G.I. JOE, MICRONAUTS, VISIONARIES, M.A.S.K., and ROM Will Have a Shared Cinematic Universe
Paramount Pictures and Hasbro have some big movie plans brewing for several classic toys and cartoons that many of us grew up with. They have officially teamed up to create a shared cinematic universe that will include several different properties that include G.I. Joe, Micronauts, Visionaries, M.A.S.K., and ROM.
I haven't been happy with anything that Paramount has done so far with these kinds of films. G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have all turned out to be disappointments. It's hard to believe that they will turn that around and actually give us some quality movies based on these awesome properties.
According to THR, Hasbro head of film development Josh Feldman is working with Paramount to shape the new universe that will include these five properties. The studio will be putting together a writing team, much like the one that was set up for the studio's Transformers films (which is being led by Akiva Goldsman). This team of people, who have yet to be named, will develop a creative roadmap. The report says the studio will be going after "top talent," though.
Brad Grey, Paramount chairman and CEO, had this to say in a statement:
"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."
I'm happy to hear that they are proud of their crappy movies. I'm a big fan of all these properties, and the thought of them having a shared interconnected universe like Marvel is great! I just wish it was with a studio that had a better track record and made better films. Hasbro chairman 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.”
Even though I am giving Paramount crap for the films they've made in the past, I do hope that when they do start developing this shared universe, it will exceed expectations. I hope that they deliver something awesome!
There's no word on if this plan will include G.I. Joe 3, which has been in development. I hope they just reboot that whole franchise. While they are creating this universe, they might as well develop a fresh take on G.I. Joe.
I'm curious to see how this all comes together. Are you excited to learn that Paramount is developing a shared universe with these properties?