Max Landis G.I. Joe Script Rejected by Paramount

by

Paramount Pictures has decided not to move forward with a G.I. Joe screenplay written by Max Landis. The studio was hoping to use the script to relaunch the G.I. Joe movie franchise, which hasn’t had a new installment in a while.

Several sources say Paramount Pictures asked both writer Max Landis and actor-writer Danny McBride to develop ideas for a new movie earlier this year. However, after considering Landis’s proposal, the studio has decided not to pursue his take on the project.

So, it sounds like Rob McBride’s script is now the main contender for the next G.I. Joe movie! Apparently, it – and maybe some ideas from other writers too – are the most likely paths they’re considering right now. I’m really hoping this means we’ll finally get another G.I. Joe film!

Paramount Passes on Max Landis G.I. Joe Pitch

According to reports, the studio made its decision mostly because of creative reasons, not due to any issues with Landis personally.

At first, Paramount was working on two different versions of the movie. They asked both Landis and McBride to write scripts, hoping the strongest one – or a blend of their ideas – would become the next film.

Paramount Passes on ‘G.I. Joe’ Treatment from Max Landis (EXCLUSIVE)

— Variety (@Variety) March 14, 2026

In the end, Paramount decided that Landis’s idea wasn’t the right fit for where they wanted to take the series.

According to reports, Landis proposed a fresh take on the G.I. Joe story. His idea involved a world where the evil organization Cobra had already won, and the G.I. Joe team was now seen as nothing more than a legend or rumor.

Landis called the concept unusual and unconventional, but Paramount didn’t think it was the best way to relaunch one of their classic toy franchises.

Landis Responds to the Rejection

Despite the rejection, Landis appeared to take the news in stride.

The writer shared with Variety that he was very thankful for the chance to present his ideas for the franchise. He explained that developing big franchises usually involves many different pitches, and not all of them end up being made into a show or movie.

Landis also expressed surprise that the project became public knowledge, implying it was just a normal part of how studios develop ideas.

Danny McBride’s Script Still in Development

Now that Max Landis’s G.I. Joe movie is no longer happening, the focus is on the new version being developed by Danny McBride.

Danny McBride is famous for co-creating and starring in hilarious HBO shows like Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones. He also recently worked with director David Gordon Green on the new Halloween movies.

Paramount is waiting for the finished script from McBride, but is also listening to ideas from other writers as they figure out what to do with the franchise going forward.

Paramount Still Trying to Revive the Franchise

Paramount has been trying to relaunch the G.I. Joe franchise for years with mixed results.

The first live-action G.I. Joe movie, The Rise of Cobra, came out in 2009, and a sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, followed in 2013. Most recently, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins was released in 2021, but it didn’t perform well in theaters. Despite costing between $88 and $110 million to make, it only earned around $40 million worldwide.

The recent poor performance of the films cast doubt on the future of the franchise, but Paramount Pictures and Hasbro are still hoping to find a way to successfully revive it.

The studio ordering several scripts indicates they’re exploring many different ideas to find the best one.

The Max Landis G.I. Joe movie seems to have been cancelled, but plans for future G.I. Joe projects are still being developed.

Since Will McBride’s idea for the series is still being worked on, and other writers are also developing their own versions, it’s clear the decision about the future of the “Real American Hero” franchise hasn’t been made yet.

Read More

2026-03-15 20:01