Paramount Pictures and Hasbro Drop Max Landis' G.I. Joe Movie, Shift Focus to Reviving Franchise

Paramount Pictures and Hasbro Drop Max Landis' G.I. Joe Movie, Shift Focus to Reviving Franchise

Paramount Pictures and Hasbro have decided not to move forward with a new G.I. Joe movie penned by screenwriter Max Landis. Landis, known for his work on various projects, was initially hired to develop a script for the iconic action figures. However, Paramount's new film leadership is focusing on reviving this intellectual property (IP) and others like "Star Trek." Landis' treatment was rejected by the studio for creative reasons, and they are now exploring scripts from other writers, including Danny McBride from "The Righteous Gemstones."

In a statement on Instagram, Landis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on the project. His pitch revolved around a unique and subversive idea where the villain Cobra had taken over the world, relegating G.I. Joe to a mere conspiracy theory. Despite the initial buzz surrounding Landis' involvement, the studio has not provided any official comments on the matter. Landis' career faced setbacks in 2016 due to allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, leading to his removal from agency CAA and the cancellation of several development projects.

This decision marks a shift in Paramount's approach to their film projects, as they navigate through various challenges in the industry. The studio's association with controversial figures like Brett Ratner and ongoing legal issues involving their president, Jeff Shell, have added to the complexities of their operations. As they continue to reevaluate their projects and partnerships, the future of the G.I. Joe franchise remains uncertain.