Snake Eyes Movie Resurfaces: From Nicolas Cage Thriller Conspiracies to Henry Golding’s G.I. Joe Reboot
The snake eyes movie has become a cultural talking point once again, thanks to a mix of conspiracy theories tied to the 1998 Nicolas Cage film and renewed streaming interest in the 2021 Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. From viral online discussions to debates about the future of the G.I. Joe franchise, the name “Snake Eyes” is back in the spotlight for very different reasons.
Conspiracy Theories Around the Nicolas Cage Snake Eyes
The 1998 Snake Eyes movie directed by Brian De Palma and starring Nicolas Cage has unexpectedly re-entered public conversation after the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025. Online users quickly pointed out eerie similarities between the film’s fictional events and the real-world incident.
In the movie, Secretary of Defense Charles Kirkland is shot in the neck during a major boxing event, sparking a web of conspiracy and corruption. Parallels highlighted on social media include:
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The similarity between the names “Kirk” and “Kirkland.”
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Both the real-life and fictional shootings involved neck injuries.
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Secondary character overlaps, including names such as “Tyler.”
While the comparisons have fueled “predictive programming” debates, experts stress there is no factual connection between the film’s 1998 plot and present-day events. Still, the resurfacing of Nicolas Cage Snake Eyes shows how pop culture can blend with conspiracy theories in unexpected ways.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins and Its Rocky Journey
More than two decades after De Palma’s thriller, the franchise shifted to action-packed comic book territory with Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins in 2021. Directed by Robert Schwentke and starring Henry Golding, the film aimed to give the silent ninja of the G.I. Joe series a standalone origin story.
Critical and Commercial Reception
The film faced challenges both critically and financially:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Schwentke |
| Lead Actor | Henry Golding |
| Budget | Estimated $88–110 million |
| Global Box Office | Around $40 million |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 35% critic rating |
The underwhelming performance at the box office led many to label it a misfire for the franchise. Yet, the story did not end there.
Streaming Success on Netflix
Despite its initial failure, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins found new life on Netflix. At one point, it rose to become the platform’s fourth most-watched movie worldwide. This unexpected resurgence highlighted how films that flop in theaters can thrive on streaming platforms where audiences are broader and viewing risks are lower.
The Future: Snake Eyes 2 and G.I. Joe’s Prospects
The possibility of Snake Eyes 2 has been widely debated since the first film’s release. Early plans hinted at a direct sequel or a larger project known as G.I. Joe: Ever Vigilant. However, critics argue the poor box office reception makes a follow-up unlikely.
Still, Henry Golding has expressed optimism about the franchise’s potential. He has hinted at “grand plans” for continuing the story, possibly through streaming shows or reimagined films. The flexibility of today’s entertainment industry means the G.I. Joe Origins storyline could still evolve even if it does not continue in theaters.
The Legacy of G.I. Joe Origins and Brian De Palma Snake Eyes
Today, the snake eyes movie exists in two very different forms in public memory. The Brian De Palma Snake Eyes from 1998 is now tied to modern conspiracy theories and cultural speculation, while the G.I. Joe Origins version starring Henry Golding reflects the risks of rebooting a well-known franchise in a changing industry.
For audiences, the franchise offers a unique contrast: a noir-style political thriller on one side and a martial arts action reboot on the other. Whether Snake Eyes 2 or G.I. Joe: Ever Vigilant ever becomes a reality, both films prove that the Snake Eyes name continues to spark curiosity, debate, and new waves of attention.
