Disney+ Sci-Fi Action Thriller Tried To Revive Dead Franchise
When Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins came out in 2021, the critics and the audience were split on what to think about it: fans loved it while the critics panned it with every biting word they could think up.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins
Distributed by Paramount Pictures and directed by Robert Schwentke, the film marks the third installment of the G.I. Joe franchise. While the movie ended up being a box office bomb, Disney is trying to bring this dead franchise back by streaming it on Disney+.
According to the critics, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is not entirely silent nor exceptionally lethal, but it still represents a notable improvement for the G.I. Joe franchise (which isn’t saying much).
The biggest redemption the film has is largely attributed to Henry Golding’s compelling portrayal in the titular role.
Snake Eyes Still Brings It
On the other hand, the general consensus among fans is that even though the storyline lacks depth and the characters fail to leave a lasting impact, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins manages to deliver an enjoyable solo journey for the beloved hero.
Meanwhile, the film is buoyed by a stellar cast and an abundance of thrilling action sequences.
It seems like Disney is siding with the fans on this one, as the production studio has decided to feature Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins in the Hulu section of Disney+. (This feature on the streaming platform is still in beta and requires subscriptions to both services to access.)
Breathing New Life Into G.I. Joe
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins was released in 2021 with a promise to breathe new life into the G.I. Joe universe while simultaneously serving as an origin story for one of its most enigmatic characters.
The film aimed to carve its own path while paying homage to the beloved toy line and previous film adaptations.
The genesis of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins dates back to May 2018 when Paramount Pictures announced plans for a spin-off chronicling the origins of the iconic character.
With Golding at the helm, the film embarked on a journey to explore the complexities of Snake Eyes’ past and the forces that shaped him into the mysterious warrior fans have come to know.
Redemption, Betrayal, And Identity
At its core, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is a tale of redemption, betrayal, and the quest for identity. The film introduces audiences to a young boy thrust into a world of intrigue and danger after witnessing his father’s tragic demise.
Fast-forward twenty years, and we find the boy now known as Snake Eyes navigating the treacherous underworld of the Yakuza while seeking answers to his past.
Henry Golding led the cast of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, supported by a talented cast including Andrew Koji as Tommy/Storm Shadow, Úrsula Corberó as Baroness, and Iko Uwais as Hard Master.
The Movie’s Challenges
Despite its ambitions, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins faced its share of challenges upon release. The film’s box office performance fell short of expectations, with lukewarm critical reviews citing pacing issues and narrative inconsistencies.
While some praised Henry Golding’s performance and the film’s visual flair, others lamented its departure from the established G.I. Joe canon.
Future Of The Franchise
Looking ahead, the future of the G.I. Joe franchise remains uncertain in the wake of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins underwhelming reception. With plans for a follow-up film in development, the studio faces the daunting task of reinvigorating interest in the property.
Something, the studio is already attempting to do with crossovers with another Hasbro property, Transformers, as revealed at the end of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins may have stumbled in its debut, but its legacy endures. As the G.I. Joe saga continues to unfold, fans can catch up on Snake Eyes’ origin, now streaming on Disney+.
