This is a piece of ridiculous news. G.I. Joe: Retaliation was set to open on June 29. Despite the lackluster results of the first theatrical attempt, this movie appeared to have potential. With a cast that included Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Ray Stevonson and Adrianne Palicki among others, the set up for the story looked to give us a darker tale that could actually give the movie the edge needed to make up for the first. But now all the momentum that's been built will be thrown to side.
Deadline Hollywood has reported that the movie will no longer open in June but will now have a March 2013 release date. The reason wasn't the usual delay issues like needing to reshoot scenes or rework the script. Paramount has decided they want nine months to work on adding 3D to the film.
I like 3D as much as the next person. Maybe even more. But I don't feel it's necessary for the success of this movie. Retaliation looked to be a pure action thriller that could do well without what many still see as a gimmick. Yes 3D will add to ticket sales but there are those that will avoid seeing a movie in 3D if it means paying more. Joe fans want a good movie. We don't need the 3D. I'm sure it'll look good but I'd rather have the movie next month instead of nine months.
It will be interesting to see how this affects the expectations. We've already seen a prequel comic from IDW. There's also the cost of marketing including the Superbowl ad which are now pretty much a waste. It's a sad day today. COBRA just moved one step closer to winning the battle.
== TEASER ==
Here's a little of what we could have had next month.
Does anyone besides me feel like there's more to this story than just a desire to add 3D?