Paramount Pictures is shifting the focus of the live-action G.I. Joe film franchise by zeroing in on one of its most recognizable characters, Snake Eyes. Taking on the title role of the spin-off is Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, who recently shared the first official poster for the anticipated blockbuster.
Snake Eyes was introduced as one of the original figures in Hasbros' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline back in 1982. Though the character was designed with a mask and relatively simple outfit in order to save Hasbro the cost of painting the details, Snake Eyes became one of the popular members of the team and has appeared in every installment of the G.I. Joe franchise to date. Canonically, little is known about Snake Eyes' past aside from his rank and the fact that his face was severely disfigured during a helicopter crash that also irreparably damaged his vocal cords.
Whether or not this tragic event will be depicted in Paramount's Snake Eyes film remains to be seen, but the G.I. Joe spin-off has already been confirmed to be an origin story for the character. Fans may have a better sense of how the film will handle the character when the first official Snake Eyes trailer debuts on Sunday, May 15th, during the MTV Movie and TV Awards. Golding announced the premiere date for the preview in a post on his official Twitter account, which also included the first official poster for Snake Eyes. The motion poster, which appears to include a brief sampling from A$AP Ferg's song "New Level" towards the end, features a red color scheme and shows Golding in full costume as the skilled ninja.
The official synopsis for Snake Eyes notes that audiences will be introduced to Golding's incarnation of the character when he is a "tenacious loner." However, the character soon finds the home he's always wanted after being welcomed into an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage, a reward for saving the life of the group's heir apparent. There, Snake Eyes learns the skills that make him the ninja warrior fans know and love, but that new sense of family is tested when secrets from his past resurface and challenge his loyalty, potentially costing the trust of those closest to him.
Of course, there may be some skepticism towards Snake Eyes considering the previous two live-action G.I. Joe films, The Rise of Cobra and Retaliation, haven't exactly stood the test of time. However, this spin-off and the developing G.I. Joe series for Amazon are arriving during a time when Hasbro is reportedly taking on a more-hands role in the projects based on its properties.
If nothing else, perhaps G.I. Joe fans and those who unfamiliar with the franchise will be excited to see Golding land a major blockbuster. After all, the actor has only endeared himself towards audiences with his charming roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Last Christmas.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 23, 2021.
Source: Henry Golding/Twitter