Geraghty, Justin Long and Chris Pratt. The film was screened at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival and will be released by Anchor Bay in Spring 2012.
​Tatum recently starred in the crime thriller THE SON OF NO ONE, opposite Al Pacino and Katie Holmes which premiered at Sundance in January 2011 and was released on November 4, 2011.
In 2011, Tatum starred in the Roman epic adventure THE EAGLE, directed by Academy Award winner Kevin Macdonald and produced by Duncan Kenworthy. Tatum stars opposite Jamie Bell and Donald Sutherland.
In 2010, Tatum starred opposite Amanda Seyfried in the Sony Screen Gems box office hit, DEAR JOHN, based on the adaptation of the Nicolas Sparks (THE NOTEBOOK) bestseller. He played a soldier on leave from the army when he meets and falls in love with a young woman (Seyfried). Lasse Hallstrom (THE CIDER HOUSE RULES, CHOCOLAT) directed the adapted script by Jamie Linden. The film has grossed over 100 million dollars worldwide.
In August 2009, Tatum was seen in Paramount Pictures Box office hit, G.I. JOE directed by Stephen Sommers. Tatum starred opposite Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans and Dennis Quaid. He will reprise his role in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION, which will be released on June 29, 2012.
In April 2009, Tatum starred opposite Terrance Howard in the Universal/Rogue Pictures film, FIGHTING, directed by Dito Montiel. Channing starred as ‘Sean Arthur’, a young man struggling to survive on the streets of New York when he is discovered by a veteran street hustler (Howard) and lured into a dangerous world of underground street fighting.
In March 2008, Tatum starred in the Paramount Pictures drama, STOPLOSS by critically acclaimed director Kimberly Peirce (BOYS DON’T CRY) and producer Scott Rudin.
In 2006, Tatum received an Independent Spirit nomination and a Gotham Award nomination for his powerful role in the independent film, A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS, which won the Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Performance as well as the dramatic directing award for Dito Montiel at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The film was written and directed by Dito Montiel and was based on Montiel’s 2003 memoir of the same title. This powerful coming-of-age drama takes place in 1980’s Astoria and follows Montiel’s impoverished and violent life from his youth (portrayed by Shia LaBeouf) to adulthood (portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.). His father is portrayed by Chazz Palminteri and Tatum plays the role of ‘Antonio’, Dito’s best friend. Newsday called his performance “charismatic” with Daily Variety going on to say that “Tatum creates a powerful study of a self-destructive street guy trapped with no good options.” Rolling Stone stated, “keep your eyes on newcomer Channing Tatum as Dito’s loose-cannon friend Antonio. Shirtless and oozing physical and sexual threat, Tatum stalks his turf like Brando in Streetcar.” The Boston Herald referred to his performance as “Robert De Niro-esque” and The New York Times states “Mr. Tatum, who has the bullish physicality of a young Brando, is an electrifying actor, and I suspect we’ll be seeing a lot more of him after this breakout performance.”
In March 2006, Tatum starred opposite Amanda Bynes in the Dreamworks film, SHE’S THE MAN. This film is directed by Andy Fickman and produced by Lauren Shuler Donner.
​In August 2006, Tatum starred in the box office hit, STEP UP, directed by Anne Fletcher and produced by Adam Shankman. The film centers around ‘Tyler Gage’, played by Tatum, a street smart juvenile delinquent who gets sentenced to community service at a high school for the performing arts.
​Tatum was born in Alabama and grew up in Florida. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Jenna Dewan.​

Adrianne Palicki (LADY JAYE) Best known for her critically acclaimed role on NBC’s “Friday Night Lights,” Adrianne Palicki is a talented young actress who has established herself as a breakout star of both television and film. Palicki was recently cast as the role of LADY JAYE in the upcoming sequel G.I. JOE: RETALIATION alongside Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. The film will be released by Paramount on June 29, 2012.
Palicki will next be seen in MGM’s remake of RED DAWN. She stars as ‘Toni,’ the role originated by Jennifer Grey, in an ensemble cast including Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck and Connor Cruise.
Palicki recently starred in Sony Pictures’ epic film LEGION, released in January 2010. Paul Bettany stars as the archangel ‘Michael,’ the only one standing between mankind and an apocalypse after God loses faith in humanity. Man’s lone hope rests with a group of strangers who must deliver a baby that they realize is Christ in his second coming. Palicki plays ‘Charlie,’ the woman carrying the child. The cast also includes Dennis Quaid, Kate Walsh and Lucas Black.
​ Palicki also starred in the 2009 independent comedy WOMEN IN TROUBLE opposite Carla Gugino, Josh Brolin, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Connie Britton and Marley Shelton. The film focuses on six women in Los Angeles as their lives become intertwined in the course of 24 hours.
From 2006-2009, Palicki starred as a series regular in the first three seasons of the acclaimed NBC drama series “Friday Night Lights,” opposite Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton. “Friday Night Lights” is based on the book and film by the same name which follows a small-town, top-ranked high school football team and the lives surrounding it. In the 2011 fifth and final season, Palicki returned to her role as ‘Tyra Collette’ in the final two episodes and has received critical praise for her role on the show.
Palicki was born and raised in Ohio. She made the decision to move to Los Angeles when she decided to pursue an acting career. Her first project was director John Woo’s television remake of the classic program “Lost in Space,” where she played Judy Robinson. Among her television credits are “North Shore,” South Beach” and “CSI.” She had a recurring role as “Super Girl” on “Smallville,” and continues to appear in a recurring role on “Supernatural.”
Palicki loves to paint and collects and reads comic books. She resides in Los Angeles.

DJ Cotrona (FLINT) DJ will be seen this summer in Paramount Pictures’ G.I. JOE: RETALIATION, starring opposite Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Ray Parker, Adrianne Palicki, Jonathan Pryce and Ray Stevenson. He was last seen starring opposite Michael Imperiloi on ABC's “Detroit 1-8-7” and in theaters starring opposite Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried in Screen Gems’ DEAR JOHN based off Nicholas Sparks successful novel. Some of DJ’s other credits include starring opposite Lizzy Caplan and Jenny Wade in the independent film LOVE IS THE DRUG, and as a series regular on the NBC series “Windfall”.

