Chris Eccleston signs up for 'G.I. Joe'

Washington, Feb 12 : Chris Eccleston has signed on to star in Paramount's "G.I. Joe."

The actor will be playing the part of the villainous Destro. He has replaced original choice, Irish-born actor David Murray who had to withdraw from the pic due to visa issues.

The live-action film based on the Hasbro toys, comicbook and TV series will be directed by Stephen Sommers from a script penned by Stuart Beattie.

The story of the film is set at Brussels-based GIJOE, an acronym for the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity.

It revolves around an international co-ed force of operatives who use high-tech equipment to battle Cobra, an evil org headed by a Scottish arms dealer.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Hasbro's Brian Goldner, Sommers and partner Bob Ducsay are producing the film.

The film is scheduled to release on Aug. 7, 2009.

ANI