A new agreement between Paramount Pictures and Hasbro promises to bring a new universe of interrelated characters from different franchises and stories.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Paramount has a new deal with Hasbro that will build a new interconnected, cross-property movie universe that will feature characters from five different Hasbro brands, namely “G.I. Joe,” “Micronauts,” Visionaries,” “M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand)” and “ROM.”
As the studio is currently working to expand the “Transformers” universe after four movies, this new deal is very timely. Deadline reported that, nearly a month ago, Akiva Goldsman was pulled out from scripting the next “Transformers” to be put in charge of a Writer's Room for “G.I. Joe,” as well as “Micronauts.”
In a press release, Paramount Pictures CEO and Chairman Brad Grey said that there has already been a longstanding relationship between his company and Hasbro. He even added that both companies are happy and proud of what they have achieved with the “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe” franchises.
He furthered that they are excited to see the new agreement grow and make more movies that are based on the popular characters found in the different worlds that Hasbro boasts.
Hasbro's film label Allspark Pictures will be producing the films. Hasbro CEO, Chairman and President Brian Goldner, along with Hasbro Executive Vice President Stephen Davis and Head of Film Development Josh Feldman, have been working together with Paramount in developing the new interconnected movie universe.
Hasbro and Paramount will be putting together a Writer's Room that will include some creative talents in Hollywood to develop the creative roadmap for the four Hasbro brands.
“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,” Hasbro's Goldner said in the press release. “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.”
The partnership between Paramount and Hasbro has already brought the highly successful “Transformers” franchise which has earned $3.8 billion to date. These films, directed by Michael Bay, have been amongst the highest grossing films of all time. They have also brought the “G.I. Joe” franchise, which has earned more than $675 million around the world.
