The Transformers brand has proved to be a lucrative option for Hollywood. It’s made billions of dollars worldwide despite its diminishing returns, a type of vast financial benefit that causes studios to wonder: what other toys can we pilfer for entertainment?
Well, Paramount now has its eyes on transforming – ahem – another of its properties into a fully-fledged cinematic world, as THR reports that the studio is developing a G.I. Joe movie universe. Together with Allspark, which is Hasbro’s film division, Paramount is planning “an interconnected, cross-property onscreen universe” set to include characters from G.I. Joe, Micronauts, Visionairies, M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) and ROM.
Allspark Pictures will produce the movies, with the studio aiming to create another cinematic brand in the same style as the Transformers series. The ‘bots received a complete franchise overhaul when the studio opted to enlist a slew of scribes to churn out as many ideas as possible. Akiva Goldsman oversaw the Transformers writers room and by the shape of this new series, Paramount’s implementing the same tactic. While it’s not revealed if there’s another figure like Goldsman installed to watch over things, THR’s report does confirm that a writer’s room is being assembled. It will be “comprised of top talent, to develop a creative roadmap.”
Here’s what Paramount’s chairman Brad Grey had to say on this new plan:
“Paramount and Hasbro have had a longstanding relationship and we’re proud of the success we’ve enjoyed on the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises. We’re excited to grow our agreement and make even more movies based upon these popular and powerful Hasbro characters and their worlds.”
Hasbro’s CEO Brian Goldner added:
“Hasbro and Allspark Pictures put storytelling at the center of everything that we do. These brands are filled with memorable stories and vivid characters, and this universe creates a framework for how they will become interconnected. Extending our partnership with Paramount allows us to continue our long-term strategy and overall vision to build dynamic worlds for all of our brands, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them as we develop these properties.”
Does this mean we will eventually see the G.I. Joe-niverse connect with the Transformers? Would that be a good idea, or utterly terrible? Throw in your comments below.
