Max Landis Returns with ‘G.I. Joe’ Movie at Paramount After #MeToo Fallout
Paramount Pictures is making notable changes regarding one of its iconic franchises, G.I. Joe. The studio has enlisted Max Landis, who faced controversy during the #MeToo movement, to develop a treatment for a new feature film adaptation of the Hasbro toy brand. Additionally, Danny McBride, known for his work on The Righteous Gemstones, has been brought on to create a separate script for the same franchise.
Dual Script Development Strategy
Reports indicate that Paramount plans to fuse elements from both scripts into a cohesive project. However, sources within the studio have clarified that these will initially be treated as two distinct projects. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a veteran producer of the G.I. Joe movies, is overseeing the efforts.
Historical Context
Creating multiple scripts concurrently is an uncommon strategy in Hollywood but has occurred previously in franchises. For instance, Warner Bros.’s Tarzan and Universal’s The Mummy reboot featured separate writers crafting parallel scripts before merging their ideas. Similarly, Paramount has experienced this approach with its Transformers and Star Trek franchises, where various scripts were simultaneously developed.
Max Landis’ Controversial Comeback
The choice to hire Max Landis raises eyebrows, considering his tumultuous history. He is the son of acclaimed director John Landis and gained notoriety in Hollywood for his unique screenwriting talent. Landis reached widespread acclaim with 2012’s Chronicle and the Netflix hit Bright, starring Will Smith.
However, following allegations of sexual and emotional abuse, Landis faced significant backlash. An exposé by The Daily Beast in 2019 led to the termination of his representation and the cancellation of various projects. Although no legal charges were filed against him, Landis publicly acknowledged his past mistakes in personal relationships, describing himself as a toxic partner in a YouTube video.
Past Work and Future Prospects
Despite the controversy, Landis has continued to produce content. His recent projects include YouTube videos that often explore superhero themes, such as Max Landis Presents: The Deposition of Barry Allen, which offers a unique take on the life of The Flash’s alter ego.
Controversial Collaborations at Paramount
Paramount, under the leadership of David Ellison, has a track record of collaborating with individuals who have faced criticism. The studio previously hired former Pixar head John Lasseter after allegations of misconduct surfaced. More recently, it has aligned itself with Brett Ratner for Rush Hour 4, despite his controversial past.
Danny McBride’s Involvement
Alongside Landis, Danny McBride brings a wealth of experience in both acting and screenwriting. Known for creating successful HBO series like The Righteous Gemstones and Eastbound & Down, McBride has also ventured into the horror genre, co-writing the recent Halloween trilogy and 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer, which struggled at the box office.
The development of the G.I. Joe film remains a significant move for Paramount, aiming to reinvigorate its franchise while navigating the complexities of its creative choices.
