Hollywood is all abuzz this Thursday afternoon after learning that Kevin Smith is joining forces with producer WildBrain to develop a new animated series centered around the superhero antics of The Green Hornet.
Known for being a man about comics, Smith is no stranger to the iconic character. In 2004, he was hired to write a feature film screenplay based on the pulpy hero for Miramax. As it happens, Smith's screenplay never made it to screen, though the View Askewniverse mastermind did turn his script into a comic book series, which was then published by Dynamite Entertainment in 2010. As for the Green Hornet film project, the task of bringing the "dressed in jade" crime fighter to the big screen then fell to Seth Rogen, who wrote and starred in 2011's THE GREEN HORNET for director Michel Gondry.
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 sidekick, 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.
For his upcoming animation project, Smith and WildBrain are developing the new animated series to target a family audience. Per Deadline, the series will be set in contemporary times, following the adventures of a re-imagined Green Hornet and Kato – now the grown son of the original Green Hornet and the daughter of the original Kato – as they partner to battle crime in Century City. It will also feature the Green Hornet’s ultra-high-tech car, Black Beauty.
Wildbrain, who owns such properties as Peanuts, Teletubbies, and Inspector Gadget, will join Smith in shopping the Green Hornet concept to broadcasters and streamers as the project comes together.
“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.”
We'll be sure to update you as Smith and WildBrain's The Green Hornet animated series continues to take flight.