The Hollywood Reporter says that Paramount is currently in negotiations with Henry Golding for him to take on the titular role in Snake Eyes, the upcoming G.I. Joe spin-off film.
Snake Eyes, a ninja commando, first appeared in the 1980s as part of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline. The character dresses in all black and never revealed his face nor spoke. He has a pet wolf, Timber, and his archenemy is Storm Shadow, a ninja who is also his blood brother.
Paramount tried to make G.I. Joe a valued franchise back in 2009 with G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, but it only spawned one sequel, 2013’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Snake Eyes appeared in both of those films, played by Ray Park.
Golding is having one hell of a year. After breaking out in 2018 with roles in Crazy Rich Asians and A Simple Favor, he’s set to star as the leading romantic male in Last Christmas, opposite Emilia Clarke. He’s quickly becoming one of my favorite actors of the 21st century, and my best bet is that it won’t be long before Marvel scoops him up for a film (*cough Namor cough*).
Robert Schwentke, who helmed two installments of the Divergent franchise, is directing from a script by Evan Spiliotopoulos. The plot is said to center on Snake Eyes seeking revenge for his father’s death by joining a ninja clan, in the process finding acceptance.
We’ll keep you updated as more information on Snake Eyes is released.
Do you think Henry Golding will make a good Snake Eyes? Do you think they will go the route of Sly’s Judge Dredd and have the character talk and show his face (at least before he officially becomes Snake Eyes)?
