Snake Eyes Star Andrew Koji Reveals His Most Intense Moments In The Film - Exclusive
While the title of the film is "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins," film fans are about to discover that the latest "G.I. Joe" live-action feature is just as much about the origin of the iconic Cobra ninja Storm Shadow as its equally iconic titular character. The duo-origin approach makes complete sense, considering Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes have long been adversaries, as established by "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero" comic book creator Larry Hama in the early 1980s.
While the storyline in "Snake Eyes" diverts from the original source material in places, a decision made with Hama's blessing, the nut of the original story remains intact. Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) and Tommy Arashikage (Andrew Koji) become blood brothers, but that brotherly bond is frayed when Tommy discovers Snake Eyes' hidden motivations. Despite an attempt by Snake Eyes and Tommy to reconcile their differences, the reunion to save the Arashikage Clan from an attack by evil forces proves futile, setting Tommy on course to transform into the fearsome Cobra terrorist, Storm Shadow.
While Koji is given the unique opportunity to define a revered character in film nearly 40 years after the character's creation, the actor seems to understand that this honor comes with responsibility. In an exclusive interview with Looper to discuss his work on "Snake Eyes," Koji said he is merely hoping to please the longtime fans of the "G.I. Joe" franchise.
"Once it comes out, we'll see. I guess that hasn't really landed yet, it's more like, as every job that you do as an actor, you just do your absolute best hopefully, and then you move on," Koji said. "So, I think with this, I don't know about defining the character, but certainly I worked really hard to try and make it so that people — little kids who are watching and G.I. Joe fans — would be proud and happy."
Not even thrilling road scenes can match the intensity of battling Snake Eyes
New in theaters nationwide, "Snake Eyes," directed by Robert Schwentke, is loaded with action and adventure, including a chase and battle scene that rivals anything that roars through "The Fast and Furious" movie franchise. And while the elaborate highway scene in the film would likely be the most intense scene for any actor, Koji said he actually found the most intensity in his scenes opposite Golding as Snake Eyes — and not just during the fight sequences.
"I think there were quite a few intense moments for me, just because anything with Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes together can be quite intense. They have quite an intense relationship," Koji said. "But yeah, certainly as Storm Shadow, when Tommy becomes what we know as Storm Shadow, is the moment when it felt like that was, I guess, intense."
Of course, Koji and Golding get along famously in real life, but the actor did like musing who would win a real-life battle between the two. "Yeah, I'd take him on. Yeah, I'd take him," Koji told Looper, smiling. "But no, I wouldn't, he's a lovely dude, so, I'm not going to do it."
And how does Golding feel he would fare in a real-life showdown with Koji? He weighed the odds in an exclusive interview with Looper. "I think Andrew has been doing martial arts since he was like 12 years old. He's been doing Taekwondo. But I feel I'm pretty good in a scrap," Golding said, grinning. "So, it depends on the rules. And I think they definitely put us in shape. So yeah, I would say we both wouldn't fare very well. Let's just say that."
Also starring Úrsula Corberó as legendary Cobra villain the Baroness, Samara Weaving as beloved G.I. Joe team member Scarlett, and Haruka Abe as Akiko, a new character in the franchise who serves as the head of security of the Arashikage Clan, "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" is playing in theaters nationwide.