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Snake Eyes: what we learned from Henry Golding’s candid Comic-Con interview – the G.I. Joe Origins movie that ‘has everything’

Henry Golding plays G.I. Joe character Snake Eyes in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures/TNS
If you’re a martial arts fanatic, you’ll definitely want to check out the new action film Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Henry Golding and cast members Andrew Koji, Úrsula Corberó, Samara Weaving, Haruka Abe, Takehiro Hira, Peter Mensah and Iko Uwais kick major ass in the nonstop martial arts prequel.

Comic-Con 2021 kicked off with a virtual event for the Paramount Pictures movie, which opened on July 23 in the US. Mari Takahashi hosted the highly anticipated “Unmasking Snake Eyes” discussion, which featured behind-the-scenes film footage and candid interviews.

Henry Golding in a scene from Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

Paramount also held special fan screenings of Snake Eyes in Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, Seattle, Miami, San Diego, Houston, Phoenix and Vancouver.

While movie critics have given the film mixed reviews, there are still several great reasons to watch Snake Eyes.

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It gives us G.I. Joe’s origin story

For years, fans have wanted to know G.I. Joe’s origin story – this film creates an understanding of the years that made the enigmatic character what he is.

Legendary G.I. Joe comic book writer Larry Hama loved the added prequel history of Snake Eyes that he never “delved into” in the comic book, as the character never speaks. “It adds a whole dimensionality to the character, who couldn’t exist when he was faceless and voiceless,” he said.

Robert Schwentke, left, and Henry Golding, on the set of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

Hama was equally thrilled to see how the movie updated his original story. “The film gives you a deeper sense of who both of these characters are, because Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes are really two sides of the same coin,” he said.

Golding – who recently became a father for the first time – plays Snake Eyes, a loner who is introduced to an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage, after saving the life of their heir, Tommy (Koji). Bonded, the two become blood brothers.
Andrew Koji, left, and Henry Golding in a scene from Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

Golding addressed why the relationship between the dynamic duo has intrigued fans for decades: “The relationship between Snake and Storm has always been one of the most iconic. One minute, they’re brothers; the next, they’re adversaries, the next, they are kind of fighting for the greater good. But we need to understand where all of that stems from, and this film showcases that.”

When Takahashi asked what he was most excited for audiences to see, Golding quipped: “Of course the action! The creation of that iconic relationship between Snake and Storm Shadow, but also the launching of this entire franchise.”

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The film locations are stunning

In addition to shooting in Vancouver, British Columbia, other scenes were filmed in Japan. The Malaysian-born Golding was impressed by the gorgeous scenery, architecture and historical treasures.

Henry Golding and Andrew Koji in a scene from Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

“Some of the locations that we filmed at were just amazing,” Golding enthused. “Thousand year old temples. Himeji Castle being one of the greatest ... Because Japan plays such an integral role, it was so important to get that right.”

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Henry Golding shows he’s more than just love interest

Golding, the much-loved Crazy Rich Asians star, proved that he is just as capable of being an action actor as he is portraying a romantic lead.

Golding said that once he was cast in the role, the reaction he is getting from G.I. Joe fans has truly excited him.

Henry Golding in a scene from Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

“There has been an amazing outreach from fans all around the world, for a chance to see the man behind the mask. To understand the relationships that have brought him to the place where we all know him as that weapon, we finally sort of have a peek into Snake Eyes himself.”

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Among the “countless” favourite moments Golding had on set is the car carrier scene, which “unfolds with your heart in your mouth!”

Henry Golding, left, and Samara Weaving, in a scene from Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

Playing a ninja was equally a blast. “Ninjas are cool because of their dedication they put in to honing their skills, accomplishing missions. I think we all pretended at some point in our childhood to be ninjas or snake eyes!””

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It has some impressive – and beautiful – fight scenes

While the script is interesting, it’s the sword work that is truly stellar. That’s due to stunt and fight coordinator Kenji Tanigaki, who has worked with everyone from Jackie Chan to Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen.
Takehiro Hira, left, and Andrew Koji, in a scene from Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Photo: Paramount Pictures via AP

“Many movies have sword fights,” he said. “Many movies have amazing car action. Many movies have blazing gun battles. This movie has everything.”

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Cinema
  • Before coaching the Crazy Rich Asians star, Snake Eyes’ stunt and fight coordinator Kenji Tanigaki worked with Hong Kong icons Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen
  • Comic-Con 2021 kicked off with a virtual event for the martial arts prequel, also starring Samara Weaving, Úrsula Corberó, Andrew Koji and Iko Uwais