Washington, Aug 31 (ANI): Paramount Pictures is has roped in Stuart Beattie to pen the script for the new 'G.I. Joe' movie.

The studio is determined to start work on the project as soon as possible, especially after the success of Paramount/DreamWorks' Transformers," which is also based on a Hasbro toy line.

Paul Lovett and David Elliot and Skip Woods are some of the writers who have penned earlier drafts for the project that has been in the pipeline for some time now, reports Variety.

Pre-production is likely to begin by the end of the year, and Paramount is expecting the production to start in February, with the movie expected to hit the big screen in summer 2009.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Hasbro's Brian Goldner, Sommers and partner Bob Ducsay are producing the film.

The story is set at Brussels-based G.I.J.O.E. which means Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity.

The film is based on an international co-ed force of operatives who use high-tech equipment to battle Cobra, an evil org headed by a double-crossing Scottish arms dealer. (ANI)