G.I. Joe sequel delayed by nine months

We've seen trailers, teasers and a plethora of posters for the big Summer Blockbuster from Paramount, but in a dramatic last-minute change of heart the studio has decided to delay the release of the 'G.I. Joe' sequel by a whopping nine months.

“We’re going to do a conscientious 3D job because we’ve seen how it can better box office internationally,” a studio executive told Deadline.

[Related story: Is this the end of 3D films?]

“Jim Cameron did all of Titanic‘s 3D in post — and look how well that movie turned out.”

Now, far be it from us to question the wisdom of a Hollywood executive, but is 'Titanic' really the best comparison for the 'G.I. Joe' sequel?

The move from a June release date to March, however, might actually be a smart decision. 'The Hunger Games' proved that this can be a ripe time for blocks to be bust, and more importantly there is certain to be carnage at the box-office this summer with so many high profile releases jockeying for supremacy. 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' would have had to take on 'The Amazing Spider-Man' within it's first week of release, and then 'The Dark Knight Rises' soon afterwards.

One major beneficiary is the Universal comedy 'Ted'. Seth McFarlane's movie about a foul-mouthed teddy bear has been generating a lot of buzz based on a superb trailer, and it will now be bumped forward from July to take up the 29 June release date that has been vacated by 'G.I. Joe'. The R-Rated comedy will offer something different to big budget action movies.

'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' will now be released on 29 March 2013.