Byung-hun Lee (STORM SHADOW) Byung-hun Lee is an international superstar who is recognized as one of the starters of the “Korean Boom” in television and film. Known as one of the Four Kings in Japan., Lee is the only actor to sell out the Tokyo Dome with 45,000 screaming fans. Having completed a 70,000 fan arena tour in Japan in 2007 and planning another tour in 2011. He has solidified his position as one of Asia’s top stars.
Lee started his acting career in 1991 with a Korean TV drama “Asphalt, My Hometown”. Since then he has done many dramas on the small screen including “Tomorrow Love”, “Police”, “Son of Wind”, “Happy Together”, “Beautiful Days”, “All In”, and "Iris" in 2009.
Although much of his early success came from television dramas, Lee’s real passion was for making films on the big screen. THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE WEIRD and I COME WITH THE RAIN premiered in 2008. Lee's most recent film I SAW THE DEVIL premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Lee's first attempt at a Hollywood film came with G.I.JOE: RISE OF COBRA in 2010. With the success it received globally, he just wrapped production on G.I JOE: RETALIATION for a release date of June 29, 2012.

Ray Park (SNAKE EYES) Raymond Park was born August 23, 1974 in Glasgow, Scotland. Park always wanted to be in the movies, but was most inspired by martial arts. He began to nurture a love for martial arts from the age of seven, when his father's love of Bruce Lee films sparked a fire in the youngster's mind that would never extinguish. Specializing in the traditional Chinese Northern Shaolin Kung-fu (in the Chin Woo style Park moved on to master various other styles, most notably Wushu). Soon becoming a regular fixture at martial arts exhibitions and tournaments, the now defined athlete topped Great Britain's martial arts championships before later travelling to Malaysia to refine his skills.
Conquering numerous championships worldwide and winning multiple medals, Park realized a personal dream when he competed in the Martial Arts World Championships in 1995. It was during one of his frequent visits to Malaysia that he was approached to audition as a stunt man for 1997's “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.” Conjuring memories of his youthful cinematic martial arts passion, Park attempted to learn as much as possible about the process of filmmaking. Soon gaining more scenes and becoming more natural on the set, he was later contacted by stunt coordinator Nick Gillard to audition for George Lucas' upcoming Star Wars prequel. Offered the job by producer Rick McCallum, Park was given the creative freedom to develop his choreography by an impressed Lucas, and was soon gaining the confidence to develop his role to the best of his abilities. In 1999, Park appeared in STAR WARS EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE as the Sith Lord Darth Maul. (From his work on Star Wars, Park was cast in a cameo role in FAN BOYS as a Skywalker Ranch security guard who says, "Time for you to get mauled, boy," as he pulls out two nightsticks.)
Soon after, Ray was cast as Christopher Walken’s fight stunt double in the film, SLEEPY HOLLOW. Park had his first real speaking part in X-MEN as Toad. In one scene of this film, after sending Storm (Halle Berry) down an elevator shaft, he picks up a length of pipe and swings it around in much the same way he swung his dual-bladed light saber as Darth Maul, a signature wushu movement. Ray’s other feature credits include BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER, SLAYER, WHAT WE DO IS SECRET? and THE LEGEND OF BRUCE LEE.
In January 2008, Park was confirmed for the role of SNAKE-EYES, one of the original contingent of G.I. JOE, for the film G.I. JOE: RISE OF COBRA, involving a variation of the international G.I. JOE force, which in the comics, fought the minions of COBRA. Later that year, he joined the cast of “Heroes” as “Edgar” and provided stunt work and choreography for the motion capture team who produced the 2008 James Bond video game – “Quantum of Solace.” Last year, Ray starred opposite Maggie Q and Sean Faris in THE KING OF FIGHTERS, fought alongside Zachary Levi in NO REST FOR THE WICKED, and narrated an introduction to THE FIREBREATHER, a car from Classic Design Concepts in Detroit Autorama 2010, the vehicle is part of the Supernatural thriller JINN, which also plays a lead role.
This year, Ray Park reprised his role as SNAKE EYES in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION along with Channing Tatum. He is joined this time by Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Adrianne Palicki and Ray Stevenson.

Jonathan Pryce (PRESIDENT) Jonathan Pryce is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning actor, known for his outstanding performances on both stage and screen. From his seminal theatre performances in Hamlet and Miss Saigon to film roles in Carrington and Pirates of the Caribbean, he has entertained audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
Jonathan studied at RADA and upon graduating, joined the Liverpool Everyman Theatre Company for an 18-month season, followed by a season at the Nottingham Playhouse under the direction of Richard Eyre. He then returned to the Everyman for a season as Artistic Director.
An illustrious career of theatre credits followed. In 1975, he starred in Trevor Griffiths’ “Comedians”, directed by Richard Eyre at The Old Vic, and then took that role to New York, directed by Mike Nichols, where he won his first Tony Award for Best Actor. A season with the Royal Shakespeare Company came next, with lead roles in “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Antony and Cleopatra” and “Measure for Measure”, and in 1980, Jonathan won an Olivier Award for his highly acclaimed “Hamlet”, directed by Richard Eyre, at the Royal Court. Subsequent theatre credits include: “Tally’s Folly” at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith; playing The Fool in “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” on Broadway; “The Seagull”, opposite Vanessa Redgrave; “Macbeth” at the RSC; and “Uncle Vanya”, directed by Michael Blakemore.
In 1989 Jonathan created the role of The Engineer in the musical “Miss Saigon”, for which he was awarded his second Tony, together with the Drama Desk, Olivier and Outer Circle Critics awards for Best Actor in a musical. Other musical starring roles have since followed in “Oliver!” and “My Fair Lady” in London and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” on Broadway.
His recent theatre credits include “The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?” at the Almeida Theatre and Apollo Theatre, which garnered him a nomination for Best Actor at the Olivier Awards; “Glengarry Glen Ross”, directed by James MacDonald; “Dimetos” at The Donmar Warehouse; and his landmark performance as Davies in “The Caretaker”, which played initially at the Liverpool Playhouse before transferring to the West End in 2010.
Jonathan’s achievements on stage have been mirrored by his success on screen. His early film credits include Stuart Rosenburg’s VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED, Brian Gibdon’s BREAKING GLASS, for which he won Best Newcomer at the Evening Standard Awards, Jack Clayton’s SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, and Terry Gilliam’s award-winning BRAZIL, which was to be followed later by two other collaborations with GILLIAM: THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN and THE BROTHERS GRIMM.
Other film credits include THE PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH, MAN ON FIRE, CONSUMING PASSIONS, THE DOCTOR and the Devil’s, JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH, Scorcese”s THE AGE OF INNOCENCE and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, and in 1995 Pryce starred in Christopher Hampton’s CARRINGTON, which brought him Best Actor awards at the Cannes Film Festival and the Evening Standard Awards and a BAFTA Award nomination. A starring role alongside Madonna in EVITA followed, as well as a memorable turn as the James Bond villain Eliot Carver in TOMORROW NEVER DIES, and roles in RONIN and STIGMATA.
​His most recent film work includes: G.I. JOE: RETALIATION, directed by Jon M. Chu; JUNK, directed by Justin Trefgarne; HYSTERIA, directed by Tania Wexler; BEDTIME STORIES, directed by Adam Shankman; G.I.JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, directed by Stephen Sommers; MY ZINC BED, directed by Anthony Page; LEATHERHEADS, directed George Clooney; DE-LOVELY, directed by Irwin Walker; and THE AFFAIR OF THE NECKLACE, directed by Charles Shyer. Jonathan is also known to millions for his role as Governor Weatherby Swann in the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, DEAD MAN’S CHEST and AT WORLD’S END.
Jonathan’s television work includes: HBO’s “Barbarians at the Gate” (for which he was Emmy and Golden Globe nominated), the lead roles of Wallace in the BBC TV film “The Man from the Pru” and Gerd Heidemann in the four-part telefilm “Selling Hitler”; starring in “Great Moments in Aviation” for BBC Films, directed by Beeban Kidron; playing Sherlock Holmes in “Baker Street Irregulars”, directed by Julian Kemp for RDF Media; and the lead role in “Thicker Than Water” for BBC TV. Most recently, he played Mr. Buxton in “Cranford: Return to Cranford”, for which he received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-series or Drama.
In recognition of his many achievements in film, television and theatre Jonathan was awarded an honorary doctorate from Liverpool University in 2006, and in 2009 he was awarded the C.B.E in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

