Storm Shadow: Origins, Actors, & More | G.I. Joe

06 May, 2025

Is it possible to truly understand a character as complex and multifaceted as Storm Shadow? The answer, surprisingly, might lie in understanding his origins, his motivations, and the very essence of the conflicts that define him.

Storm Shadow, a name synonymous with both the G.I. Joe universe and the intriguing world of the Arashikage clan, has captivated audiences for decades. From his debut in the comic book pages to his appearances on the big screen, he's been a figure of both admiration and suspicion. A master of ninjutsu, a skilled swordsman, and a man of enigmatic loyalties, Storm Shadow has always been a character that defies easy categorization.

Category	Details
Real Name	Thomas Arashikage
Known Alias	Storm Shadow
Date of Birth	July 12, 1970 (Lee Byung-hun) / 1987 (Andrew Koji)
Place of Birth	South Korea (Lee Byung-hun) / England (Andrew Koji)
Nationality	Korean (Lee Byung-hun) / British (Andrew Koji)
Profession	Ninja, Martial Arts Expert, Actor
Known For	Portraying Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe films (Lee Byung-hun & Andrew Koji)
Notable Works (Lee Byung-hun)	"G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" (2009), "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" (2013), "Iris" (TV Drama)
Notable Works (Andrew Koji)	"Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" (2021), "Bullet Train" (2022), "Warrior" (TV Series), "Peaky Blinders" (TV Series)
Key Relationships	Snake Eyes (Friend, Sword Brother, and Rival), Kenta (Rival)
Affiliations	Cobra (formerly), G.I. Joe (formerly), Arashikage Clan
Marital Status	Unknown
Height	Varies based on portrayal
Weight	Varies based on portrayal
Website for Reference	IMDB

The character's journey began in the realm of comic books. Storm Shadow first emerged in the pages of Marvel's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21, which hit the shelves in March of 1984. Created by the talented Larry Hama, Storm Shadow quickly became a fan favorite, known for his striking appearance, his deadly skills, and his mysterious persona. His early appearances established him as a formidable adversary, a key member of the Cobra organization, and a constant threat to the G.I. Joe team.

Storm Shadows initial role was as a member of Cobra, a clear enemy of the G.I. Joe team. However, his narrative arc is far from simple. The second figure of Storm Shadow, released in 1988, marked a turning point, showing him defecting to the G.I. Joe side. This dynamic shift set the stage for his complex relationship with Snake Eyes, a bond forged in shared experiences and mutual respect.

The evolution of Storm Shadow continued into the 1980s with the introduction of a new version of the character, specifically designed for the ninja-themed storyline. This version emphasized Storm Shadow's skills in martial arts, adding to his mystique and appeal.

The on-screen adaptations have brought a new dimension to Storm Shadow's character. In 2009, Hollywood took a stab at bringing the G.I. Joe universe to life, with Lee Byung-hun stepping into the role of Storm Shadow in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." His portrayal was well-received, and he reprised the role in the 2013 sequel, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation." These films helped expand the character's global recognition, showcasing his fighting skills and his enigmatic persona.

Lee Byung-hun, a South Korean actor born on July 12, 1970, brought a unique perspective to the role. His background in Korean television dramas, including "Iris," prepared him for the intensity and physical demands of the action sequences. His Hollywood debut in 2010, with "I Saw the Devil," opened doors for him to become an international star. He has also starred in films such as "Red 2" alongside Bruce Willis, further solidifying his place in the action genre.

Adding a new layer to the Storm Shadow narrative is the recent prequel, "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins." Andrew Koji, a British actor and martial artist born in 1987, takes on the iconic role, promising a fresh perspective on the character's origins. Koji, known for his work in "Warrior" and "Peaky Blinders," expressed his hopes to bring a new approach to the role. The film is set to delve into the formative years of Storm Shadow, exploring his relationship with Snake Eyes.

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins positions itself as an origin story, offering audiences a closer look into the world of the Arashikage clan and the intense rivalry between Storm Shadow and his sworn brother, Snake Eyes. The narrative will explore the complexities of their relationship, set against a backdrop of martial arts and betrayal.

In the original source material, Storm Shadow is known as Thomas Arashikage. However, in the film adaptations, he is primarily known as Storm Shadow. The name "Arashikage" itself has cultural significance. In Korean, the pronunciation becomes "Namyeong", which translates to Storm Shadow.

The film hints at Storm Shadow's Korean ancestry, but the true nature of his identity goes beyond simple categorization. The flashback scenes that hint to his childhood offer a glimpse into his complex upbringing. His skills as a ninja, his mastery of martial arts, and his strategic mind all suggest a man who has spent his life preparing for conflict.

Storm Shadows presence in the G.I. Joe universe goes beyond his fighting skills. He serves as a foil to Snake Eyes. The first film portrayed Storm Shadow as a member of Cobra, but he and Snake Eyes share a unique past, as they served together on a long-range reconnaissance patrol team in Southeast Asia. This shared history and the challenges they faced together, forged a strong connection between them. Their relationship, full of trust, respect, and occasional betrayal, creates the most dynamic conflict in the G.I. Joe storyline.

The franchise's evolution also includes the development of Storm Shadow as an action star. Lee Byung-hun's work in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" played a pivotal role in this development, and his subsequent appearances in "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" added another layer to the character. His presence elevated the films, demonstrating the franchise's appeal to an international audience.

The anticipation for "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" offers fans a chance to explore the ninja's past. The fact that Andrew Koji, who will play Storm Shadow, has expressed some disappointment with the previous films reveals the dedication actors bring to the role.

The upcoming film aims to present a fresh take on a character with a long and compelling history. From his appearances in comics and cartoons to his role in the movies, Storm Shadow has left his mark on the G.I. Joe franchise.

The G.I. Joe universe has a fascinating history. Storm Shadows appearances over the years have contributed to its legacy.

Byung hun Lee as Storm Shadow / Thomas "Tommy" Arashikage G.I. Joe

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Byung hun Lee aka Storm Shadow GI Joe Retaliation Lee byung hun

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