PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Bruce Willis could be set to play the original GI Joe in GI Joe 2: Retaliation.
The Die Hard action hero would play General Joe Colton, who in 1980s comic books is shown as the man who starts the GI Joe strike team, called the ultimate freedom fighting force, and ends up with the nickname GI Joe.
Willis, 56, who was last seen starring in action comedy Red and making a cameo in action homage The Expendables, is in talks to appear as the American hero in the Paramount sequel, according to Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog.
Channing Tatum will reprise his role as lead soldier Duke, along with Ray Park and Lee Byung-hun in the action adventure, to be directed by Jon M Chu.
Thor star Ray Stevenson will play the lead villain Firefly, a member of the Cobra Organisation, who is known as a saboteur, ninja master and explosives expert.
Along with Dwayne Johnson, Adrianne Palicki, Elodie Yung, RZA and DJ Cotrona have all signed up to join the franchise.
Filming is scheduled to start later this month in New Orleans, for a cinema release in 2012.