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Tag: gi-joe-retaliation

  • Every Jon M. Chu Directed Movie, Ranked!

    Jon M. Chu accepts the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jon M. Chu accepts the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The success of last year’s ‘Wicked‘ has made Jon M. Chu one of the most popular directors in Hollywood and earned him a Critics Choice Award for Best Director.

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    Before ‘Wicked’, Chu was best known for directing sequels like ‘Step Up 2: The Streets‘, ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation‘, and ‘Now You See Me 2‘, two Justin Bieber documentaries, and the box office smash ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘.

    Chu now returns to the big screen with the highly antcipated sequel to ‘Wicked’ entitled ‘Wicked: For Good‘, which once again stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and opens in theaters on November 21st.

    In honor of the new sequel, Moviefone is counting down every film Jon M. Chu has ever directed, including his latest.

    Let’s begin!

    Related Article: Jon M. Chu Talks ‘Wicked’ Digital Release and the Success of the Film

    11. ‘Jem and the Holograms‘ (2015)

    A scene from 2015's 'Jem and the Holograms'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    A scene from 2015’s ‘Jem and the Holograms’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    As a small-town girl (Aubrey Shea) catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. Four aspiring musicians will take the world by storm when they see that the key to creating your own destiny lies in finding your own voice.

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    10. ‘Step Up 2: The Streets‘ (2008)

    A scene from 2008's 'Step Up 2: The Streets'. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.
    A scene from 2008’s ‘Step Up 2: The Streets’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

    When rebellious street dancer Andie (Briana Evigan) lands at the elite Maryland School of the Arts, she finds herself fighting to fit in while also trying to hold onto her old life. When she joins forces with the schools hottest dancer, Chase (Robert Hoffman), to form a crew of classmate outcasts to compete in Baltimore s underground dance battle The Streets.

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    9. ‘Justin Bieber’s Believe‘ (2013)

    Justin Bieber in 'Justin Bieber's Believe'. Photo: Open Road Films.
    Justin Bieber in ‘Justin Bieber’s Believe’. Photo: Open Road Films.

    A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

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    8. ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never‘ (2011)

    Justin Bieber in 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    Justin Bieber in ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Tells the story of Justin Bieber, the kid from Canada with the hair, the smile and the voice: It chronicles his unprecedented rise to fame, all the way from busking in the streets of Stratford, Canada to putting videos on YouTube to selling out Madison Square Garden in New York as the headline act during the ‘My World Tour’ from 2010.

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    7. ‘Step Up 3D‘ (2010)

    A scene from 2010's 'Step Up 3D'. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.
    A scene from 2010’s ‘Step Up 3D’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

    A tight-knit group of New York City street dancers, including Luke (Rick Malambri) and Natalie (Sharni Vinson), team up with NYU freshman Moose (Adam Sevani), and find themselves pitted against the world’s best hip hop dancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever.

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    6. ‘Now You See Me 2‘ (2016)

    (L to R) Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Mark Ruffalo in 'Now You See Me 2'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Mark Ruffalo in ‘Now You See Me 2’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their mind-bending spectacles, the Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Lizzy Caplan) resurface only to find themselves face to face with a new enemy who enlists them to pull off their most dangerous heist yet.

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    5. ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation‘ (2013)

    (L to R) Ray Park and Dwayne Johnson in 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Ray Park and Dwayne Johnson in ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Framed for crimes against the country, the G.I. Joe team is terminated by Presidential order. This forces the G.I. Joes into not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis.

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    4. ‘In the Heights‘ (2021)

    (Center) Anthony Ramos in 'In the Heights'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (Center) Anthony Ramos in ‘In the Heights’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Lights up on Washington Heights… The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

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    3. ‘Wicked: For Good‘ (2025)

    Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.

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    2. ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘ (2018)

    (L to R) Henry Golding and Constance Wu in 'Crazy Roch Asians'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (L to R) Henry Golding and Constance Wu in ‘Crazy Roch Asians’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    An American-born Chinese economics professor (Constance Wu) accompanies her boyfriend (Henry Golding) to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding, only to get thrust into the lives of Asia’s rich and famous.

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    1. ‘Wicked‘ (2024)

    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    In the land of Oz, ostracized and misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is forced to share a room with the popular aristocrat Glinda (Ariana Grande) at Shiz University, and the two’s unlikely friendship is tested as they begin to fulfill their respective destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

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  • Chris Hemsworth in Talks for ‘Transformers’/‘G.I Joe’ Crossover

    (Left) Optimus Prime in 'Transformers'. Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Center) Chris Hemsworth in 'Spiderhead.' Photo: Netflix. (Right) Ray Park as Snake Eyes in 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    (Left) Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers’. Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Center) Chris Hemsworth in ‘Spiderhead.’ Photo: Netflix. (Right) Ray Park as Snake Eyes in ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Chris Hemsworth is in talks for Paramount’s Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover.
    • The storyline is unknown for now.
    • The concept was set up at the end of last year’s ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’.

    Its own future might still be up in the air as corporate suitors continue to circle, but Paramount is pressing on with exploring its big characters and concepts.

    And, following a tease at the end of last year’s ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’, the studio now officially has a ‘Transformers’/‘G.I. Joe’ crossover in the works.

    According to Deadline, the company has a star circling a lead role, as Chris Hemsworth is in talks to join the film. The actor is already involved with at least one side of this duo, since he’s the voice of Orion Pax –– the robot who will become Optimus Prime –– in this year’s animated ‘Transformers One’.

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    What’s the story of the Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover?

