More ‘Joe’ for Lee Byung-hun

Lee Byung-hun

Superstar actor Lee Byung-hun could see his role in the third “GI Joe” film get a big boost, local media is reporting.

Lee reportedly is due to head to Hollywood to discuss “GI Joe 3” after he completes filming for the movie “Memories of the Sword” next month.

The actor had significant, although not starring, roles in the first two “GI Joe” films. But as the film’s studio, Paramount, is increasingly looking to overseas markets, it appears to be very interested in upping Lee’s role in the new film.

Although “GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra” and “GI Joe: Retaliation” were not breakout hits in the United States, both did well overseas. The first “GI Joe” made $150 million in the United States and $152 million internationally, and, while the second fell to $123 million in the United States, its foreign box-office sales rose to $253 million.

Lee’s “Red 2” also performed well globally.

“GI Joe 3” could begin filming as early as in the second half of this year.

By Lee Sun-min