RZA (BLIND MASTER) RZA, while best known as the founder, producer and mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Clan, has built an incredibly diverse and successful career as a musician, a composer of film scores, a producer, an actor, a businessman, a player and advocate of chess, and as the author of The Wu-Tang Manual and the New York Times Best Seller, The Tao of Wu.
Born Robert F. Diggs in Brownsville, Brooklyn, RZA first surfaced on the hip-hop scene during the early '90s. After brief stints as a member of the group All In Together Now and as a solo artist under the name Prince Rakeem, he formed the Wu-Tang Clan in 1992.
Based in Staten Island the band went on to become one of the most successful and influential hip-hop groups of all time.
Their debut LP, 1993's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), driven by RZA's unique, groundbreaking beats and signature gritty production style, has become a definitive hip-hop classic and is revered as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever. Collectively their albums went on to sell over 12 million copies worldwide.
He went on to release several solo albums, under his own name and the name of his hedonistic alter ego Bobby Digital, including RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo, Digital Bullet, Birth of a Prince, and, most recently, Digi Snax. Overall, RZA has sold over 44 million records. An avid chess player, in the 90’s RZA created WuChess.com, the world's first online hip-hop chess community - where chess players and hip-hop fans could learn from chess masters, compete for scholarships, and square off against the RZA and other hip-hop celebrities.
This year, RZA made his directorial debut directing THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, which he co-wrote with Eli Roth and will star as ‘The Blacksmith.’ The film stars Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung, Daniel Wu and Cung Le. Eli Roth and Strike Entertainment produced. Quentin Tarantino executive produced and is presenting the film. Universal will distribute this picture in 2012. RZA is currently composing the films score.
RZA recently signed on to star in the highly anticipated Quentin Tarantino film DJANGO UNCHAINED for the Weinstein Company. RZA will play ‘Thaddeus,’ a violent slave working on a Mississippi plantation.
RZA can currently be seen starring opposite David Duchovny in a recurring arc on Showtime’s critically acclaimed series, “Californication.” Season 5 premiere's January 8, 2012.
RZA just wrapped playing the comic book character BLIND MASTER in Lorenzo di Bonaventura's G.I. JOE: RETALIATION. This is Paramount Studios first summer tent pole of 2012 and opens June 29, 2012.
RZA’s additional credits include Miguel Sapochnik’s REPO MEN, Paul Haggis’ film THE NEXT THREE DAYS, Todd Phillip’s DUE DATE, Judd Apatow’s FUNNY PEOPLE, Ridley Scott’s AMERICAN GANGSTER, Buddy Giovinazzo’s LIFE IS HOT IN CRACK TOWN, and Mikael Håfström’s DERAILED.
RZA has an extremely distinguished body of work in music scoring for filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, Jim Jarmusch and Quentin Tarantino. RZA recently scored the Emmy nominated American adaptation of the Japanese anime “Afro Samurai” executive produced and starring Samuel L. Jackson.
On the entrepreneur front, RZA recently collaborated with Swedish company WeSC, to launch Chambers by RZA headphones which are due out in December. RZA is also scheduled to launch his new app "RZA's World” which is an entertainment app that highlights exclusive RZA related content including a direct newsfeed, chess engine, guidance on life’s tribulations from RZA himself and a retail forum for fans to purchase branded merchandising.

