“The Green Hornet” Japanese Poster
The Green Hornet and Kato will once again be buzzin’ and kickin’ in an entirely new Green Hornet movie that’s currently in high pre-production stage from Universal Pictures.
Leigh Whannell, who is perhaps best-known for 2018’s Upgrade and 2020’s The Invisible Man, is in negotiations to direct off a script by David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible). The upcoming film is being produced by Amasia’s Michael Helfant (The Road Within) and Bradley Gallo (Them That Follow).
“Our goal is to make a film that existing fans will love, and new fans will love to discover. With Universal, it feels like we are merging the past and the future, creating a contemporary version of the franchise that is fresh and exciting while respecting its long legacy and history,” said Helfant (via Deadline).
The Green Hornet originated as a radio show during the 1930s based on the vigilante Britt Reid character, owner/publisher of The Daily Sentinel. The 1966 TV series introduced Bruce Lee to the United States as Reid’s sidekick Kato. Seth Rogen, as Reid, and Jay Chou, as Kato, starred in Sony’s The Green Hornet (2011), which was produced by Neal Moritz and directed by Michel Gondry, generating $227 million worldwide at the box office on a $120 million budget (via Variety).
The Green Hornet’s success in Hong Kong, where it was popularly known as The Kato Show, led to Lee starring in the feature films that would make him a pop culture icon. This show launched Bruce Lee’s adult television and film career (via Wiki).
The big question in everyone’s mind is: Who’ll play The Green Hornet? The even bigger question is: Who’ll play Kato?
We’ll keep you updated on this project as we learn more.
Sadly the Disney purchase of Fox makes the chances of seeing the 60s tv show on home video even less likely.
There’s definitely something going on with the legalities of the 60’s Green Hornet TV series. They had the perfect opportunity to cash in on the series with the 2011 movie as well. And countless times with the world-wide Bruce Lee fanbase. Maybe Disney will release it?
At least we got the Batman crossover episodes recently
This Green Hornet and Kato film is going to be a Real Blockbuster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am an avid fan of The Green Hornet and Kato.They are my favourite Super Heros!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!