Reflecting on the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’s legacy 15 years later.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra marks its 15th anniversary today. It was an attempt to launch a live-action franchise rooted in the beloved Hasbro toy line and the iconic comic book and cartoon series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Directed by Stephen Sommers, known for his work on The Mummy franchise, this 2009 action-packed blockbuster brought the elite G.I. Joe military unit to life on the big screen, introducing a new generation to the epic battle between the forces of good and evil. Grab a 4k copy here.
The film’s story dives into the high-stakes world of global warfare, where the G.I. Joe team faces off against the sinister Military Armaments Research Syndicate (MARS), led by the menacing arms dealer James McCullen, played by Christopher Eccleston. As the plot unfolds, audiences are introduced to a secretive military unit, code-named G.I. Joe, tasked with preventing MARS from unleashing a deadly nanotech weapon capable of mass destruction. The film blends intense action sequences with cutting-edge special effects, delivering a thrilling experience that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The star-studded cast is led by Channing Tatum.
He plays Conrad Hauser, better known as Duke, the charismatic leader of the G.I. Joe team. Tatum’s portrayal of Duke earned him the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor. Recently, Tatum starred in Deadpool & Wolverine as Gambit. Alongside Tatum, the ensemble cast includes Marlon Wayans as Ripcord, Sienna Miller as the formidable Baroness, Dennis Quaid as General Hawk, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the enigmatic Cobra Commander. The Rise of Cobra* is a memorable entry in the action genre for fans who grew up with the action figures.
At the box office, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was a commercial success, grossing over $300 million worldwide. The film’s mix of nostalgia, modern action, and a compelling storyline resonated with audiences, solidifying its place in the G.I. Joe legacy. The movie’s success led to the release of a sequel/reboot in 2013 titled G.I. Joe: Retaliation, which continued the story with new characters and a fresh take on the franchise.
As we celebrate this milestone, series fans have even more to look forward to. The 2023 film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts teased an exciting crossover with the G.I. Joe universe, igniting anticipation for what could be the ultimate action-packed cinematic event. With a crossover in the works, the G.I. Joe franchise continues to evolve, keeping the spirit of these iconic characters alive for new and old fans alike.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
