Ray Stevenson ups 'G.I. Joe' ninja population as Firefly

The ranks of "G.I. Joe" have been on the rise, so it's only fair COBRA gets some love as well.

Ray Stevenson

Heat Vision is reporting Ray Stevenson ("Thor") will play Firefly in the forthcoming sequel. The character is another ninja, supporting recent assertions by producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura that the story would focus more of the Joes' ninja characters.

In addition to "Thor," Stevenson's resume includes roles in "The Book of Eli," "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," "Punisher: War Zone" and HBO's "Rome."

Stevenson joins returning cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and Byung-hun Lee (Storm Shadow), along with newcomers Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jane), D.J. Cotrona (Flint), RZA (Blind Master), Elodie Yung (Jinx) and Dwayne Johnson (Roadblock).

The sequel will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and is set for a Aug. 10, 2012, release date.