Paramount Plans ‘G.I. Joe’ Reboot; Max Landis Offers New Script Post-Controversy
Paramount Pictures is gearing up to revive its beloved “G.I. Joe” franchise. The studio has enlisted screenwriters Max Landis and Danny McBride to create new scripts for the project. This marks a significant step in the early development phase of the franchise. Once completed, the studio will decide whether to greenlight the films.
Max Landis and Danny McBride Take on New Scripts
Max Landis, known for his work on “Chronicle” and “American Ultra,” was previously mired in controversy. Accusations of sexual and emotional abuse led to a decline in his career during the #MeToo movement. Despite these challenges, Landis, who is the son of filmmaker John Landis, seeks to make a comeback with this project.
On the other hand, Danny McBride has carved a niche for himself in the comedy genre. He has created acclaimed shows like “Eastbound & Down” and “Vice Principals.” McBride’s film contributions include notable performances in “Tropic Thunder” and “Pineapple Express.” He has also rebooted the “Halloween” franchise with director David Gordon Green.
Previous Successes and Setbacks
Paramount has released three “G.I. Joe” films to date:
- 2009’s “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” featuring Channing Tatum
- 2013’s “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson
- 2021’s “Snake Eyes,” starring Henry Golding
The first two films were successful, grossing a combined total of $678 million globally. In contrast, “Snake Eyes” struggled at the box office, earning only $40 million worldwide post-COVID.
Future Plans for the Franchise
Paramount is currently assessing all its major intellectual properties for potential new projects. This includes its lucrative franchises like “Transformers” and “Star Trek.” A crossover between “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers” was hinted at the end of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a producer on the “Transformers” series, is also involved with the “G.I. Joe” films.
Upcoming projects from Paramount include “Scream 7,” “Scary Movie 6,” and “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.” Additionally, the studio has plans for new installments in the “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Angry Birds” franchises by 2027.
Industry Response
The industry remains watchful as developments unfold. While representatives for Paramount have not commented on the current situation, the hiring of Landis and McBride has generated significant interest.
As Paramount moves forward with the “G.I. Joe” reboot, fans and industry observers are eager to see how these new scripts will shape the franchise’s future.
