According to Variety, Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, Van Helsing) has signed on to direct the live-action adaption of G.I. Joe for Paramount Pictures. Apparently, Sommers was hired in the room after pitching his version of the film to Paramount chairman/CEO Brad Grey and production president Brad Weston. The studio is aggressively looking for a screenwriter and hopes to start production in February, while aiming for a summer 2009 release.