Paramount Pictures is conducting early work on a new film in the G.I. Joe series. Among the involved creators is controversial screenwriter Max Landis, whose career was halted during the #MeToo movement. Landis is writing a new version of the script. According to various reports, the studio is also considering other approaches to the franchise, including an idea from Danny McBride. Landis's return to a major studio after several years of absence is sparking discussion in the industry.

Return of a Controversial Screenwriter

Max Landis, whose Hollywood career collapsed following accusations of inappropriate behavior during the #MeToo era, has been hired by Paramount to write a new version of the G.I. Joe film. This is his first major studio assignment in years.

Two Different Approaches at Paramount

Paramount is developing at least two different ideas for the G.I. Joe franchise in parallel. In addition to Landis's project, the studio is also considering a concept by Danny McBride, though the status of the latter is less certain.

Early Development Phase

Both projects are in the early development phase. Landis is writing a 'treatment' or script, and decisions about a green light for production will be made later. This is part of Paramount's broader efforts to revive the series.

Paramount Pictures has undertaken preliminary work to revive the G.I. Joe franchise, engaging controversial screenwriter Max Landis for the project. Landis, the son of director John Landis, has been hired to write a new version of the script. His career in Hollywood sharply declined at the end of 2017 when several women publicly described his alleged inappropriate behaviors, including emotional abuse and manipulation. As a result, he stopped receiving commissions from major studios. The G.I. Joe franchise, based on popular Hasbro toys from the 1980s, has seen several film adaptations. The first two, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" (2009) and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" (2013), starring Channing Tatum, achieved moderate commercial success. The latest attempt, the spin-off "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" (2021), was a box office flop. Landis's return to the mainstream, after several years of working on smaller, independent projects, is widely commented on in trade media. The Hollywood Reporter, which first broke the news, described it as an "exclusive" comeback story. Deadline revealed that Paramount is simultaneously developing two different ideas for the series. Alongside Landis's project, the studio is considering a concept by actor and comedian Danny McBride, known for series like "Eastbound & Down" and "The Righteous Gemstones". McBride is said to have pitched his own idea for a G.I. Joe film, though according to some sources his involvement may be less advanced. All reports emphasize that both projects are at a very early stage. Landis is writing a so-called treatment, a detailed outline of the script, based on which the studio will make further decisions. There is no information yet on a potential director, cast, or production timeline. This news has been met with mixed reception on social media and among industry commentators, reigniting the debate about accountability and the possibility of a professional return for those accused of inappropriate behavior. Paramount has not publicly commented on hiring Landis.

Mentioned People

  • Max Landis — Screenwriter, son of John Landis, involved in the new G.I. Joe film project. His Hollywood career collapsed following accusations during the #MeToo movement.
  • Danny McBride — Actor and comedian who reportedly pitched Paramount his own idea for a G.I. Joe film.