Update 08/23: With Henry Golding cast as Snake Eyes it wasn’t long until the film found its Storm Shadow and The Hollywood Reporter has announced that they’ve found the white-suited sometime antagonist and sometime ally of the titular character in Warrior’s Andrew Koji. It’s a solid pick that hints the film will center the rift between the characters that fans know and love as well as centering the martial arts skills that Koji showcased in the Cinemax series based on the writings of Bruce Lee.
Henry Golding is having a good year. Fresh off the success of movies like A Simple Favor and Crazy Rich Asians, he’ll next appear in the Paul Feig-directed and Emma Thompson-written Last Christmas opposite Emilia Clarke. Beyond that, he’s also got another big project to get excited about: Paramount’s upcoming G.I. Joe spinoff movie, Snake Eyes.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Golding is currently in negotiations to star in the film, possibly as the eponymous character, a silent ninja commando known for his all-black attire and hidden face. In G.I. Joe lore, he’s part of a military anti-terrorist group, and often carries out missions with his pet wolf, Timber. He’s also the brother and rival of Storm Shadow, another ninja character.
Paramount Pictures
The part was formerly played by Ray Park (who also played Darth Maul in the Star Wars franchise) in Paramount’s former G.I. Joe movies, 2009’s G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and 2013’s G.I Joe: Retaliation. According to Variety, sources say that this new film will attempt to rebrand the franchise, putting a “new spin” on the series. A writers room was apparently hired to generate new ideas, as well. No idea what this new spin will be—the last movies were super-serious, so maybe this one will be more of a comedy?—but we’re excited to see what they come up with.
Robert Schwentke, director of Divergent, will direct Snake Eyes, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner producing. No word yet on any additional casting, or if previous cast members will return, but we suspect this will be a total do-over, with all new faces added to the mix. Whatever the case, this is a big get for Golding, who will undoubtedly make a great action star. We’ll keep you posted as more news about Snake Eyes becomes available.
Header Image: Warner Bros. Pictures