Memo to Hollywood: Don't make G.I. Joe 2

To: Paramount Pictures
From: Joshua Lynsen
Re: G.I. Joe 2

In recent weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the planned sequel to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" cannot succeed commercially. For this reason, I strongly advise you to pull the plug on the movie and cut your losses.

News that Jon Chu would direct the untitled sequel was received about as well as raccoons at Metro stations. Choosing the director of "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" to helm the project seemed to succeed only in making detractors of the first G.I. Joe movie wish that director Stephen Sommers would return. I doubt that was the buzz you wanted to generate.

That development was quickly followed by reports that Joseph Gordon Levitt (Cobra Commander) and Sienna Miller (Baroness) were unlikely to return for the sequel. In the days that followed, Ms. Miller expressed clear regret at having participated in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra;" Rachel Nichols (Scarlett) publicly revealed she'd been booted from the sequel after being promised a role in it; and news surfaced that only Duke, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow would return for G.I. Joe 2.

That the first movie performed as well as it did at the box office was because fans and general audiences were willing to set aside a host of negative reviews and sample the franchise's first live-action rendition. But because moviegoers are increasingly selective in their outings, subscribe to the "fool me once" mentality and cannot help but see the chaos associated with this project, that good fortune cannot and will not be repeated.

Terminate the project now, before the investment becomes too significant to easily write off, and save yourself from the inevitable critical and commercial black eye this project will draw. Thank you for your time and attention.