Paramount Passes on Max Landis’ ‘G.I. Joe’ Treatment

Paramount Pictures and Hasbro have decided not to proceed with a new ‘G.I. Joe’ movie based on the script treatment submitted by screenwriter Max Landis. Multiple sources confirm that the studio passed on the idea for creative reasons after Landis was brought on earlier this year to develop a take on the classic action figure franchise. The project remains active as Paramount explores other directions to relaunch the IP alongside properties like ‘Star Trek.’ Landis, the son of director John Landis known for films such as ‘Chronicle,’ expressed appreciation for the chance to pitch his vision.

The treatment featured an intriguing twist where the villainous organization Cobra had successfully conquered the world, turning G.I. Joe into little more than a fringe conspiracy theory among the public. Landis described the concept as coming together serendipitously through its blend of weird and subversive elements that he found particularly cool. He noted that such ups and downs are standard in big-budget IP development and admitted surprise that the news even made headlines. Despite the rejection, the writer remained positive about the experience overall.

This development follows Landis’ earlier involvement in the project, which had drawn attention due to his past controversies. After allegations of misconduct surfaced years ago, leading to dropped projects and agency representation, his hiring by Paramount sparked discussion about a potential career revival. Sources emphasize that the decision to pass stemmed purely from the creative direction rather than external factors. The studio continues to evaluate submissions and hold discussions with various talents to shape the future of the franchise.

One prominent writer still in the mix is Danny McBride, the star and creator of ‘The Righteous Gemstones,’ whose script Paramount is awaiting. The approach reflects a common strategy in Hollywood where multiple perspectives are considered before committing to a single path for high-profile adaptations. Hasbro and Paramount aim to find a fresh yet faithful way to bring the Real American Heroes back to the big screen after previous entries in the series. No specific timeline has emerged for the next steps, but the commitment to reviving the brand remains strong.

The ‘G.I. Joe’ franchise has a rich history of toys, cartoons, and films that have captured generations of fans with its themes of heroism, teamwork, and global threats. A successful reboot could tap into nostalgia while introducing modern storytelling to new audiences. Studios often cycle through ideas during development to ensure the final product resonates broadly. Landis’ pitch, while bold, did not align with the current vision under Paramount’s leadership.

What do you think about this twist in the ‘G.I. Joe’ reboot journey, and which direction would you like to see the franchise take next in the comments?