Two new G.I. Joe films are currently in early development, as confirmed by Deadline. The projects have attracted attention due to the involvement of Danny McBride, known for his work on The Righteous Gemstones, and writer Max Landis, who is noted for his script for American Ultra. While Landis has already prepared a treatment for the film, McBride is in discussions to craft a treatment as well.
This development comes as Paramount Pictures is exploring various Transformers projects, including the possibility of a crossover film combining the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises. This intriguing concept remains a possibility, especially considering the involvement of Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a producer for both the G.I. Joe and Transformers movies.
Max Landis, the son of renowned director John Landis, gained early recognition in the film industry by successfully selling three pitches shortly after graduating college. His script for Chronicle became well-known after making the Black List and subsequently selling to 20th Century Fox. However, it is important to note that between 2017 and 2019, Landis faced accusations of sexual abuse from multiple women, leading to his management company, Writ Large, dropping him in June 2019.
G.I. Joe has a rich history and a dedicated fanbase, particularly among Generation X, who have fond memories of the 1980s toys and animated series. The franchise previously saw significant success with its first two films, which collectively grossed over $678 million worldwide, featuring well-known stars like Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson, and Channing Tatum. However, the more recent spinoff, Snake Eyes, did not perform as well, only earning $40 million at the global box office.
The dual development of these new G.I. Joe films highlights a potential revitalization of the franchise, appealing to nostalgic fans while exploring fresh narratives. Excitement builds around these projects as the studio seeks to rekindle the magic of G.I. Joe while navigating the contemporary landscape of filmmaking.