Mr. Eko may no longer be with us, but fans of Lost actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje will get the chance to see him on the big screen in one of the most highly anticipated films of 2009.  Akinnuoye-Agbaje has signed on to star in the live-action film version of G.I. Joe, based on the popular Hasbro toyline and cartoon of the 1980s.

Akinnuoye-Agbaje will play the character of Heavy Duty, who in his original toyline incarnation was known as being an ordnance specialist with a passion for classical guitars and Bach.  He was also described as being unafraid of any situation, no matter how much enemy fire was thrown at him.  It's unknown which of these aspects will make it into the film, but I have a feeling we can expect Heavy Duty to live up to his name.

Akinnuoye-Agbaje will join other actors already cast in the film, which include Sienna Miller, Ray Park (Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace), Rachel Nichols (Alias), and Said Taghmaoui.  In the script by Stuart Beattie, the formerly patriotic and America-centric fighting force at the story's core has become G.I.J.O.E. -- or Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity.  It's now an international organization of operatives out to fight a terrorist organization called Cobra.

The film, directed by Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, Van Helsing) is set to be released in August of 2009.

- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Reuters
(Image courtesy of ABC)