Bradley Cooper is set to star as Duke in the upcoming G.I. Joe movie being directed by Danny McBride. The casting follows months of rumors and indicates significant momentum for the project at Paramount.
McBride has been developing the G.I. Joe film for some time, with Cooper reportedly at the top of his casting wishlist. Despite Cooper's current commitments, including starring in and directing an Ocean's 11 prequel filming in Europe, he has agreed to take on the role. Sources indicate Cooper was so impressed with the script that he signed on.
While the film's production timeline remains uncertain, it is unlikely to begin before next summer at the earliest. Cooper's Ocean's prequel is slated for a June 2027 release, and his post-production and promotional obligations for that film would likely precede any involvement in an action-heavy G.I. Joe movie.
McBride has previously shared that the film will be set in Springfield, a town secretly inhabited by Cobra members. He has emphasized that the movie will be a suspenseful action film, steering away from comedy, which is characteristic of his earlier work. McBride's writing credits include the recent Halloween trilogy, demonstrating his capability in crafting non-comedic scripts.
McBride is co-writing the G.I. Joe film with Jeff Fradley and John Carcieri. The addition of a high-profile star like Cooper suggests a serious artistic backing for the project. Previous G.I. Joe films, featuring actors such as Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson, received critical disappointment. Cooper's recent career trajectory, including his Oscar-nominated work in "A Star Is Born," has elevated his profile, making his involvement a notable development for the franchise's latest iteration.