Joe: A Real American Hero,” said in the new film’s promotional materials he was once asked by a young Asian American fan “why the most badass ninja in the world is a white guy,” and it stuck with him. Larry Hama, the Asian American writer and artist who created the popular comic book “ G.I. Here, he’s played as an Asian American boy by Max Archibald (“The 100") and as a man by Henry Golding (the Malaysian-British star of “ Crazy Rich Asians”). On such occasions, he has been depicted as blond and blue-eyed … as one would imagine most ninjas to be? In the previous films, he was played by the brilliant physical performer Ray Park (best known as Darth Maul of “Star Wars”) and “Kickin’ It” star Leo Howard. The resident ninja of the good-guy military unit known as the “Joes,” Snake Eyes has rarely been shown in the toy-comic-cartoon-movie franchise without his iconic black mask. If nothing else, the franchise would deserve serious credit for shrugging off the grand old tradition of cultural erasure as a butter-on-your-popcorn bonus, “ Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe” fans finally get an extended look behind the mask of their favorite ninja and, thank goodness, he’s Asian.
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We will continue to note the various ways readers can see each new film, including drive-in theaters in the Southland and VOD/streaming options when available. Because moviegoing carries inherent risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC and local health officials. The Los Angeles Times is committed to reviewing new theatrical film releases during the COVID-19 pandemic.