Per Deadline, Leigh Whannell is in talks to direct a new film version of Green Hornet And Kato.
David Koepp delivered a script to Universal earlier this year that the studio is reportedly very high on, and they’re interested in working with Whannell again, who previously collaborated with the studio on The Invisible Man.
The film will be produced by Amasia Entertainment, which acquired the rights to the character in 2020 under Bradley Gallo and Michael Helfant, who once served as President of Marvel Studios and oversaw early MCU projects Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk.
The Green Hornet character was first introduced to audiences through the radio program of the same name in 1936, with the show revolving around Britt Reid, a wealthy publisher who disguises himself at night and fights crime alongside his friend Kato.
The popularity of the series spun off into other platforms such as film serials, comics, and television, most notably the 1966 TV series which starred Van Williams as the title character and Bruce Lee as Kato.
There was a 2011 film version of the character which saw Seth Rogen and Jay Chou play the lead roles, but it had a disappointing box office performance and was mostly disliked due to its comedy elements, so sequel plans were scrapped.
But that version came out when the superhero genre wasn’t quite as dominant and ubiquitous as it is today. If Whannell does indeed sign on to helm the film, we can expect a more serious and modern version of the two heroes who audiences will likely be more receptive to.
Whannell penned the scripts for Saw and Insidious before making his directorial debut with Insidious: Chapter 3.
He then went on to make sci-fi film Upgrade and The Invisible Man, both of which were well-liked. He was previously in talks to direct a Wolf Man reboot with Ryan Gosling, though there hasn’t been much word on that for months.
Whannell’s involvement would certainly signal a darker tone for this Green Hornet film, and while the film is in early development and plot details are under wraps right now, the inclusion of Kato’s name in the working title suggests that he will have a more pronounced role this time around.
There will now likely be plenty of discussion as to who will be cast as the heroes. As more actors get snapped up for roles in the MCU, Sony’s Spider-Man universe, DC films, and more, Universal may find themselves slightly hamstrung by who they can approach for the lead roles, so it’s possible Green Hornet And Kato could star two lesser known actors the studio wants to propel into stardom.
Whannell’s previous relationship with Universal likely indicates that this gig is his if he wants it. He’s already had major success rebooting one popular genre figure from the past, so let’s see if he can do it again.
#Peace.Love.GreenHornetAndKato
