The Green Hornet and Kato: David Koepp to pen superhero film for Universal

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

At long last, Universal Pictures and Amasia Entertainment’s The Green Hornet and Kato has found its writer in David Koepp. Known for penning such films as Jurassic Park, Death Becomes Her, The Shadow, and Carlito's Way, just to name a few, Koepp feels like a fine match for the pulp superhero property.

Arriving on the superhero scene before Superman, Green Hornet was one of radio's most inspired adventure programs. In time, Universal transformed the character's exploits into a series of 1940s movie serials. In 1966, 20th Century Fox let Green Hornet fly as a television series, with Bruce Lee starring as the justice seeker's trusty companion, Kato. The story of The Green Hornet finds The Daily Sentinel owner/publisher Britt Reid fighting crime while looking to dismantle a vast criminal underworld. Together with his partner Kato, Green Hornet uses his nose for news, an assortment of sweet weapons, and a car that would make James Bond jealous, named The Black Beauty, to bring villains to their knees.

Universal managed to snag the rights to The Green Hornet from Amasia back in April, after co-founders Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo won control of the motion picture franchise from the family of the original creator George W. Trendle in a heated bidding war in January.

In addition to Koepp's adaptation, Kevin Smith is also getting into the Green Hornet business with an animated series from Wildbrain, who owns such properties as Peanuts, Teletubbies, and Inspector Gadget. Smith plans on shopping the project to broadcasters and streamers once it's ready to rock 'n' roll.

“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,” said Smith about partnering with Wildbrain for this exciting opportunity that will introduce the hero to a whole new generation of fans.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Betts, EVP Content and Current Series at Wildbrain added, “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.”

What's your excitement level like for The Green Hornet and Kato? Does the idea of David Koepp entering the picture have you looking forward to Universal's adaptation? Let us know where you're at in the comments section below.