You may remember just prior to the release of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra that there were rumors floating around that director Stephen Sommers (When Worlds Collide) had some issues with the studio and vice versa and that he was being ousted from the editing room and possibly kicked off the project completely. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Red) responded to those claims stating that they were “completely untrue“.

Despite its flaws and kvetching critics, the film did very well at the box office and hauled in over $300 million, and a report we brought you this past summer indicated that the director was confirmed to return for G.I. Joe 2.

Now, the LA Times reports that two agents who represent other filmmakers have been approached about their clients taking over the reigns of this franchise because Sommers would not be stepping behind the camera for this installment.

Paramount Pictures has declined to comment.

The as yet Untitled G.I. Joe Sequel is slated to hit theaters in 2012.