Full Breakdown
Danny McBride’s G.I. Joe Reboot Set for Production
7/2/2026, 8:32:01 PM
Core Event: Script Finished, Filming Targeted for 2027
Paramount Pictures is advancing a new G.I. Joe film written by Danny McBride. The screenplay is complete, and principal photography is scheduled to start in 2027, with a theatrical release projected for 2028 or 2029. McBride also indicated that the narrative will center on Duke and a group of Joes confronting a town covertly run by Cobra, a plot point drawn from the comics.
Background & Context: Franchise Performance
The series delivered major box-office hits in 2009 and 2013, while the 2021 origin film *Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins* underperformed, leaving the franchise without a recent theatrical success.
Key Figures & Groups
Danny McBride, creator of *The Righteous Gemstones*, leads the project. He collaborates with co-writers Jeff Fradley and John Carcieri. Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the reboot, has expressed enthusiasm for the completed script.
Timeline
- Early 2024: McBride finalizes the script and discusses it on the *Happy Sad Confused* podcast.
- 2027: Planned start of principal photography.
- 2028-2029: Anticipated release window, pending official confirmation.
Data & Statistics
The franchise’s earlier entries released in 2009 and 2013 were box-office successes; the 2021 origin entry failed to replicate that performance.
Why It Matters
The reboot seeks to restore the G.I. Joe brand by focusing on core characters such as Duke and a covert Cobra-run town called Springfield, aligning closely with comic and animated series lore. A successful reboot could revive the brand for future sequels.
Official Statements & Responses
McBride described his lifelong fandom, noting the cartoons and comics shaped his childhood more than other franchises. He said his original pitch centered on the Dreadnoks, but Paramount requested a broader G.I. Joe story, leading him to craft an angle that “grounds G.I. Joe” with suspense and action rather than comedy. He highlighted collaboration with Fradley and Carcieri and called the screenplay an ensemble piece that “will be a lot of fun.” Paramount’s reported response is one of enthusiasm for the script and the planned production schedule.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official release date has been announced; sources differ on whether the earliest theatrical window will be 2028 or 2029, and casting, budget, and distribution details remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've written [the script]. Yes. I'm stoked about it. I'm really fired up about the script,” — Danny McBride, Actor/Filmmaker
- “Paramount seems fired up about it.” — Danny McBride
- “You’re following Duke and a group of other Joes. There’s a town, Springfield, that is secretly all Cobra. That is where our film takes place.” — Danny McBride
- “It grounds GI Joe. It’s not a comedy. It’s kind of suspense and action. Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Whole ensemble.” — Danny McBride
What’s Next
Casting decisions, location scouting, and the start of production in 2027 are the immediate milestones. Observers will monitor Paramount’s official release schedule and any further creative disclosures during pre-production. Further updates are expected as pre-production progresses and Paramount releases official casting news.
