Danny McBride to Direct Paramount’s G.I. Joe Feature, Studio Says

Danny McBride has been tapped to direct a new G.I. Joe movie for Paramount, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. The project, which is being developed at Paramount, will mark McBride’s shift from writing and starring-related work into directing for the franchise.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that McBride was “already on board” as a screenwriter for the Paramount feature before the decision to add directing responsibilities. The same report frames the development as part of a wider commitment to keep McBride closely involved in the film’s creative direction from script to screen.

Under the arrangement described in the report, McBride’s dual role as writer and director means Paramount will be working with a single creative lead across key stages of production. While studios often add directors during development, the report indicates McBride’s attachment to both writing and directing had aligned early in the process.

The announcement lands amid ongoing studio efforts to bring established entertainment brands back into theaters and streaming-era audiences. For Paramount, G.I. Joe represents an opportunity to refresh a familiar property for a new generation, and the studio’s choice of a creator with a track record in comedy and character-driven storytelling reflects how major brands are frequently repositioned.

McBride’s involvement is described in the report as part of a broader “triple threat” framing, referencing his work as an actor, writer, and director. The report, however, focuses primarily on his specific attachment to the G.I. Joe project at Paramount rather than on additional cast details or a production schedule.

As with most franchise projects in development, additional steps are likely to follow before any release date can be finalized, including casting and finalized production plans. The Hollywood Reporter’s report does not provide those specifics, but it establishes that Paramount has already made a key creative decision by naming a writer-director for the film.

For audiences, the move means the next stage of information about the G.I. Joe film will come not only from casting announcements, but also from how McBride approaches directing duties on a property tied to recognizable uniforms, missions, and action set pieces that are typical of the brand’s screen history.