Korean actor Lee Byung-hun will be reprising his Hollywood debut role of the Cobra ninja Storm Shadow in the sequel to the 2009 Paramount Pictures sci-fi thriller ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.’ The star’s agent confirmed the unexpected news to the Hollywood Reporter. It was previously believed that Byung-hun wouldn’t be returning to the sequel, as Storm Shadow is thought to have died in ‘The Rise of Cobra’ after a battle with his rival Snake Eyes, played by Ray Park.

The sequel is on the fast track, with Byung-hun reportedly returning to the U.S. in June to begin shooting. But Paramount is still busy looking for a new director for the as-of-yet titled sequel, as Stephen Sommers, who helmed ‘The Rise of Cobra,’ has confirmed he won’t be returning. The first draft of the movie is also still being drafted by ‘Zombieland’ writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. But the studio hopes to release the movie during the summer of 2012.

Written by: Karen Benardello

Lee Byung-hun in G.I. Joe