'Crazy Rich Asians' Star Henry Golding In Talks To Play Title Character In 'GI Joe' Spinoff 'Snake Eyes'

We’ll get this out of the way at the top — Henry Golding is a fine actor and a very handsome man. However, when you think of all the actors in the entire world to play Snake Eyes in the upcoming “GI Joe” spin-off film, Golding likely isn’t the first name on your list. Hell, he’s probably not in your top 50. But yet, according to a report, it would appear he’s at the top of the list for Paramount, and that’s all that matters.

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According to The Wrap, Henry Golding is in talks with Paramount and the producers behind the upcoming “Snake Eyes” film to take on the role of the lead ninja and popular ‘GI Joe’ character. The new film will reportedly be set as a prequel, where a younger Snake Eyes attempts to make it into the coveted Arashikage Clan of ninjas in Japan. While there, he develops his skills as being a shadowy assassin able to do impossible missions.

Fans of the franchise will know Snake Eyes as the silent, masked ninja character that is always the most popular in the series due to his incredibly unique costume and mysterious past. And this is where the casting becomes a bit…odd. You see, what makes Snake Eyes so legendary is the fact that he never takes off his mask and never speaks. But why would you hire the charming, handsome Golding, best known for his performance in “Crazy Rich Asians,” for a role that takes away the charm and handsomeness? Strange.

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That being said, perhaps the prequel allows for Snake Eyes to be talkative and unmasked? But if that’s the case, then why bother? You’ve already taken away the best attributes of the character. In fact, if that’s the way the film is headed, I’d be willing to bet money right now that it will end with some sort of tragic accident that injures Snake Eyes and prevents him from showing his face and speaking in future films. Because that’s how Hollywood operates. But I digress.

“Snake Eyes” comes from director Robert Schwentke, who is best known for “Red” and “RIPD.” the film is written by “Beauty and The Beast” screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos. “Snake Eyes” is set to be released on October 16, 2020.