Paramount Decides Not to Move Forward With Max Landis’ Big Franchise Treatment!
Paramount Pictures has officially decided not to move forward with Max Landis’ proposed G.I. Joe movie. This decision comes after Landis had been tapped earlier this year to develop a treatment for the popular Hasbro toy franchise.
Full Story Breakdown
Sources confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, marking a significant change in the studio’s approach to the project. Despite this, Paramount’s interest in a new G.I. Joe film remains strong, and development is still ongoing with other writers.
Background on Max Landis and the G.I. Joe Project
Landis, the son of legendary filmmaker John Landis (Trading Places), was expected to lead the project as a comeback following sexual misconduct allegations from 2017 to 2019.
Several women publicly accused him of sexual and emotional abuse, and after a 2019 exposé by The Daily Beast, Landis was dropped by his representatives at CAA and Writ Large. Although no criminal charges were filed, multiple projects he was developing at the time were canceled.
In a YouTube video posted three years ago, Landis addressed the allegations, stating,
“I get why certain people hate me,”
Acknowledging what he described as serious mistakes in past relationships.
Paramount’s Ongoing Plans for G.I. Joe
Even though Landis’ treatment was rejected, Paramount is actively pursuing other options for the franchise. The studio is reportedly in talks with new writers and reviewing fresh scripts to move the project forward.
Previously, Danny McBride (The Righteous Gemstones) had been hired to write a separate script for the G.I. Joe film, showcasing the studio’s commitment to finding the right vision.
Additionally, veteran producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, known for his work on Transformers and Shooter, continues to be involved, ensuring the franchise retains its blockbuster potential.
Paramount Pictures has not issued an immediate public comment regarding the decision, but insiders suggest the studio is prioritizing quality storytelling and a fresh creative approach.
Industry Perspective
The decision to reject Landis’ treatment reflects a broader trend in Hollywood. Studios are increasingly weighing a creator’s public reputation and past controversies alongside their creative proposals.
This move also highlights the challenge of reviving established franchises, where studios must balance fan expectations, commercial potential, and ethical considerations. Paramount’s strategy suggests a cautious but deliberate approach to maintain the G.I. Joe brand’s credibility.
Moreover, the G.I. Joe franchise has a loyal fanbase eager for a modernized reboot, making it essential for the studio to select the right script and creative team. Industry analysts believe Paramount may now look for writers with a proven track record in action films to ensure the new project meets both fan expectations and box office potential.
For fans of the G.I. Joe franchise, Paramount’s move signals that the project is far from dead. While Landis’ treatment will not be used, the studio’s ongoing development and collaboration with experienced writers and producers indicate that a new G.I. Joe film may still hit theaters in the near future.
This approach also reflects the industry’s increasing sensitivity to creators’ past controversies, as studios carefully weigh public perception and creative talent.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Cinema and subscribe to Cine Updates for never ending movie buzz.
