Paramount Pictures has halted development on a potential G.I. Joe reboot penned by screenwriter Max Landis, marking a setback for the creative’s attempted return to filmmaking. The studio is pivoting towards a new vision for the iconic Hasbro franchise, prioritizing other IP revivals like Star Trek, according to multiple reports.
Landis, known for his work on the 2012 film Chronicle, was brought on earlier this year to develop a treatment for a new G.I. Joe movie. The project was viewed by some as a potential comeback vehicle following allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced in 2017 and 2019. However, Paramount ultimately passed on Landis’ pitch, though discussions continue with other writers, including Danny McBride of The Righteous Gemstones fame.
The decision comes as Paramount re-evaluates its approach to major franchises, seeking a fresh direction for G.I. Joe. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who has produced previous G.I. Joe films as well as the Transformers series, remains involved in the project. The studio did not respond to requests for comment regarding the decision.
Landis’ Vision: A World Dominated by Cobra
Details of Landis’ proposed take on G.I. Joe revealed a significantly different approach than previous iterations. According to Landis, his pitch centered on a scenario where the villainous organization Cobra had successfully taken over the world, reducing the G.I. Joe team to a mere conspiracy theory. “I was tremendously grateful to have been given the opportunity,” Landis told Variety. He described the concept as “cool and subversive.”
However, this unconventional approach ultimately didn’t align with Paramount’s current plans for the franchise. Deadline reported that the studio is still accepting pitches and exploring various directions for the next G.I. Joe film. McBride’s take remains in contention, though no formal greenlight has been issued.
A Complicated Return for a Controversial Figure
Max Landis’ involvement in the G.I. Joe project sparked considerable discussion given the serious allegations leveled against him in recent years. In 2019, multiple women publicly accused Landis of sexual and emotional abuse, leading to his dismissal from CAA and Writ Large, his former representation. CBR detailed the accusations, which prompted a period of professional exile for the screenwriter.
Landis addressed the allegations in a YouTube video three years ago, acknowledging “serious mistakes” in his past relationships and describing himself as a “toxic partner.” No criminal charges were ever filed against Landis. The studio reportedly passed on Landis’ treatment for creative reasons, with one source adding that the decision was unrelated to the past allegations, according to Variety.
The shelving of Landis’ G.I. Joe treatment underscores the challenges facing creatives with controversial pasts attempting to re-enter the entertainment industry. While Paramount cited creative differences as the primary reason for the decision, the context of the allegations inevitably loomed over the project.
As Paramount continues its search for the right creative direction for G.I. Joe, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. The studio is likely seeking a balance between honoring the legacy of the iconic toy line and appealing to a modern audience. The success of any future G.I. Joe film will likely depend on revitalizing retail sales, as studios often receive a share of revenue generated by feature film franchises.
What comes next for the G.I. Joe franchise remains to be seen, but the studio’s continued engagement with writers like Danny McBride suggests a commitment to bringing the Real American Hero back to the substantial screen. Share your thoughts on the future of G.I. Joe in the comments below!
