Ripcord and G.I. Joe

Black Voices interviewed Marlon Wayans about his various film projects, when talk turned to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra."

Marlon may have revealed some info that I don't think has been made public yet. Apparently his character, Ripcord, and Rachel Nichols' character, Scarlett, start a relationship in the upcoming movie.

Speaking of 'G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra,' did you get into shape for it?

MW: I sure did. I gained 30 pounds for the role. I came in and read with Rachel Nichols, who plays Scarlett. I wanted to be Snake Eyes, but that part was taken.

Were you a fan of the cartoon series?

MW: Of course. I watched the cartoon series religiously. We didn't get the dolls because we needed to put food on the table, and that won over anything.

What differences are there between you playing Ripcord and what we saw on the cartoon series?

MW: The main thing is that the character is black in the film. I've played a drug addict in 'Requiem for a Dream,' a thief in 'The Ladykillers' and a white girl in 'White Chicks,' so I can play any part. Rachel Nichols is also my romantic interest in the film, which wasn't part of the cartoon series.

Ripcord is a character who does halo jumps (high altitude low opening). So having his character become a different skin color and now have a romantic interest is definitely different than the original character from the "G.I. Joe" cartoon series.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!