Max Landis, Whose Career Imploded During #metoo, Returns with ‘g.i. Joe’ Movie at Paramount (exclusive)

Max Landis Returns, but at What Cost?

You might think this is new, but Paramount has taken an unusual step. They’re bringing back Max Landis to work on a ‘G.I. Joe’ movie treatment.

You remember Landis, right? The screenwriter whose career imploded in the late 2010s due to #MeToo allegations.

Landis’ Fall

In 2019, The Daily Beast dropped a bombshell about Landis. Numerous women accused him of sexual and emotional abuse. CAA and Writ Large dropped him like a hot potato.

His projects withered on the vine. But now, here he is, back in the game.

Paramount’s Move

The studio has hired Danny McBride to work on a separate script for ‘G.I. Joe.’ According to sources, Paramount plans to blend these two scripts into one but says they are separate projects. Developing two scripts at once is rare. It happened with Transformers and Star Trek, where several scripts were developed.

The Controversy

Landis’ hiring continues a trend of studios picking up controversial figures. Earlier, John Lasseter was hired by Skydance after admitting “misteps” that made employees feel “disrespected.” Brett Ratner’s deal to distribute Rush Hour 4, despite sexual misconduct allegations, is another example.

Landis has been active online, delivering long monologues in character as DC hero Barry Allen. He calls himself a genius, bordering on mad. This parallels his life, where he’s known for his prolific screenwriting and early successes like ‘Chronicle’ and ‘Bright.’

The Industry’s Dilemma

It’s not just Landis. Hollywood often faces the dilemma of working with controversial figures. On one hand, their talent can’t be ignored.

On the other, it’s hard to stomach their behavior. Paramount’s move is a clear statement: they’re willing to take risks.

So, will this work? Only time will tell.

But for now, Landis is back. And that’s something worth noting.