It has been a while since we last heard from the movie front of the G.I. Joe franchise. What better way to break the silence than an interview? (yes, well, a trailer perhaps.) This time, it’s not our usual suspect; Henry Golding, but rather his opponent Andrew Koji, who plays the role of Storm Shadow.
Talking to Hersey Japan, Mr. Koji mentioned that the climax of the movie, the final big fight, will take place at Warp Station Edo in Ibaraki. The location is immensely popular due to its usage on many movies and TV shows (see pictures attached).
Speaking about his role, he mentioned that he disliked the way Storm Shadow was portrayed on G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, but respects Byung Hun Lee, who precedes him. The creative team of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins fought hard to keep the cultural aspect as faithful as possible.
“We kind of fought for the authenticity in the Japanese side of it. Hollywood’s got a tendency to just paint any Asian culture with broad-strokes, [like] Chinese Kung-Fu is the same as the Japanese thing. In this one, there was a lot of talks and hopefully helped out to kind of make it as authentic than you’ve seen so far in terms of the Japanese representation of the culture, in terms of [its] people, and in terms of performance as well.
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This person (Storm Shadow) is a human being. I wanna be able to see a fully formed character. [What] I tried to fight for as much as I can in this film, is for any young Asian boy growing up, who wants to become an actor, to see themselves on the screen when they watch and they can go ‘I wanna do something like that and we can be real people on screen’. Even though its a Ninja, at least there’s a human behind that warrior character.”
Andrew Koji mentioned that the current COVID-19 Pandemic did not affect the production of the movie since they wrapped up prior to the escalation of the situation, but reshoots may happen in another month or two, but is unsure whether they’ll take place in Japan or Vancouver.
You can checkout the full interview at Hersey Shiga Diaries podcast.
SilverOptimus says
News Post: Andrew Koji Talks About New Storm Shadow, Reshoots And Cultural Authenticity
Aeimnestos says
I needed this to cheer me up. thank you.
46 Zone says
I don't recognize that filming location. Anyone know what movies have been shot there?
ozzie92 says
Hmmm...was he speculating about the possible (usual?) scenario of needing reshoots, or does he know they need to? It could be a very long time before being able to do so, delaying this movie after all...
Mr Hebime says
Yeet says
It's nice to see that he cares about making it a good film
sbartek1974 says
SlicesCustoms says
Really stoked for this movie, but I hope they keep politics out of it. This interview seems to be pushing it.
Yeet says
Aeimnestos says
Keep reading: Andrew Koji Talks About New Storm Shadow, Reshoots And Cultural Authenticity - Page 2
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