Paramount Pictures Abandons Max Landis' G.I. Joe Film Concept
Paramount Pictures Decides Against Max Landis' G.I. Joe Treatment
In a significant move regarding the future of the G.I. Joe franchise, Paramount Pictures has opted not to proceed with a film based on a treatment by screenwriter Max Landis. This decision comes as part of the studio's exploration of various concepts for the long-standing action series, ultimately leading them to reject Landis' proposal.
Paramount's Direction for the G.I. Joe Franchise
As reported by a leading entertainment outlet, Paramount has yet to finalize the storyline for the next G.I. Joe film. The studio is currently in discussions with various writers and filmmakers to revitalize the franchise. One potential contributor is Danny McBride, an actor and writer known for his work on The Righteous Gemstones, whose concept is among those being considered.
Background on Max Landis
Max Landis, son of renowned filmmaker John Landis, gained recognition in Hollywood shortly after graduating from college. He quickly became a sought-after writer, selling multiple stories, with his breakout project being Chronicle, which was well-received and helped establish his reputation in the industry.
Reasons Behind Paramount's Decision
Landis' proposed film diverged from the traditional G.I. Joe narrative, leaning more towards a spy thriller rather than a conventional action film. His concept lacked the iconic G.I. Joe characters and instead focused on a humorous adventure. Paramount felt this approach did not align with their vision for the franchise, and their decision was not influenced by Landis' past controversies.
In a statement to the media, Landis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pitch his idea, which involved the Cobra organization taking over the world, with the G.I. Joe team operating as a covert group. He was surprised by the level of awareness surrounding his concept.
Controversies Surrounding Max Landis
Max Landis has faced scrutiny in the past due to allegations of sexual misconduct made by multiple women in 2016. Following these allegations, he was dropped by his agency, CAA, and several of his projects were canceled. This situation unfolds amid broader scrutiny of Paramount and its parent company, Skydance Media, which are also dealing with various controversies and an ongoing investigation involving Paramount's president, Jeff Shell.