Bradley Cooper Has Signed to Star in G.I. Joe Film
Actor Bradley Cooper will take on the role of Duke in a new G.I. Joe film directed by Danny McBride.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Film — General
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Bradley Cooper has signed an agreement to star as the character Duke in an upcoming untitled G.I. Joe film. The project, which is based on the classic Hasbro toy line, will be directed by Danny McBride.
Why it matters
Paramount Pictures is prioritizing the development of major intellectual property brands to anchor its future studio slate. This project marks the latest expansion of the G.I. Joe franchise, which previously saw Channing Tatum portray the character Duke in 2009 and 2013.
Bradley Cooper previously earned 4 Oscar nominations for his work on the film Maestro. The G.I. Joe project is slated to be the first major IP film to enter production under Paramount Pictures leadership.
The players
Bradley Cooper
He is an acclaimed actor and filmmaker known for his work on projects like Maestro.
Danny McBride
He is a writer and director recognized for his work on the television series The Righteous Gemstones.
Paramount Pictures
It is a major American film studio currently operating under the ownership of David Ellison.
Hasbro
It is a global toy and game company that owns the G.I. Joe intellectual property.
The details
Danny McBride is directing the film and co-writing the script alongside Jeff Fradley and John Carcieri. Producing duties for the project are being handled by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, and Zev Foreman.
Timeline
1960s: Hasbro first launched the G.I. Joe toy line.
1980s: The G.I. Joe brand saw a massive relaunch through cartoons and Marvel Comics.
2009: Paramount released the film G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra.
2013: Paramount released the film G.I. Joe: Retaliation.
2025: Bradley Cooper appeared in a cameo role for a Superman movie.
Industry Dynamics
This project continues the long-standing Hollywood trend of adapting legacy toy brands for the big screen. It follows a decade-long cycle of attempts to revitalize the G.I. Joe property, which originated with the 2009 release of G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra.
Audiences can expect this film to be a primary focus of upcoming theatrical release schedules as Paramount prioritizes the project. The casting of a high-profile actor like Bradley Cooper suggests the film will receive a major marketing push for general theater-going audiences.
The takeaway
This casting announcement signals a shift toward celebrity-driven reboots of established toy-based intellectual properties. Fans of the franchise should look for future announcements regarding the full supporting cast and filming locations.
Further reading
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