A new G.I. Joe movie is coming, because of course it is. The franchise that has been lurking in the shadows, waiting for its next chance to strike, has finally found its new director in the form of Danny McBride. According to Deadline, McBride has been tapped to helm the next installment in the G.I. Joe series, which will also mark his feature directorial debut. Because what could possibly go wrong with a comedy star directing a big-budget action movie?
As an actor, McBride is known for his roles in films like Pineapple Express and Your Highness, as well as his work on TV shows like Eastbound & Down and The Righteous Gemstones. But behind the scenes, McBride has been busy writing and producing, including co-writing and producing David Gordon Green’s Halloween legacyquels. So, it seems that McBride has the credentials to take on a project like G.I. Joe, but the question remains: what kind of tone will he bring to the film? Will it be a comedy, or will it be more in line with his work on the Halloween movies?
The G.I. Joe franchise has been around for decades, with the first live-action movie, The Rise of Cobra, being released in 2009. The film was a moderate success, grossing over $300 million worldwide, and spawned a sequel, Retaliation, in 2013. However, the third installment, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, was a massive flop, earning only $40 million in ticket sales globally. It seems that the franchise was put on pause after that, but with the announcement of McBride’s involvement, it’s clear that the powers that be are looking to revitalize the series.
The Never-Ending Search for a Cinematic Universe
It’s no secret that Hollywood is obsessed with creating cinematic universes, and the G.I. Joe franchise is no exception. With the announcement of McBride’s involvement, there are already rumors of a potential crossover movie between G.I. Joe and Transformers. Because what’s a franchise without a cinematic universe, right? It’s like the ultimate goal for any movie series, and studios will stop at nothing to achieve it. Somewhere, an executive is probably whispering, “Can this become a trilogy?” and another is nodding very seriously during an expensive meeting.
The fact that McBride is directing the next G.I. Joe movie is interesting, to say the least. On one hand, it’s a bold move to bring in a comedy star to direct a big-budget action movie. On the other hand, it’s not like the franchise has anywhere to go but up after the disaster that was Snake Eyes. Perhaps McBride’s involvement will bring a fresh perspective to the series, or maybe it will be just another attempt to cash in on nostalgia. Either way, it’s clear that the studio is willing to take risks to get the franchise back on track.
The Nostalgia Factor
Let’s face it, the main reason why studios keep reviving old franchises like G.I. Joe is because of nostalgia. People who grew up with the toys and cartoons are now adults with disposable income, and they’re eager to relive their childhood memories. It’s a clever marketing ploy, and it’s worked time and time again. The problem is, nostalgia can only take you so far. At some point, the movies have to stand on their own merit, and that’s where the G.I. Joe franchise has struggled in the past. Will McBride’s involvement be enough to change that? Only time will tell.
As the Content Mines remain fully operational, it’s clear that Hollywood is still searching for that next big hit. The Merchandising Department is probably already working overtime to come up with new toy lines and merchandise, and the marketing department is gearing up to declare history “made” with the release of the new movie. It’s all just part of the cycle, and we’ve seen it time and time again. Another beloved franchise has successfully avoided the sweet release of death, and we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds for G.I. Joe.
In the end, it’s hard not to be cynical about the whole thing. The G.I. Joe franchise has been around for decades, and it’s been through its fair share of ups and downs. With the announcement of McBride’s involvement, it’s clear that the studio is willing to take risks to get the franchise back on track. But will it be enough? Only time will tell. As the algorithm continues to decide what audiences want, it’s clear that Hollywood is still mistaken familiarity for originality. Oh well, at least we’ll get some new toys out of it.
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