​Ray Stevenson (FIREFLY) Perhaps best known for his starring role in the HBO/BBC television series "Rome," Ray Stevenson portrayed the legionary Titus Pullo to both critical and public acclaim. Since the series wrapped, he has been working non-stop in a wide variety of feature films.
Among his current projects, Stevenson can be seen in director Jonathon Hensleigh's KILL THE IRISHMAN, playing the title character in a true crime story of notorious mobster Danny Greene, with Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio and Val Kilmer. Hensleigh & Jeremy Walters wrote the screenplay based on the nonfiction book To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia by Rick Porello. As Volstagg, one of the leads in Marvel Comics' THOR, Stevenson was reunited with the director, Kenneth Branagh, who acted opposite him in THEORY OF FLIGHT for director Paul Greengrass.
Stevenson appeared in Paul W.S. Anderson's THE THREE MUSKETEERS, opposite Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, and Milla Jovovich. The film is based on the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas and was released on October 14, 2011.
Currently, Stevenson is shooting Billy Bob Thorton's dramatic comedy "JAYNE MANSFIELD'S CAR," starring opposite John Patrick Amedori, Robert Duvall, John Hurt, Kevin Bacon and Robert Patrick. The film focuses on the relationship between two families, one American, the other British, in Texas during the tumultuous years of the 1960s Civil Rights movement. Stevenson just finished shooting G.I. JOE: RETALIATION. He will play the villain FIREFLY opposite Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson. The film is slated for release on June 29, 2012.
​Most recently seen in the post-apocalyptic Warner Bros. feature BOOK OF ELI opposite Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman for directors Albert and Allen Hughes, Stevenson was also featured in the fantasy thriller CIRQUE DE FREAK: THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT. In 2008, he was seen as the lead in PUNISHER: WAR ZONE, about the Marvel comics’ anti-hero Frank Castle and his quest to rid the world of evil after the death of his wife and daughter. Stevenson's prior film work includes the role of Dragonet in Antoine Fuqua's KING ARTHUR, for producer Jerry Bruckheimer; the cult favorite OUTPOST, for director Steven Barker; THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE, opposite Catherine Zeta Jones; and SOME KIND OF LIFE, opposite Jane Horrocks.
His stage work includes playing Christ in the York Mystery Plays in 2000 at York Minster. In 2001, he played Roger in "Mouth to Mouth," by Kevin Ely, at the Albery Theatre in London, with Lindsay Duncan and Michael Maloney and, in 2003, appeared as Cardinal in "The Duchess of Malfi," by John Webster with Janet McTeer, at the Royal National Theatre.
Born in Northern Ireland, Stevenson grew up in England. He studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Elodie Yung (JINX) Born and raised in France, Elodie Yung gets her exotic beauty by way of her French mother and Cambodian father. After first pursuing a law degree, she realized that she wanted to follow her lifelong passion of acting instead, enrolling in and graduating from the Acting International School in Paris.
She immediately booked work out of school, first as a recurring character in the serial drama “La Vie Devant Nous” and then in the very well regarded drama FRAGILE(S) which premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
Those experiences led to what would be her breakout roles in France. First, she booked the role of “Laura Maurier” in the French series “Les Bleus” and then she booked the female lead in DISTRICT 13 ULTIMATUM, the follow up to the hit Pierre Morel film and an international hit itself. It was in this film that she was able to also feature her extensive martial arts skills, something that had been a passion since she was a child.
It was those jobs that led to her getting attention in the US ultimately booking THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO in the role of “Miriam Wu” in the David Fincher film series. The first film came out on December 21, 2011 and character continues through Steig Larson’s trilogy and is a very important storyline in the series.
Most recently Elodie booked the leading role of JINX in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION opposite Dwayne Johnson and directed by Jon Chu.
Elodie currently lives in London.


ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Jon M. Chu (Director / Producer / Creator) has established himself as a versatile, original and technologically innovative director working fluidly in multiple mediums. Currently, Chu is in post production on the highly anticipated G.I. JOE: RETALIATION, the second installment to the popular franchise. Paramount will release the film on June 29, 2012.

She immediately booked work out of school, first as a recurring character in the serial drama “La Vie Devant Nous” and then in the very well regarded drama FRAGILE(S) which premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
Those experiences led to what would be her breakout roles in France. First, she booked the role of “Laura Maurier” in the French series “Les Bleus” and then she booked the female lead in DISTRICT 13 ULTIMATUM, the follow up to the hit Pierre Morel film and an international hit itself. It was in this film that she was able to also feature her extensive martial arts skills, something that had been a passion since she was a child.
It was those jobs that led to her getting attention in the US ultimately booking THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO in the role of “Miriam Wu” in the David Fincher film series. The first film came out on December 21, 2011 and character continues through Steig Larson’s trilogy and is a very important storyline in the series.
Most recently Elodie booked the leading role of JINX in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION opposite Dwayne Johnson and directed by Jon Chu.
Elodie currently lives in London.


ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Jon M. Chu (Director / Producer / Creator) has established himself as a versatile, original and technologically innovative director working fluidly in multiple mediums. Currently, Chu is in post production on the highly anticipated G.I. JOE: RETALIATION, the second installment to the popular franchise. Paramount will release the film on June 29, 2012.
Chu directed the second installment in the hit STEP UP franchise, having just graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2004. His directorial effort earned him a 2008 Teen Choice Award. Cumulatively, Chu’s two STEP UP films have earned over $310 million worldwide. Chu recently released the 3D documentary film NEVER SAY NEVER, which tells the story of music phenomenon Justin Bieber. The film, released by Paramount in February 2011, grossed over $98 million worldwide.
Chu also created and directs the prolific Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (LXD), a collective of dancers of all styles. He recently launched the second volume of “The LXD,” the world’s first online dance adventure series through Paramount Digital. LXD has also performed at the Academy Awards®, “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Conan,” the 2010 TED conference, and on the 2010 “Glee” live tour. Chu is currently developing a new dance-focused YouTube channel.
One of five artistic children, Chu developed his love of music and dance at an early age. He began making his own Super 8 films of family vacations and later started shooting short subjects with his brothers and sisters. By the time he was in high school in Los Altos Hills, California, he was videotaping weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, memory videos for school and video yearbooks—and he knew he was going to be a filmmaker.
While a sophomore at USC, Chu made the innovative short SILENT BEATS, which unfolds its story to a tap-dance rhythm soundtrack. The film went on to win numerous awards, including the Jack Nicholson Directing Award and the Princess Grace Foundation’s Cary Grant Award, as well as a scholarship for the burgeoning filmmaker to continue his studies at USC. While at USC, Chu also made the acclaimed 20-minute film WHEN THE KIDS ARE AWAY, a rousing musical exploration of motherhood that utilized salsa, swing and hip-hop, as well as a 50-piece orchestra and 20-voice student choir.
The film soon garnered widespread interest in Hollywood—and brought him to the attention of the producers of STEP UP 2: THE STREETS, who gave him the rare opportunity to combine his love of inventive dance and filmmaking on the big screen.​Chu has garnered a significant online presence with the success of “The Biggest Online Dance Battle in History,” featuring the Adam/Chu Dance Crew, which counts top dancers and celebrities in its ranks. The brainchild of Chu and STEP UP 3D actor Adam Sevani has grown into a worldwide phenomenon with over 45 million views online and appearances on the 2008 Teen Choice Awards and YouTube Live.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Producer) was born in New York. His father, Mario di Bonaventura, is an international conductor.
Mr. di Bonaventura received his undergraduate degree in intellectual history at Harvard College and earned a Master of Business Administration at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. He began his professional life operating a river-rafting company and later joined Columbia Pictures and worked in distribution, marketing and in the office of the President.
In February 1989 Mr. di Bonaventura joined Warner Bros. While at Warner Bros., di Bonaventura was involved in over 130 productions. Amongst his biggest commercial and critical successes were: FALLING DOWN (1993), A TIME TO KILL (1996), THE MATRIX (1999), ANALYZE THIS (2000), THE PERFECT STORM (2000), OCEAN’S ELEVEN (2001), HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (2001), TRAINING DAY (2001) and THREE KINGS (1999).
​In January 2003 di Bonaventura formed a production company based at Paramount Pictures. Since its inception, the company has produced 16 movies. Most recently di Bonaventura Pictures produced the hugely successful film RED, an espionage thriller based on the graphic novel by Warren Ellis starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren, directed by Robert Schwentke. Other box-office hits include SALT, directed by Philip Noyce with Angelina Jolie in the title role; the big screen adaption of the popular comic book, G.I. JOE: RISE OF THE COBRA, directed by Stephen Sommers; TRANSFORMERS and TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, directed by Michael Bay and starring Shia LaBoeuf.
The third movie in the TRANSFORMERS series, TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON, became the highest-grossing film of the franchise. It is also the second highest-grossing film of 2011 worldwide and the fourth highest-grossing film of all time worldwide.
The company has recently completed MAN ON A LEDGE, starring Sam Worthington, and LAST STAND, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Stephen Sommers (Executive Producer) wrote and directed THE MUMMY and THE MUMMY RETURNS, as well as VAN HELSING. He also wrote and produced the spin-off of the Mummy films, THE SCORPION KING. He wrote and directed THE ADVENTURES OF HUCK FINN, starring Elijah Wood and Jason Robards, THE JUNGLE BOOK, starring Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, Sam Neill and John Cleese and DEEP RISING, starring Treat Williams and Famke Janssen. Sommers wrote and executive produced Disney’s TOM AND HUCK with Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Brad Renfro. For television, he wrote and executive produced OLIVER TWIST, again working with Wood as well as Richard Dreyfuss. Sommers most recently completed Paramount Pictures’ include G.I. JOE: RISE OF THE COBRA, starring Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans, Rachel Nichols, Dennis Quaid, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Jonathan Pryce. Currently, Sommers is in production on ODD THOMAS, based on the Dean Koontz novel of the same title.
​A native of Minnesota, Sommers attended St. John’s University and the University of Seville in Spain. Afterwards, Sommers spent the next four years in Europe, working in street theatre and managing rock bands.
​From there, he relocated to Los Angeles and attended the USC School of Cinema-Television for three years, where he earned a masters degree and wrote and directed an award-winning short film, PERFECT ALIBI. With independent funding, he wrote and directed his first motion picture, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (1989), which was filmed in his hometown of St. Cloud, Minnesota. He has been happily married to his wife Jana for twenty years and they have two teenage daughters.

Herbert W. Gains (Executive Producer) most recently served as executive producer on Martin Campbell’s film version of DC Comic’s GREEN LANTERN, starring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively for Warner Bros. His prior executive producer credentials are Zack Snyder’s WATCHMEN and Neil Jordan’s THE BRAVE ONE, starring Jodie Foster.
He previously produced the horror thriller THE REAPING, starring Hilary Swank and was a producer on Michael Tollin’s poignant sports drama RADIO, with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris.
Additional executive producer credits include HOUSE OF WAX, starring Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray; the 2004 romantic comedy LITTLE BLACK BOOK, with Brittany Murphy; CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE, starring Jet Li and DMX; Jake Kasdan’s comedy ORANGE COUNTY; HARDBALL, starring Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane; and SUMMER CATCH, starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Jessica Biel.
Gains counts among his co-producing credits VARSITY BLUES, with James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight and Amy Smart; READY TO RUMBLE; and Rob Cohen’s DAYLIGHT, starring Sylvester Stallone.
A production manager for such films as THE NEGOTIATOR and MOUSE HUNT, he had earlier worked as an assistant director on a variety of films, including NATURAL BORN KILLERS, HEAVEN & EARTH, POINT BREAK, PACIFIC HEIGHTS, DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY, DIRTY DANCING, MANHUNTER, and THE FAN.

