Paramount Pictures is moving forward with plans to revive its “G.I. Joe” franchise, but the path forward has shifted. While initial development involved scripts from both Max Landis and Danny McBride, the studio is now focusing solely on McBride’s vision for the action property, according to multiple reports. This decision comes amidst scrutiny surrounding Landis’s past allegations of sexual and emotional abuse.
The news, initially reported by Variety, signals a significant change in direction for the reboot. Paramount had been exploring two separate approaches to the franchise, hoping that one might ultimately emerge as the foundation for a fresh cinematic universe. The studio, which owns the rights to the Hasbro toy line, is clearly aiming to capitalize on the enduring popularity of G.I. Joe, despite previous attempts at a consistent film series yielding mixed results.
A Franchise with a Complex History
The “G.I. Joe” franchise boasts a long and storied history, beginning with the popular 12-inch action figures launched in 1964. The toys, initially marketed towards boys, were innovative for their time, featuring realistic military equipment and accessories. This evolved into a successful animated television series in the 1980s, further cementing the brand’s place in popular culture. The live-action film adaptations, however, have faced challenges. “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” (2009) and “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” (2013) achieved moderate box office success, grossing a combined $678.1 million globally, but received largely negative reviews from critics. The 2021 spin-off, “Snake Eyes,” starring Henry Golding, significantly underperformed, earning only $40 million worldwide, signaling a need for a fresh approach. ScreenRant details the franchise’s inconsistent critical reception and creative shifts.
Danny McBride Takes the Lead
Danny McBride, known for his comedic work on shows like “Eastbound & Down,” “Vice Principals,” and “The Righteous Gemstones,” brings a different sensibility to the project than Landis. McBride’s background in comedy and character-driven storytelling suggests a potential shift in tone for the “G.I. Joe” franchise. His previous film credits, including “Tropic Thunder,” “Pineapple Express,” and “This is the End,” demonstrate his ability to blend humor with action and adventure. He also lends his voice to Paramount’s “Angry Birds” movies, showcasing his experience with family-friendly entertainment.
McBride was tapped to pitch his take on the Hasbro toy franchise alongside Landis, but Paramount’s decision to move forward with his treatment exclusively indicates a belief in his vision for the property. The studio is currently in early development with McBride’s script, with further decisions pending its completion and submission. The move suggests Paramount is seeking a more distinct and potentially subversive approach to the material.
Max Landis and the Shadow of Past Allegations
Max Landis, once a rising star in Hollywood, penned scripts for films like “Chronicle” and “American Ultra.” However, his career stalled following multiple allegations of sexual and emotional abuse that surfaced in 2019, detailed in an exposé by ScreenRant. While no charges were filed, Landis was dropped by his representatives amid the accusations. His involvement in the “G.I. Joe” reboot had already sparked considerable discussion, given the gravity of the allegations. Paramount’s decision to focus solely on McBride’s script effectively removes Landis from the project.
The decision to sideline Landis reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry of holding individuals accountable for their actions and prioritizing ethical considerations. While the studio did not explicitly state the reason for the shift, the timing and context strongly suggest that the allegations played a significant role in their decision-making process. This move aligns with the industry’s increased sensitivity to issues of sexual misconduct and abuse in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Potential for a Crossover with Transformers?
Interestingly, Paramount also has multiple “Transformers” projects in early stages of development. Deadline reports that a potential crossover between the “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe” franchises was previously considered following the release of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who produced “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” is also producing the “G.I. Joe” movies, suggesting that the possibility of a shared universe remains on the table. This could open up exciting new possibilities for the franchise, allowing for a broader range of storytelling and character interactions.
The Hasbro Connection
The “G.I. Joe” franchise is based on the long-running Hasbro toy line, which has been a staple of American childhood for decades. Hasbro’s portfolio includes numerous other popular brands, such as “Transformers,” “My Little Pony,” and “Monopoly.” The company has been actively pursuing opportunities to expand its entertainment offerings, leveraging its intellectual property to create films, television shows, and other media. The success of the “G.I. Joe” reboot could pave the way for further adaptations of Hasbro’s iconic brands.
The studio’s decision to prioritize McBride’s vision for “G.I. Joe” represents a calculated risk. While Landis brought a certain level of prestige and genre experience to the project, McBride’s comedic sensibilities and proven track record in television could offer a fresh and potentially more commercially viable approach. The success of the reboot will ultimately depend on the quality of the script, the execution of the film, and the ability to capture the essence of the “G.I. Joe” brand for a new generation of audiences.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Pictures is moving forward with a “G.I. Joe” reboot solely based on Danny McBride’s script.
- Max Landis’s involvement has been dropped, likely due to past allegations of sexual and emotional abuse.
- A potential crossover with the “Transformers” franchise remains a possibility.
- The studio is hoping to revitalize the franchise after the underperformance of the 2021 spin-off, “Snake Eyes.”
The next step for Paramount is the completion and submission of McBride’s script. Once the script is finalized, the studio will create further decisions regarding casting, directing, and a potential release date. Fans of the “G.I. Joe” franchise will be eagerly awaiting updates on the project’s progress. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they grow available.
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