Paramount Pictures is moving forward with a reboot of its “G.I. Joe” franchise, employing an unusual strategy that involves commissioning scripts from two writers, including one whose career stalled following accusations of sexual misconduct. The studio has tapped Danny McBride, the creator of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones,” and Max Landis, whose screenwriting credits include “Chronicle” and “Bright,” to each develop a treatment for a new feature film.
According to multiple sources, Paramount intends to combine elements from both scripts into a single project, though a studio source indicated the projects are being developed as separate endeavors. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who has previously produced films in the “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers” franchises, is producing the new films.
The decision to involve Landis, who faced multiple allegations of sexual and emotional abuse in 2019, has drawn scrutiny. An investigation by The Daily Beast detailed accusations from numerous women, leading to Landis being dropped by his agency and management. He acknowledged “serious mistakes” in relationships in a 2023 YouTube video, stating, “I get why certain people hate me.” No criminal charges were ever filed against him.
Landis’s hiring continues a pattern at Paramount, which is owned by Skydance Media, of bringing on individuals with controversial pasts. In 2019, Skydance hired John Lasseter as its animation chief after he admitted to “missteps” that made employees experience uncomfortable during his tenure at Pixar. More recently, Paramount secured distribution rights for “Rush Hour 4,” which would mark a return to directing for Brett Ratner, who was accused of sexual misconduct in 2017.
The development of two competing scripts is not unprecedented in Hollywood, particularly during the era of franchise-focused filmmaking. Studios such as Warner Bros. And Universal employed similar tactics during reboots of “Tarzan” and “The Mummy” in the mid-2010s. Paramount has also previously developed multiple scripts for its “Transformers” and “Star Trek” franchises, including plans for a crossover event with “G.I. Joe.”
McBride has established himself as a successful writer and producer, co-creating HBO series such as “Eastbound & Down” and “Vice Principals.” He also co-wrote the recent “Halloween” trilogy and 2023’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” though the latter film failed to revitalize the franchise at the box office.
Landis, prior to the allegations, gained recognition for his prolific screenwriting and unique voice. His 2012 film “Chronicle” was a found-footage superhero thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, and he co-wrote “Bright,” a Netflix fantasy film starring Will Smith. He also created a viral YouTube series featuring his take on DC Comics’ superhero, The Flash, delivering monologues in character as the hero.
