Paramount Pictures has sparked a wave of controversy by engaging Max Landis to work on a new opening for the "G.I. Joe" series. The creator, whose career collapsed after numerous sexual assault allegations during the #MeToo movement, is preparing a script outline alongside a project by Danny McBride. This decision has met with sharp criticism from industry media, questioning the ethics of Landis's return to Hollywood.

Max Landis's Return

The screenwriter, accused of sexual abuse in 2017, is preparing a concept for a new G.I. Joe film for Paramount.

McBride's Alternative Project

The studio has commissioned a parallel development of a different vision to Danny McBride, suggesting uncertainty about the series' direction.

Wave of Media Criticism

Leading film outlets harshly assess Paramount's decision, viewing it as disregarding the standards established after #MeToo.

Paramount Pictures' decision to involve Max Landis in preparing the concept for a new installment of the "G.I. Joe" cycle has become a flashpoint in the debate over the ethical standards of contemporary Hollywood. Landis, son of legendary director John Landis, remained on the margins of the industry for years after many women accused him of sexual assault, battery, and psychological abuse in 2017. Publications in outlets such as Variety, IndieWire, and The Hollywood Reporter explicitly link his name to the #MeToo movement, suggesting that an attempt at his professional rehabilitation with such a major brand is premature and risky for its image. The Gizmodo editorial described these plans as "senseless," pointing to the toxic aura surrounding the screenwriter. Parallel to Landis's controversial proposal, the studio is developing an alternative treatment being worked on by Danny McBride. The strategy of pursuing two independent creative processes suggests that Paramount is desperately seeking a new formula for a universe that, after the commercial failure of the 2021 film "Snake Eyes," requires a complete refresh. McBride's presence, associated with a comedic and unconventional style, may herald an attempt to shift the series' tone to a more ironic or auteur-driven one. Currently, both projects are at a very early stage of development, and neither version has yet received final approval for production. The G.I. Joe brand debuted in 1964 as a Hasbro toy line, redefining the concept of a boys' toy as an "action figure." While it became a pop culture icon in the 1980s thanks to the animated series, its live-action film adaptations in the 21st century have regularly disappointed critics, despite starring actors of the caliber of Dwayne Johnson or Channing Tatum. Market analysts note that Landis's return to the good graces of a major studio may be a test of the durability of changes implemented in Hollywood after the fall of Harvey Weinstein. Media outlets such as Vulture emphasize that hiring Landis for a project with global reach is a signal to the industry that the period of ostracism for those accused of abuse may be coming to an end. Critics fear, however, that such a move will deter potential cast members and talented creators who do not wish to be associated with a figure of such tarnished reputation. Paramount faces a difficult choice between the potential profit from Landis's vision and the inevitable PR crisis.„This is the first time in years I feel like I have something to say in this format.” — Max Landis

Mentioned People

  • Max Landis — Screenwriter, son of John Landis, accused of numerous sexual and psychological abuses in 2017.
  • Danny McBride — Actor and screenwriter known for comedic projects, preparing a competing version of G.I. Joe.
  • John Landis — Legendary director, father of Max Landis.