    (Left) ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th. (Right) Ray Park, Rachel Nichols and Saïd Taghmaoui in 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    (Left) ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th. (Right) Ray Park, Rachel Nichols and Saïd Taghmaoui in ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Right now, Paramount has not released any plot details about how the two universes will connect. There is precedent in comic books and, as mentioned, the end of last year’s ‘Transformers’ outing dropped a big hint, as Anthony Ramos’ Noah Diaz, having helped the Autobots and Maximals save the Earth, is introduced to a mysterious man named Agent Burke, played by Michael Kelly, who gives him a business card bearing the Joes’ logo.

    Here’s what ‘Transformers’ regular producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura told Variety about the plans:

    “Noah goes from somebody who cannot get a job, to a guy who gets the greatest job ever. It really felt organic to put it in here because you could relate it to the story. It didn’t feel like we were being cynical and like, ‘Good news, we could just jam G.I. Joes in here.’ The fans want a lot of things; if we do it and we don’t figure it out well, they’re going to be disappointed. It took us a while to figure out the Maximals, and now we have the hint of how to begin the Joes story.”

    For now, Hemsworth’s role is unknown. Nor do we know whether anyone from the previous ‘G.I. Joe’ movies will carry over to this one or whether this will mark a chance to reset the storyline.

    Who is making the ‘Transformers’/‘G.I. Joe’ crossover?

    Director Steven Caple Jr. on the set of 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    Director Steven Caple Jr. on the set of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    While Steven Caple Jr. directed ‘Rise of the Beasts’ (and was one of the driving forces behind introducing the Joes to the onscreen ‘Transformers’ universe), no mention is made in the story about Hemsworth’s casting about who will direct or write the new movie.

    All we know at this point is that di Bonaventura is back to produce alongside Mark Vahradian, Michael Bay, Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy. Steven Spielberg and Hasbro Entertainment will be executive producers.

    Related Article: Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback Talk ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’

    When will the ‘Transformers’/‘G.I. Joe’ crossover be in theaters?

    There is no release information for the new movie yet. ‘Transformers One’, which also features the voices of Scarlett Johansson, Brian Tyree Henry and Keegan-Michael Key, will be on screens on September 20th.

    Arcee and Wheeljack in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Arcee and Wheeljack in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    Other Movies in the ‘Transformers’ and ‘G.I. Joe’ Franchises:

    Buy ‘Transformer’ Movies on Amazon

    Buy ‘G.I. Joe’ Movies on Amazon

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  • Actor Ray Stevenson Dies at the Age of 58

    Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) in Lucasfilm's 'Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Ray Stevenson, a versatile actor known for genre fare such as ‘Punisher: War Zone’, the first three ‘Thor’ movies, HBO’s ‘Rome’ and much more, has died. He was 58.

    Born George Raymond Stevenson on May 25, 1964, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, he harbored acting ambitions from an early age and enrolled at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, from where he eventually obtained his graduate degree.

    TV Appearances 

    From there, he kicked off a career in British and European TV, starting with 1993’s ‘A Woman’s Guide to Adultery’, in which he had a supporting role as a journalist. He racked up credits in a number of TV series well known to UK audiences, including ‘Peak Practice’, ‘Holby City’ and ‘The Bill’ (the British equivalent of ‘Law & Order’ where many actors either got their start or have appeared in guest roles).

    Luke Bracey as Rexford G. 'Rex' Lewis / Cobra Commander and Ray Stevenson as Firefly in 2013's 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation.'
    (L to R) Luke Bracey as Rexford G. ‘Rex’ Lewis / Cobra Commander and Ray Stevenson as Firefly in 2013’s ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation.’ Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    But on the small screen, his true big break was HBO’s ‘Rome’, in which he played the cheery, violent Titus Pollo. It raised his profile, and he began to score bigger parts both on TV and the big screen.

    His TV work in the States also includes ‘Black Sails’, ‘Dexter’ ‘Medici’ and voicing the character of Gar Saxon in both ‘Star Wars Rebels’ and ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. He’ll be back on our screens in that galaxy far, far away for ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’, in which he plays a different character, the villainous Baylan Skoll.

    Ray Stevenson as Big Ray in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    Ray Stevenson as Big Ray in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    Film Work

    On the movie front, he made his debut in 1998’s ‘The Theory of Flight’ opposite Helena Bonham Carter and would go on to make scene-stealing supporting appearances in a number of movies including ‘King Arthur’, ‘Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant’, ‘The Book of Eli’, ‘The Other Guys’, ‘Kill the Irishman’, ‘The Transporter Refueled,’ ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation,’ the ‘Accident Man‘ series, the ‘Divergent’ movies and, more recently, as the scowling, cruel Governor Scott Buxton in ‘RRR’.

    Two roles, though, may stand out on his movie resume: he played the jubilant Volstagg, one of the Warriors Three who stand with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor in the first two movies featuring the Marvel hero (his character is unceremoniously offed in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’.

    And in a rare leading performance, he was chosen by director Lexi Alexander as Frank Castle in ‘Punisher: War Zone’, an underrated adaptation of the Marvel comic book character.

    Alexander was among those quick to pay tribute to the actor.

    https://twitter.com/LexiAlex/status/1660698258480701440

    Though he was sometimes seen as tough, brutal villains on screen, Stevenson is remembered as a warm, kind person by colleagues and those who met him. His passion for his work was infectious and he managed to find the human heart beating in the most nefarious character. Other roles, such as Pollo, let him showcase his natural charm.

    Alongside his completed work on ‘Ahsoka’ Stevenson had been at work on Italian movie ‘Cassino in Ischia’ when he died; that film as well as ‘1242: Gateway to the West’ will join the ‘Star Wars’ show as his final projects.

    Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle / The Punisher in 2008's 'Punisher: War Zone.'
    Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle / The Punisher in 2008’s ‘Punisher: War Zone.’ Photo courtesy of Lionsgate Films.

    Ray Stevenson Movies:

    Buy Ray Stevenson Movies On Amazon