The future of the G.I. Joe franchise is once again in flux. Paramount Pictures has decided not to move forward with a proposed film based on a story treatment by screenwriter Max Landis. While the studio hasn’t locked in a new creative direction yet, it is actively meeting with writers and filmmakers in an effort to relaunch the iconic action franchise with a fresh idea.
The decision marks another turning point for the long-running property, which Paramount has been trying to reinvent following the mixed reception of previous entries in the series.
Paramount Looking for the Right Reboot Formula
According to a report by Variety, Paramount had been evaluating several potential concepts for the next G.I. Joe movie. One of those was Landis’ version, which reportedly presented a very different tone compared to the franchise’s traditional action-heavy approach.
Instead of focusing on the familiar team of elite soldiers, Landis’ concept leaned more toward a satirical spy thriller. The idea reportedly centered on a world where Cobra had already taken control, leaving the G.I. Joe team operating secretly behind the scenes.
While the concept offered a unique spin on the universe, insiders say Paramount ultimately felt the tone and direction did not align with the long-term vision the studio has for the franchise.
Danny McBride Among Writers Being Considered
Even though Landis’ treatment has been set aside, Paramount hasn’t slowed its search for a new direction. The studio is currently speaking with several creative voices to shape the next chapter of G.I. Joe.
Among those pitching ideas is Danny McBride — the actor, writer, and producer best known for creating and starring in HBO’s comedy series The Righteous Gemstones. Details about McBride’s concept remain under wraps, but his name is reportedly part of a broader list of filmmakers being consulted as Paramount explores ways to make the franchise relevant again.
The studio’s goal is to find a story that can both honor the original brand and bring something fresh to modern audiences.
The Complicated Background Around Max Landis
Max Landis once emerged as one of Hollywood’s most promising screenwriters. The son of filmmaker John Landis, he gained industry recognition after writing Chronicle, the 2012 found-footage superhero film that became both a commercial and critical success.
However, his career took a significant hit after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct in 2016. The controversy led to his agency CAA dropping him and several projects connected to him being canceled.
Sources indicate that Paramount’s decision regarding the G.I. Joe project was primarily based on creative differences rather than those past controversies.
Landis himself reportedly said he was glad to have had the opportunity to pitch his idea for the franchise, even though the studio ultimately chose another path.
A Franchise Searching for Its Next Mission
The G.I. Joe brand has had an uneven journey on the big screen. Paramount first launched the modern film series with G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra in 2009, followed by G.I. Joe: Retaliation in 2013. While both films performed reasonably well at the box office, they struggled with critics.
In 2021, Paramount attempted to reboot the universe with the spin-off Snake Eyes, but the film failed to make a major impact commercially.
Since then, the studio has been exploring ways to revive the property, including discussions about potential crossovers with other Hasbro franchises like Transformers.
Final Words
Paramount’s decision to move away from Max Landis’ concept shows the studio is being cautious about the next step for G.I. Joe. With the franchise still holding strong brand recognition, the challenge now is finding the right creative vision that can bring the action series back to life for a new generation.
For now, the mission continues behind the scenes as Paramount looks for the story that could finally relaunch the legendary team of heroes.
