Whilst Mark Wahlberg is still the first choice to play Duke in the "G.I. Joe" film adaptation, now comes word that a certain "Transporter" may join the cast.

The IESB reports that Jason Statham is the first choice for Joe's British sidekick 'Action Man'. The characters will still be based from the original cartoons, toys and comics but with a globe-trotting flavor.

Skip Woods script was apparently written with Wahlberg and Statham specifically in mind and they are the first choice for Duke and Action Man. Elements of Woods' script and another one are being used for the new final draft.

Meanwhile it's been revealed at Latino Review that "The Mummy" helmer Stephen Sommers will not be directing the project after he apparently demanded too much money for the gig.