Writer and creator Danny McBride is developing a new G.I. Joe film for Paramount Pictures, moving away from comedy to focus on an action-suspense ensemble piece. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, McBride confirmed the project follows Duke and a team of Joes operating within Springfield, a town secretly controlled by the Cobra organization. The studio aims to begin production on the film next year.
How did Danny McBride land the G.I. Joe project?
McBride’s involvement began with a pitch for a movie centered on the Dreadnoks, an evil mercenary group from the G.I. Joe lore. According to his interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, McBride originally approached Paramount with this specific spinoff idea because of his personal history with the franchise. “G.I. Joe was my thing when I was a kid,” McBride stated. “I liked that more than Star Wars, more than anything.”
Paramount executives ultimately steered the project toward a broader scope. They informed McBride that the franchise required a foundational launch rather than a niche spinoff. McBride accepted the challenge, collaborating with fellow writers from his series The Righteous Gemstones to develop a new angle for the main G.I. Joe property.
The fictional town of Springfield, which serves as the setting for McBride’s upcoming film, originated in the G.I. Joe comic books as a suburban community that serves as a front for Cobra operations.
What is the tone of the new G.I. Joe movie?
Despite McBride’s reputation for raucous comedies like Eastbound and Down, he confirmed that this adaptation will not be a comedy. He characterized the project as a suspense and action-oriented film. The narrative focuses on an ensemble cast led by the character Duke.
McBride noted that he and his writing team have “cracked something that we really love a lot” to ground the G.I. Joe universe. While the film is still in the development phase, he indicated that casting is underway, stating, “We have some pretty interesting people lining up to be in it.”
How does this compare to previous G.I. Joe films?
This project marks another attempt by Paramount to revitalize the G.I. Joe brand after several mixed results at the box office. The franchise’s recent history has been inconsistent, most notably with the 2021 Snake Eyes spinoff, which failed to gain significant commercial traction. Additionally, the studio provided a brief, teasing nod to the G.I. Joe universe at the conclusion of the latest Transformers film, suggesting a potential crossover strategy that this new standalone project may or may not integrate.
| Approach | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Attempts | Includes the Snake Eyes spinoff and subtle Transformers crossovers. |
| McBride Project | Focused on suspense and action with an ensemble cast in Springfield. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danny McBride directing the new G.I. Joe movie?
McBride has been confirmed as a writer for the project. He has not officially stated that he will serve as the film’s director.
When does filming start for the new G.I. Joe movie?
According to McBride’s comments on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the current plan is for the production to shoot next year.
Will the movie be a comedy?
No. McBride explicitly stated that the film is not a comedy, emphasizing that the team is aiming for a grounded tone centered on suspense and action.
What are your thoughts on a more grounded, suspense-driven approach to the G.I. Joe franchise? Let us know in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on upcoming film developments.
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