Henry Golding In Talks To Star in ‘G.I. Joe’ Spinoff ‘Snake Eyes’

Ever since his breakout role as rich boy Nicholas Young in Crazy Rich Asians, Henry Golding has pretty much had his schedule filled to the brim. And now, he’s in early talks to take on the lead role in the much-anticipated G.I. Joe spinoff Snake Eyes that will hit theatres on October 16, 2020.

Snake Eyes is one of the most popular heroes in the G.I. Joe franchise. He’s a ninja who dresses in black and more often than not goes around with a mask covering his face. In his upcoming solo movie, however, this might not be the case anymore. He also has a trusty companion in the form of his pet wolf, Timber, who he often takes on solo missions. Other than that, Snake Eyes also has a special relationship with the only female member of the team Scarlett. His archenemy is a fellow ninja and his blood brother Storm Shadow.

The Time Travelers Wife and The Captain director Robert Schwentke will be directing, working with a script written by The Huntsman: Winter’s War scribe Evan Spiliotopoulos. Brian Goldner is producing.

Putting a Face to Snake Eyes

Snake Eyes first appeared in the Hasbro and Marvel Comics 1980s relaunch of G.I. Joe titled G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. And he appeared in both 2009 and 2013 G.I. Joe movies played by acrobatic actor Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace). But he appeared only as part of the ensemble. Now, Snake Eyes will get his own spotlight.

According to Comicbook, the new spinoff will focus on Snake Eye’s background rather than his work with the G.I. Joe Organization. It will reportedly tell the story of how he lost his father. In his search for revenge, Snake Eye ends up joining a ninja clan. If Golding does take up the titular role, it will mark his very first role in a studio feature and in a movie franchise.

Aside from Crazy Rich Asians, Golding also starred in a couple of big movies this year. He nabbed a leading role in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman alongside Matthew McConaughey. Then, he also starred in Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. He can also be seen next in the Christmas romantic comedy Last Christmas opposite Emilia Clarke. In addition to all that, he also launched his own production company the Long House Productions. Golding is repped by Paradigm, Stone Genow, and Megan Silverman Management.