Paramount Shelves Max Landis’ ‘G.I. Joe’ Reboot, Eyes Danny McBride’s Take
Paramount Pictures has decided not to move forward with a G.I. Joe reboot treatment penned by Max Landis, according to sources. The studio is still actively seeking a direction for the franchise, with Danny McBride’s separate script now in contention.
A Shift in Tone: From Spy Thriller to… ?
Landis’ pitch reportedly aimed for a grounded spy thriller, diverging from the classic G.I. Joe formula and embracing a satirical adventure tone. This stylistic choice ultimately proved to be a sticking point. According to one source, the studio opted against the project not due to Landis’ past allegations, but because of the script’s artistic direction. Revitalizing retail sales tied to a new G.I. Joe film is a key consideration for Paramount, as studio revenue is often linked to merchandise spurred by feature films.
The McBride Approach
Danny McBride, known for his perform on The Righteous Gemstones and his contributions to comedies like Pineapple Express, is currently developing a separate script for G.I. Joe. Details regarding McBride’s vision remain scarce, but the studio is reportedly taking meetings to explore potential directions.
Past ‘G.I. Joe’ Performance: A Mixed Record
The G.I. Joe franchise has experienced fluctuating success. The first two films, featuring stars like Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum, collectively grossed $678.1 million worldwide. Yet, the 2021 spinoff, Snake Eyes, significantly underperformed, earning only $40 million globally.
Landis’ Return and Subsequent Setback
The initial decision to bring Max Landis onboard marked a potential comeback for the screenwriter, whose career stalled following allegations of sexual abuse between 2017, and 2019. Landis gained early recognition for his script Chronicle and had sold three pitches shortly after graduating college.
The Transformers Connection
A potential crossover between G.I. Joe and Transformers was previously teased in the coda of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This possibility remains on the table, with Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura too producing the G.I. Joe films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Max Landis’s ‘G.I. Joe’ script?
A: Paramount Pictures has passed on Max Landis’ treatment for a new G.I. Joe film.
Q: Who is now working on a ‘G.I. Joe’ script?
A: Danny McBride is currently developing a separate script for G.I. Joe.
Q: Was Max Landis’ past a factor in the decision?
A: According to a source, the studio’s decision was based on the script’s satirical tone, not Landis’ past allegations.
Q: Is a ‘G.I. Joe’/’Transformers’ crossover still possible?
A: Yes, the possibility of a crossover remains open.
Q: How did the previous ‘G.I. Joe’ films perform at the box office?
A: The first two films were financially successful, while the 2021 spinoff, Snake Eyes, underperformed.
Pro Tip: Franchises often require multiple script iterations to find the right balance between honoring the source material and appealing to a modern audience.
What direction would *you* like to see the next G.I. Joe movie take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
