‘
Crazy Rich Asians’ Breakout Henry Golding in Talks to Play Snake Eyes in ‘GI Joe’ Movie Spinoff
The film will be released on Oct. 16, 2020
Umberto Gonzalez and Beatrice Verhoeven | August 14, 2019 @ 8:45 AM
Last Updated: August 14, 2019 @ 11:31 AM
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“Crazy Rich Asians” breakout star Henry Golding is in talks to play the lead ninja commando Snake Eyes in Paramount’s G.I. Joe spinoff, an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
“Snake Eyes,” the third live-action film based on the “G.I. Joe” toy line, will focus on the origins of the fan-favorite character known for his masked face, black commando uniform, and ninja training. Robert Schwentke, the director of “Red” and “R.I.P.D.,” is set to direct “Snake Eyes,” for Paramount, Skydance, and Allspark Pictures. The film will be released on Oct. 16, 2020.
“Beauty and The Beast” screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos wrote the screenplay. The story centers on the character’s origins where he tries to become a member of the Arashikage Clan, a ninja clan based in Japan. According to “G.I. Joe vs. Cobra: The Essential Guide,” the Arashikage worked as shadowy assassins for generations, using deception to earn their keep as ninjas, as well as developing a reputation for being able to perform impossible tasks.
“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” grossed more than $300 million worldwide back in 2009 on a reported production budget of $175 million, not including prints and advertising. The 2013 sequel “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” starring The Rock as Road Block grossed $375.7 million on a budget of $155 million. Channing Tatum, who played Duke in the first two films, was killed off early in “Retaliation” after complaining to Howard Stern how much he hated the role.
In the year since “Crazy Rich Asians” was released, Golding has become one of the most in-demand leading men in Hollywood, with a diverse array of roles. Golding will next be seen in Guy Ritchie’s highly anticipated crime comedy “The Gentlemen” starring opposite Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant. Golding plays the volatile gangster “Dry Eye” pitted against McConaughey’s ring leader of a powerful drug trade. STX will release the film on Jan. 24, 2020.
Golding will also re-team with director Paul Feig (following “A Simple Favor”) in the Universal romantic holiday comedy “Last Christmas,” written by Emma Thompson, and starring alongside Emilia Clarke. The film features the music of George Michael and will open on Nov. 8, 2019.
Additionally, Golding will star in “Monsoon,” which written and directed by Hong Khao.
Golding recently launched his own production company, Long House Productions, in a partnership with China’s Starlight Cultural Entertainment Group. Among the projects in development are the action-adventure heist film “The Inheritance,” based on an original story idea by Golding and Alistair Hudson, and the action-thriller “Harrington’s Greatest His.”
Golding is represented by Paradigm, Megan Silverman Management, and Stone Genow.
