The First Images From The Snake Eyes Movie Will Blow You Away
A standalone "Snake Eyes" origin story, revolving around the "G.I. Joe" character after which the film is titled, was first announced in May 2018. Snake Eyes had previously appeared in the live-action films "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" in 2009 and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" in 2013 — and though he isn't exclusive to the live-action "G.I. Joe" film series, he's certainly a mainstay of the long-running franchise.
Snake Eyes has remained a mysterious presence since even his earliest appearances. Not only does Snake Eyes perpetually hide his face behind a helmet, but he's also silent at virtually all times. Martial artist and "Star Wars" actor Ray Park portrayed Snake Eyes in the two prior live-action "G.I. Joe" movies, but in the character's upcoming solo adventure, "Crazy Rich Asians" star Henry Golding is bringing Snake Eyes to life. This recasting was motivated in large part by the fact that Snake Eyes will be depicted without a helmet for the first time in the ongoing film series.
On May 13, Entertainment Weekly shared the first official images of the upcoming "Snake Eyes." Many of the photos prominently feature a maskless Golding, giving fans their first look at his leading role.
The man behind the mask
Two of the first official photos of "Snake Eyes" depict Henry Golding brandishing the character's signature weapon — a katana he calls Morning Light — while another shows him weaponless in what appears to be the midst of a fight. The photo series also provides a first look at some of the film's supporting cast.
In one photo, Andrew Koji's Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes' mentor, stands menacingly in the rain, two short katanas attached to his waist. Another photo shows off Haruka Abe's Akiko, whom Snake Eyes encounters amidst his training with Storm Shadow.
The final two photos included in EW's first look at the film showcase G.I. Joe team member Scarlett (Samara Weaving) and the film's lead villain, the Baroness (Úrsula Corberó).
"Snake Eyes" producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura explained to Entertainment Weekly that the film will provide definitive answers to what were once unknowns about its titular character. Golding's Snake Eyes will not only show his face but also speak for the first time in the movie. The fact that "Snake Eyes" is an origin story "allows him to talk, which was very helpful," said Bonaventura.
The producer also mentioned that whereas Snake Eyes' real name is classified in "G.I. Joe" canon, he will no longer remain nameless thanks to this origin story. This is but one of numerous answers to longtime questions that film will provide, according to Bonaventura.
"Snake Eyes" will premiere in theaters on July 23.