Paramount has recast the role of the evil Destro in "G.I. Joe," turning to a former "Doctor Who" star.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Christopher Eccleston has stepped in for David Murray as the villain in the Hasbro toy adaptation. Murray reportedly had to exit the film due to visa issues.

Steven Sommers is directing the project, which now focuses on G.I.J.O.E. or Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, an international organization of operatives out to fight a terrorist organization called Cobra.

As fans of the classic animated series and action figures recall, Destro is a steel mask-wearing arms dealer, the latest in a long line of Scottish gun-runners.

Set to open on Aug. 7, 2009, the "G.I. Joe" cast also includes Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Sienna Miller, Ray Park, Rachel Nichols, Marlon Wayans, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Said Taghmaoui and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Eccleston, actually born in Lancashire in the UK, was most recently seen as the occasionally invisible Claude on NBC's "Heroes." The veteran of a season as star of "Doctor Who," Eccleston's other credits include "Jude," "Elizabeth" and "The Seeker."