Paramount Pictures is developing a feature film adaptation of the G.I. Joe franchise, initially commissioning separate script treatments from screenwriters Max Landis and Danny McBride. While Landis's script has since been declined by the studio, McBride's involvement continues. Lorenzo di Bonaventura serves as the producer for the G.I. Joe films.
G.I. Joe Film Development Strategy Unveiled
The studio's initial strategy involved commissioning multiple scripts simultaneously, a practice observed in previous major franchise developments by other studios, such as Warner Bros.'s "Tarzan" and Universal's "The Mummy" reboots. The intent was to either merge elements from various scripts into a single project or develop them independently. Paramount's new film leadership is focusing on relaunching intellectual properties, including G.I. Joe.
Max Landis's Script Declined Amidst Controversy
Max Landis, known for his screenwriting work on films such as 2012's "Chronicle" and "Bright," was commissioned by Paramount and Hasbro to develop a script treatment for the G.I. Joe franchise.
Allegations and Industry ImpactLandis faced allegations of sexual and emotional abuse from multiple women in the late 2010s, with a 2019 Daily Beast report detailing these accusations. Following these allegations, Landis was reportedly dropped by his representatives, including his agency CAA, and several development projects he was involved with ceased. No criminal charges were filed against Landis.
Creative Direction and Studio DecisionIn a YouTube video released three years prior, Landis acknowledged making "serious mistakes" in relationships and described himself as a "toxic partner." He has continued to produce content discussing superheroes on YouTube.
Paramount Pictures and Hasbro ultimately decided not to proceed with the G.I. Joe movie script developed by Landis. Studio sources indicated the decision was based on creative reasons. Landis stated on Instagram that he was grateful for the opportunity and described his pitch as a "weird and subversive idea" where the villain, Cobra, had successfully taken over the world, reducing G.I. Joe to a conspiracy theory. He also commented that such outcomes are typical for large intellectual property development and expressed surprise at the news being reported.
Danny McBride's Vision Continues Forward
Danny McBride, an actor and screenwriter, was also engaged to develop a separate script for the G.I. Joe film. McBride is known for co-creating and starring in HBO series such as "The Righteous Gemstones," "Eastbound & Down," and "Vice Principals." His screenwriting credits also include co-writing the recent "Halloween" film trilogy and 2023's "The Exorcist: Believer." Paramount is reportedly in discussions with other writers, including McBride, for potential G.I. Joe scripts.
Paramount's History with Controversial Figures
Paramount, operating under David Ellison's Skydance, has a documented history of collaborating with individuals who have faced controversy within the entertainment industry.
Examples include the hiring of former Pixar head John Lasseter as Skydance’s animation chief after he acknowledged "workplace missteps," and a distribution deal for "Rush Hour 4," which could mark the return of director Brett Ratner, who faced sexual misconduct allegations in 2017.