Lee Byung Hun Talks about Co-star Bruce Willis and His Role on “G.I. Joe 2”

Actor Lee Byung Hun will reprise his role as Storm Shadow in the upcoming 3D Hollywood movie “G.I. Joe 2.” On December 12 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong, the actor held a press conference with Asian reporters on the sequel. The sequel to the blockbuster is said have more action and more eye-popping 3D effects.

“G.I. Joe 2” is the continuation of the story that began in the first movie. Bruce Willis will play Joe Colton the leader of the G.I. Joes and will fight the evil organization “Cobra”, of which Storm Shadow is a member of. Lee Byung Hun will show a more charismatic and action-filled performance than in the previous movie. The two have worked together before in the American movie “Red 2.”

On his co-star Bruce Willis, Lee Byung Hun said, “He treated me well, and I was impressed that he had such passion. He would always exchange new ideas with the director.”

Storm Shadow was introduced in the first movie as one of the top villains. “I considered whether to play this role again, but I thought that if I played a character well in an American blockbuster film, I would have more chances to play roles that are more appealing to me,” the actor said. “Storm Shadow isn’t a simple villain character; he has his own methods and motives of pursuing the world which makes him charming in his own way.

Lee Byung Hun also spoke about working in Hollywood. “After ‘G.I. Joe’ came out I received the rumored nickname of ‘Asia’s Elvis Presley’ because of the enthusiastic response I received when I promoted in Korean and Japan. Because of that I received more interest from the people in Hollywood,” Lee Byung Hun said. “I want to adapt to the way things are done in Hollywood, but I don’t want to compromise my emotions. I believe that whatever expressions I show should make the audience understand, regardless of their nationality.

Director Jon Chu was also at the press conference and hinted at what the 3D effects will be like in his 180 million dollar movie, “We wanted the audience to feel like they’re actually in the movie. The 3D effects will increase the realism of the action scenes. I think this movie is best suited for 3D.” He added, “Lee Byung Hun is good at the actions scenes but he also acts the emotions of the character well. With his acting he earned the nickname ‘Asia’s Tom Cruise’.”

“G.I. Joe 2” will be released in America and in Korea on March 29.