There are currently multiple upcoming projects in various stages of development based on The Green Hornet character.
Film reboot[]
In 2016, Chernin Entertainment and Paramount Pictures acquired the film rights to the franchise. Gavin O'Connor (Warrior, The Accountant) was announced as director and producer of a rebooted film to be written by Sean O'Keefe (Spencer Confidential). However, the film ultimately did not go forward, and in 2020, Amasia Entertainment acquired the film rights. The film is now set to be produced at Universal Studios with Leigh Whannell (Upgrade, The Invisible Man) directing and David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Spider-Man) writing the screenplay.
Animated series[]
The Green Hornet is a planned, but possibly canceled, upcoming animated series based on the Green Hornet character. The Green Hornet is being created by filmmaker, actor and screenwriter Kevin Smith (known for his role as Silent Bob and projects such as The Flash) and production company WildBrain (Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake, Inspector Gadget, etc.)
The new series is stated to be targeted at a family audience and will feature such classic Green Hornet elements as the Black Beauty. Set in modern times, it will feature the son of the original Green Hornet and the daughter of the original Kato, partnering together to battle crime in Century City.[1]
Development[]
Kevin Smith, creator of the series, stated that "It's an honor to escort the legendary Green Hornet and Kato into their very own animated series for the first time in the rich history of these iconic pop culture characters! We’ll be telling a tale of two Hornets – past and future – that spans generations and draws inspiration from a lifetime spent watching classic cartoons and amazing animation like Batman: The Animated Series, Heavy Metal, and Super Friends. I can’t believe WildBrain gave me this job and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to extend my childhood a little longer." Stephanie Betts, who serves as an executive vice-president of Content and Current Series at WildBrain stated that "We’re thrilled to embark on a new animated Green Hornet series with Kevin, who has set up an incredibly rich world with a cast of amazing characters – especially Kato, who is no longer just a sidekick, but is now a strong female partner to the Green Hornet. With his ingenious talent and passion for superheroes and classic franchises, Kevin is the perfect creator to update the Green Hornet. We’re excited to share the new Green Hornet and Kato with audiences worldwide."[1]
On August 18, 2020, it was reported that Kevin Smith had turned in a 20-page outline for the series to WildBrain. He tweeted that "This cartoon is gonna look amazingly fresh, while still feeling like Batman: The Animated Series!" Smith also shared a piece of concept art for the series.[2]
On September 19, 2020, Smith reported that he had recently pitched the series to three different networks or services and that he thought it likely it was going to find a home soon. He describes the art dec for the series as being "f*cking gorgeous," and heavily inspired by the look of the film Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.[3]
As of December 2022 there has been no further news regarding the project and its status is uncertain.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kevin Smith and WildBrain Join Forces for New Animated Green Hornet Series. WildBrain (July 30, 2020). Retrieved on August 1, 2020.
- ↑ Lennon, Jennifer (August 18, 2020). Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet Season 1 Story Is Ready. Screenrant. Retrieved on August 18, 2020.
- ↑ Lee, Joseph (September 19, 2020). Kevin Smith On Ben Affleck’s Bigger Role In Mallrats 2, Update On Green Hornet Animated Series. 411 Mania. Retrieved on September 20, 2020.