Eric Howsam (Executive Producer) is a longtime fan of G.I. JOE, from collecting the toys and comic books to rushing home from school during the 1980s to watch the cartoon. Howsam was involved in every aspect of G.I. JOE: RETALIATION from the earliest stages of development, to overseeing production every day in New Orleans to being involved in the film’s post-production in Los Angeles.
As executive producer, Howsam’s credits include G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, starring Channing Tatum and directed by Stephen Sommers, SHOOTER, starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Antoine Fuqua, and John Singleton’s FOUR BROTHERS, also starring Wahlberg along with Tyrese Gibson, Andre Benjamin and Garrett Hedlund. He was also closely involved in the development of the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS, starring Shia LaBeouf and Meagan Fox and directed by Michael Bay.
Raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Howsam’s interest in cinema was sparked at a young age when his father took him to see classic films such as THE SEVEN SAMURAI. He later attended Steven Spielberg’s alma mater, Ingleside Middle School.
After studying film and graduating from the University of Arizona, Howsam joined CAA as an assistant in the Motion Picture Department and then became assistant to Mike Stenson at Touchstone Pictures. Following Stenson to Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Howsam was promoted to creative executive and then director of development. In that capacity, he was involved with the development and production of BLACK HAWK DOWN, which was nominated for four Academy Awards®, and won two. Howsam also worked on such box office hits as NATIONAL TREASURE, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GONE IN 60 SECONDS and REMEMBER THE TITANS.
Howsam is currently Executive Vice President of Production at di Bonaventura Pictures, where he helps oversee all aspects of film development and production.
Gary Barber (Executive Producer) was named Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. in December 2010.
​Mr. Barber founded the production, finance and distribution company Spyglass Entertainment with his business partner, Roger Birnbaum, in 1998, where they shared the title of Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Barber continues to serve as Co-Chairman of the Board of Spyglass.
​Spyglass' slate of films have grossed over $5 billion in worldwide box office to date and have amassed over 34 Oscar® nominations, including four wins. Mr. Barber has produced numerous feature films and has run business entities involved in feature film production, foreign distribution, music and exhibition.
​Spyglass has produced such films as "THE SIXTH SENSE.” "BRUCE ALMIGHTY,” "MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA,” “27 DRESSES,” “WANTED,” “FOUR CHRISTMASES,” STAR TREK,” “G.I. JOE:RISE OF THE COBRA,” “INVICTUS,” “LEAP YEAR,” “GET HIM TO THE GREEK,” “DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS,” “THE TOURIST,” “THE DILEMMA,” “NO STRINGS ATTACHED,” THE VOW,” and “FOOTLOOSE” remake.
​From 1989 to 1997, Mr. Barber was with Morgan Creek and served as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, Mr. Barber served as President of Vestron International Group.
​Mr. Barber received his undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Furthermore, he practiced as a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant in both South Africa and the USA with Price Waterhouse. He is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Roger Barton (Executive Producer) was named Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. in December 2010.
Mr. Birnbaum founded the production, finance and distribution company Spyglass Entertainment with his business partner, Gary Barber, in 1998, where they shared the title of Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Birnbaum continues to serve as Co-Chairman of the Board of Spyglass.
Spyglass’ slate of films have grossed over $5 billion in worldwide box office to date and have amassed over 34 Oscar® nominations, including four wins. Mr. Birnbaum has produced numerous feature films and has run business entities in feature film production, foreign distribution, music and exhibition.
Spyglass has produced such films as THE SIXTH SENSE, BRUCE ALMIGHTY, SEABISCUIT, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, SHANGHAI NOON, SHANGHAI KNIGHTS, THE RECRUIT, EIGHT BELOW, THE PACIFIER, 27 DRESSES, WANTED, FOUR CHRISTMASES, STAR TREK, G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, INVICTUS, LEAP YEAR, GET HIM TO THE GREEK, DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS, THE TOURIST, THE DILEMMA, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, THE VOW and the FOOTLOOSE remake.
Prior to founding Spyglass, Mr. Birnbaum co-founded Caravan Pictures, where he was responsible for such box office hits as RUSH HOUR, SIX DAYS/SEVEN NIGHTS, INSPECTOR GADGET, GROSS POINT BLANKE, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD and WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING.
Before joining Caravan, Mr. Birnbaum served as President of Worldwide Production and Executive Vice President of Twentieth Century Fox, where he oversaw such films as HOME ALONE, SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, HOT SHOTS!, MY COUSIN VINNY, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, DIE HARD 2 and MRS. DOUBTFIRE, among others. Prior to that, Mr. Birnbaum was the President of Production for United Artists, where he developed the Oscar® winning film RAIN MAN.
Mr. Birnbaum started his career as Vice President of A&M Records and Arista Records. He is a member of the American Film Institute Board of Trustees and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

David Ellison (Executive Producer) formed Skydance Productions to create and produce elevated event-level commercial entertainment. The company focuses on tent-pole action, adventure, science fiction and fantasy films along with modestly budgeted comedy and genre films. Skydance strives to be filmmaker friendly in a town where it is increasingly difficult to get films made. In 2010, Skydance entered into a four-year production, distribution and finance deal with Paramount Pictures. The first film to be released under the deal was TRUE GRIT, Joel and Ethan Coen’s take on the Charles Portis novel, produced by the Coens, Scott Rudin and Steven Spielberg, and starring Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards®, including Best Picture.
Skydance is producing the Paramount feature MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL, produced by J.J. Abrams and directed by Brad Bird. The film was released on December 16, 2011, with Tom Cruise reprising his iconic role. Skydance is also producing G.I. JOE 2: RETALIATION, starring Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson, set for release on June 29, 2012. Other films to be produced by Skydance include the comedy MY MOTHER’S CURSE, starring Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen, which is currently filming, and the UNTITLED JACK RYAN PROJECT, directed by Jack Bender, starring Chris Pine and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mace Neufeld. The company will also be co-producing WITHOUT REMORSE, written by Shawn Ryan. Skydance recently moved their offices to the Paramount Pictures lot in June, 2011.
Additional films in the works include the Marc Forster thriller WORLD WAR Z, starring Brad Pitt, which is currently filming and the Christopher McQuarrie film ONE SHOT, with Tom Cruise. Currently in development is THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD, written by Tom O’Connor.
Ever the film enthusiast, Ellison grew up in Northern California and attended the University of Southern California’s prestigious School of Cinematic Arts. While in school, Ellison produced and starred in the World War I drama FLYBOYS, which combined his love of film and aviation. He is an accomplished pilot with over 2000 flying hours, a commercial multi-engine instrument rating and a helicopter rating. In 2003, at 20 years old, Ellison was the youngest air show pilot performer at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Airventure Show in Oshkosh, WI, where he was one of six pilots performing as the “Stars of Tomorrow.” Ellison is actively involved with Conservation International, where he is a member of the Board of Directors and sits on several committees.

Dana Goldberg (Executive Producer) joined Skydance Productions in 2010 as president of production. She was formerly president of production at Village Roadshow Pictures, where she was involved with the company’s entire slate of films including the OCEAN’S ELEVEN franchise, the MATRIX trilogy, TRAINING DAY, GET SMART and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. She also served as executive producer on many of the company’s films, including I AM LEGEND, THE BRAVE ONE and the Academy Award©-winning animated feature HAPPY FEET. Prior to joining Village Roadshow in 1998, Goldberg spent three years with Barry Levinson and Paula Weinstein at Baltimore/Spring Creek Pictures, where she was vice president of production. She began her career in entertainment as an assistant at Hollywood Pictures. Goldberg has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2007.

Paul Schwake (Executive Producer) is the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer for Skydance. Paul joined the company in 2009 and was instrumental in securing the co-finance, co-production agreement with Paramount Pictures. Paul secured Skydance’s $200 million syndicated credit facility led by JP Morgan and six other banks.
Prior to joining Skydance, Paul partnered with producer Bill Todman, Jr. and real estate banking billionaire Edward Milstein and formed Level 1 Entertainment, where he served as COO. At Level 1, Paul produced the comedies GRANDMA’S BOY and STRANGE WILDERNESS with Adam Sandler. He also produced RENDITION with Oscar winners Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, and director Gavin Hood. Additionally, Paul led Level 1’s television production activities.
Prior to joining Level 1, Paul helped form Spyglass Entertainment Group with producers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum where he served as CFO for seven years. During his tenure, Spyglass released over 20 films including THE SIXTH SENSE, BRUCE ALMIGHTY and SEABISCUIT.
Previously, Paul served as VP of Finance at Morgan Creek for seven years. During Paul’s tenure, Morgan Creek produced and released over 30 films including ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES, ACE VENTURA, LAST OF THE MOHICANS and TRUE ROMANCE.
Paul also served as an auditor at Price Waterhouse for five years auditing clients in the entertainment industry and worked at Walt Disney Studios in the accounting department for four years.

Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick (Writers) Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick wrote Paramount Pictures’ G.I. JOE: RETALIATION, starring Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis, slated for a June 29, 2012 release.
Retaliation follows Reese and Wernick’s first feature collaboration, ZOMBIELAND, which they wrote and executive-produced for Columbia Pictures in 2009. ZOMBIELAND received critical acclaim (90% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and fast became the highest grossing zombie movie of all time ($100M+).
Reese and Wernick have recently written screenplays for X-MEN: DEADPOOL, starring Ryan Reynolds, for Twentieth Century Fox, COWBOY NINJA VIKING for Universal Pictures and MICRONAUTS for Paramount, with Hasbro and Bad Robot producing.
Reese and Wernick first collaborated in 2001, creating, writing, and executive-producing “The Joe Schmo Show” for Spike TV. The series drew Spike’s highest-ever ratings. Joe Schmo was named to numerous Best Of lists, including TIME Magazine’s Top 10 TV Shows of the year and Entertainment Weekly’s 50 Best TV Shows Ever on DVD. Reese and Wernick followed up with “Joe Schmo 2” and “Invasion Iowa”, a high-concept comedy hybrid starring William Shatner.
Reese has written movies for Pixar Animation Studios (MONSTERS, INC.), Walt Disney Feature Animation (DINOSAUR), and Warner Brothers (ClIFFORD’S REALLY BIG MOVIE), among others. Wernick has produced several network reality shows. He won three Emmy awards for his work in news.

Stephen Windon (Director of Photography) Stephen’s career began working in television for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation where he worked his way up through the ranks, starting as an assistant cameraman and eventually working his way up to Director of Photography for this prestigious television network.
After shooting more than 30 TV documentaries and several mini-series, he left the ABC to work freelance on feature films and TV commercials. During this time he had the opportunity to become the 2nd Unit Director of Photography on several Russell Boyd photographed features (CROCODILE DUNDEE 2, THE RESCUE, THE CHALLENGE).
Stephen’s international career began in 1993 when he was offered his first US feature production RAPA-NUI directed by Kevin Reynolds and produced by Kevin Costner and Jim Wilson. He then photographed several Australian feature films and US telemovies/mini-series returning to the US to shoot the Fox film FIRESTORM and THE PATRIOT, both films directed by Oscar winning cinematographer, Dean Semler ACS/ASC.
In 1997 Stephen was then approached to shoot the Warner Bros picture THE POSTMAN directed by Kevin Costner, followed immediately with another Warner Bros big budget film, DEEP BLUE SEA directed by action master Renny Harlin (CLIFFHANGER).
Stephen then collaborated with director Kevin Donovan on Dreamworks SKG’s TUXEDO, starring Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewit, followed by Columbia’s ANACONDAS directed by Dwight Little, Joel Silver’s HOUSE OF WAX and Universal’s FAST AND THE FURIOUS – TOKYO DRIFT, produced by Neil Moritz and directed by Justin Lin.
Released in 2010 was the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks produced TV epic, “The Pacific” for the HBO Network. As a follow-up to the highly successful “Band of Brothers”, “The Pacific” tells the story of three US Marines during the 2nd World War in the Pacific. The story is taken from the actual diaries of these marines. The production was filmed entirely in Australia with locations in Queensland and Victoria. Stephen collaborated again in 2010 with director Justin Lin on another production in the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise, titled FAST FIVE, a $150 million feature film for Universal Pictures which is was released in the summer of 2011. The action film stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Paul Walker and was filmed on location in Rio De Janiero, San Juan-Puerto Rico, and several US states over a period of 6 months.
During the course of his long career, Stephen has been the recipient of 10 Australian Cinematographers Society awards, two Australian Film Institute Feature nominations and an Australian Film Critics Circle nomination.
Most recently he was the recipient of a 2010 Emmy Nomination for Best Cinematography in a TV Mini Series for “The Pacific” and in February 2011 received an award from the American Society of Cinematographers also for his work on “The Pacific” Part 9.
Stephen has been accredited by the Australian Cinematographers Society and is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild.

Andrew Menzies (Production Designer) grew up between London, Australia and Scotland. At 8 years old he and his twin brother, Simon, had the chance to meet with their hero John Wayne. At the time, Mr. Wayne was filming BRANNIGAN (1975) in their home town in London and was kind enough to show Andrew and his brother around the other sets. At that point the seed was sown for Andrew’s interest in filmmaking. He marveled at how, on the outside of the set it was wood and on the inside it was finished as brick. John Wayne then took the two boys to catering and gave them their first burger in a bun! Alien food to them (and the UK) at that time but Andrew knew from that day forth that then entertainment industry was for him!
Upon completing his first Degree, along with a brief stint at an architecture firm, Mr. Menzies traveled around Europe and Asia including Nepal, Thailand, Borneo and the outback of Australia, finding work in the latter two. Following his travels, Andrew returned to London to complete a Masters Degree in Film Design at the prestigious Royal College of Art (RCA).
After graduation, his first job offer was in Wilmington, North Carolina on a George Lucas film titled RADIOLAND MURDERS. He progressed from there into Art Direction, working on a host of films including Steven Spielberg's AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, Milos Forman's MAN ON THE MOON, Joe Johnston's OCTOBER SKY and Tony Scott's ENEMY OF THE STATE. His credits as Art Director also include Stephen Gaghan's SYRIANA, Steven Spielberg's WAR OF THE WORLDS and MUNICH and James Cameron's AVATAR.

