G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is a 2009 American live-action film adaptation of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy franchise. The film is directed by Stephen Sommers, produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and co-written by Stuart Beattie, based on a 1998 screenplay by John Paul Kay. G.I. Joe features an ensemble cast based on the various characters of the franchise. The story follows two American soldiers, Duke and Ripcord, who join the G.I. Joe Team after being attacked by Cobra troops.
After leaked drafts of the script were criticized by fans, Larry Hama, main writer of the Real American Hero comic, was hired as creative consultant and many rewrites were made. Filming took place in Downey, California and Prague's Barrandov Studios, and six different companies handled the visual effects. The film was released through August 5 to 7, 2009 worldwide, following an extensive marketing campaign focused on the Mid-American public. Despite The Rise of Cobra having mixed critical reviews, it opened at the top of the box office, and has grossed over $300 million worldwide. A sequel is being planned.