No, this isn’t an update of the eternally underratedBrian de Palma/Nicolas Cage1998 boxing fever dreamSnake Eyes. The upcomingSnake Eyesis a darker spinoff of theG.I. Joeuniverse starringCrazy Rich Asians’Henry Goldingas the title role, a mysterious operative who wears a mask, rocks a sword AND an uzi, and terminates his targets with extreme prejudice. In the previous twoG.I. Joefilms, Snake Eyes was played by Darth Maul himself,Ray Park. Now, in this origin story, Golding will don the mask alongsideSamara Weaving, who recently crushed in horror titlesThe Babysitter,Mayhem, andReady or Not.
According to Variety, Weaving is set to play Scarlett, who we first saw played byRachel NicholsinG.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Scarlett is a fierce and well-trained warrior in both martial arts and firearms. She is also known for engaging in a charged, on-and-off relationship with Snake Eyes, and we have to imagine the new Snake Eyes film will feature these kinds of fireworks in addition to its action-packed pyrotechnics. The film is being directed byRobert Schwentke, who has a bit of reputation-salvaging to do – his 2013Ryan Reynolds/Jeff BridgesactionerR.I.P.D.got abysmal reviews and was a genuine box-office bomb. In fact, while theG.I. Joelive-action film franchise thus far has made Hasbro/Paramount a good chunk of worldwide change, the overall fan and critical reception has been chilly at best. Hopefully, with a darker, more centrally focused storyline anchored by two highly charismatic movie stars,Snake Eyescan roll a lucky seven.
The early synopsis forSnake Eyesis below. And if you need proof of Weaving’s prowess,check out our interview with her forReady or Not.
Snake Eyes is a ninja commando who dresses in all black, hides his face and doesn’t speak. He stands out among the military anti-terrorist group and quickly establishes himself as its most popular member. He also has a special relationship with Scarlett (Weaving), the team’s first female member, and sometimes carries out solo missions with his pet wolf, Timber. His blood brother Storm Shadow is also his archenemy.