Louise Mingenbach (Costume Designer) marks her fifth collaboration with director Todd Phillips on DUE DATE, following their work on the feature comedies THE HANGOVER, STARSKY & HUTCH and SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS and the 2007 telefilm “The More Things Change…”
Her designs were recently seen on screen in the action epic X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE. Additional recent projects include the Farrelly Brothers’ romantic comedy THE HEARTBREAK KID and Peter Berg’s HANCOCK, starring Will Smith.
Previously, Mingenbach teamed with director Bryan Singer on five films, starting with the 1995 thriller THE USUAL SUSPECTS and going on to X-MEN, for which she earned a Saturn Award and a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination, X2, APT PUPIL and SUPERMAN RETURNS. The two also collaborated on the 2004 pilot for “House M.D.”
Mingenbach’s other feature film credits include SPANGLISH, THE RUNDOWN, K-PAX, GOSSIP, PERMANENT MIDNIGHT, NIGHTWATCH, THE SPITFIRE GRILL and ONE NIGHT STAND.

I havent read all of it, but maybe I'm reading into it. Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. How the F*€# does Channing Tatum get billing before the Rock and Bruce Willis. Starting to like less and less what this movie represents. If it wasn't GI Joe in the title I'd refuse to see it in Theatres. Unfortunately, it's the Brand that I love, so I'll give a chance at the Theatre, but not in 3D.

The buggy and helicopter look really cool. Hope Hasbro makes toys of them.

In the future it would be nice if people didn't put multiple watermarks right on top of the subject matter. Try putting them in the corner so it doesn't obstruct what the viewer is looking at.

Thanks Man

You do realize that "with" and "and" are way better than first billing. Every one in their mother in Hollywood would love to be"AND" in billings. It means you are well establish.

Sorry, don't know Hollywood-ez. Just seems wrong in the way I read it. They were the last two actors listed. I really dislike Tatum, it would mean nothing to me if it was alphabetic. Just this order seems counter-intuitive to me.

Huh...not very spoilery.

From the looks of it, the write-up earlier this year with the full movie plot looks pretty accurate.

lol u dont have to say sorry. it would make sense if it were alphabetical order.

The images are spoilers and there are some highlights that nobody had information on.

Until tonight I had no idea Storm Shadow was in the bag Jinx and Snake Eyes have in the trailer, escaping the red ninja's. It looks like half the story is the hunt for Storm Shadow and the relationship with Snake Eyes.

Hey look, Terry Crewes as Roadblock!

Those are just images from Joecon, thought we'd be getting new stuff. The toys don't exist until they hit the toy shelves!

Thumbs up if you read EVERY SINGLE WORD that Destro posted!

yeah huh? i was like wtf?!?

i hope he didnt have to type that all out...

F**k no!
Who told them that bulls**t?
It was the most hated design, i'd say even more than SE's mouth!
He's a ninja and he's wearing a pimp-tailed white leather suit, for f**s sake!

Pity we toy enthusiasts get a bunch of kiddies Tonka-toys, some cheap repaints, shitty 5 point figures and those shameful-choke-full-of-crap bikes (with even worse drivers).
O yeah, and the most original, fun and innovative toys ever... Kata system, and water guns! *roll eyes*

And thanks for the reminder *grinding theeth*




Aside of that, sounds pretty cool, can't wait to see the movie and get some figs from wave 4.
thanks, good night.

Now I know we're gonna get a recycled RoC Storm Shadow if we get a Retaliation-based Storm Shadow.

No wait, he's not sporting tennis shoes this time

Did not read the text to avoid spoilers - but the production pics look cool!

I must have read 80% of it and there are both some very exciting bits in there and also some that are cringe-worthy.

Really looking forward to seeing Ray Stevenson as Firefly, and RZA as Bind Master.

The real life HISSTANK looks pretty cool too!

But Chu I was never a stripper I can't relate to him.

did'nt read any of it, but just looked at the pics. The pics make me excited....eventhough, i truly believe Tatum is an absolute curse to this movie. just absurd. But, I will, like many others, give it a chance in the theater....

Chopper looks great, unfortunately if they made that into a toy, it would undoubtedly look like the dwarf retarded version of the original design.

I'm still hopeful though. "You can't give up hope just because it's hopeless, that's when you have to hope even more!" Fry from Futurama.

i didnt see any pics and didnt see any hyperlinks, could someone put a list of them perty pleeze...

I just had a Black Dragon flashback.

GIJOE Retaliation Movie Spoiler Images and Information - GI Joe News

So....Flint is a master of running away and jumping over obstacles? That is what Parkour is. I imagine there will be a scene similar to Casino Royale, where Bond was chasing the Parkour baddie in Africa.

And Chu, I've never made millions of dollars from acting in movies, so I can't relate to him either.

Can we please get that concept drawing Lady Jaye figure!?! Please and thank you!

Cobra Commander looks so cool! I wish i was walking into the theater right now!

Flint and parkour? ok.

Really not the G.I.joe we knew but i will see it anyway.

I posted the information about the movie vehicles a long time ago with much better pictures, but is was never front paged. Guess now the mods can believe me that my sources are genuine…

We gave this news story a bump for all the potential new people searching for G.I.Joe Retaliation information and for those who may have missed this story.

I can't act either, so I can relate to him.

The Ghost Hawk II pic really makes the toy even worse than it truly is, which is a very hard thing to do.

The AWE Striker, copter, and boat all look cool. It'll be a shame if we don't get more accurate toys than what they're offering. I'm really curious to see what vehicles Hasbro makes next. Will they go back to pre-Retaliation quality or stick to their knock-off level stuff?

/Agree. Just found this thread today. The retaliation vehicle line is so far a big pass for me. And after seeing the concept art images, the vehicle toy line produced looks even worse.

I second that.
To produce this ugly head scuplt



based on this awesome concept art, and the smoking hotness of Adrianne Palicki.



I can only comprehend it by assuming there was a mistake somewhere inbetween

So wait, does this mean we're getting a toy of the new Cobra boat?

And the helicopter. Please, and thank you.

That Helicopter looks cool! makes me wish this movie was made by a toy company and that it had a toy line! HA! Great stuff!

Tha concept art of Roadblock looks just like Terry Crews. That is weird. I would love that Howler, proper scaled toy, not the crap mini one we got. You can see Hasbro used their old molds to try and give us those cool concept vehicles, but they failed miserable.

If I'm not mistaken he was in the running early on for the role but got replaced by The Rock for some extra star power.

Anyway yeah - I'm hoping the movie does well enough for Hasbro to put the money into more screen-accurate versions of all the vehicles.

What we got isn't bad in most instances, but none of them are right and they could all make great toys. Then again, they went small with the RoC toys too with the Gunship and Night Raven, so I'm not holding my breath.

So Jinx is or was a member of the Dharma Initiative. I don't recognize what division the bottle is in Dharma.