“Money Heist” breakout star Úrsula Corberó has closed a deal to play the Baroness in Paramount’s “G.I. Joe” spinoff “Snake Eyes,” an individual with knowledge of the deal exclusively told TheWrap.
“Crazy Rich Asians” breakout Henry Golding is set to play Snake Eyes. “Warrior” headliner Andrew Koji is playing Storm Shadow.
“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 and Allspark Pictures, in association with Skydance. The film will be released on Oct. 16, 2020.
“Beauty and The Beast” screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos wrote the screenplay, and Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner are producing. Jeff Waxman is executive producing. Hasbro, and Skydance are co-producing, while MGM is co-financing.
The story centers on Snake Eyes’ 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.
Corberó is best known for her roles in the television series “Fisica o Quimica,” “Isabel,” “La embajada” and “La casa de papel,” which was acquired by Netflix in 2017 and was retitled “Money Heist.” She also starred in films like “Paranormal Xperience 3D,” and “El Arbol de La Sangre.”
She is represented by WME and Garay Talent.
“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 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson 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. Storm Shadow was previously played Byung-Hun Lee in “The Rise of Cobra” and “Retaliation.”