A lot of the times, movies that are adapted from literary fiction are often big-named things like Batman or Lord of the Rings. However, and thankfully, the studios are not completely blind to the cultish fandom that grows up around older pieces. One such piece that has just been green lit for production is The Green Hornet.
The film adaptation will be written by Seth Rogen, who will also star. The actor from films liked Knocked Up, Superbad, and the upcoming Pineapple Express and Fanboys, Rogen is currently penning the script with his writing partner, Evan Goldberg (the duo also co-wrote from Superbad).
The Green Hornet was originally created by Fran Striker back in the 1930s, for an American old-time radio program. The character appeared in film serials in the 40s, TV in the 60s, and in comic books from the 40s to the 90s. The story revolves around Britt Reid, a bored playboy who inherits his father’s newspaper and spends his nights out on the streets crusading as the Green Hornet.
Accompanied by his similarly masked Asian manservant Kato, and driving a James Bond-like car, tricked out with gadgets, called Black Beauty. An interesting note that a lot of people often gloss over is The Green Hornet’s relationship with The Lone Ranger, another character created by Fran Striker; he is the Ranger’s grand-nephew.
Sony Entertainment has the rights to the film, and has yet to hire a director for the film, which is expected to hit cinemas on June 25, 2010.
[Source: EW]
Lets look at some facts that have been overlooked or pushed under the rug by SOOO many here and in Hollywood.
1. The character predated Batman and the ONLY tie in was in 1966 when the same producer for the TV show did the TV Green Hornet.
2. The Character is not a superhero, he has no super powers, no super villains, he is at best a masked crime fighter. Really he is no different than any TV/Film crime fighter except he happens to have a secret identity.
3. The Character did not come from the comic world; comics only explored their version of the story after the radio show was already established. The later 90’s Comic series further explored an alternate universe of the Green Hornet world. Not too uncommon for the comic world but not congruent with the characters true origins and world.
4. The character is a hard driving young (33) successful businessman who is dedicated to fight crime in his community and wherever it occurs. NOT a lazy billionaire playboy that is pure recent media hype.
5. He is seen as a criminal in the criminal world so law enforcement is always after him. The criminals hate him because they fear him, Kato, and the Black Beauty.
6. The Green Hornet is a brilliant strategist and foils his foes in a well played out mental chess game (SEE Jason Borne or James Bond) Kato assists in strategy, weapons development and construction and muscle when needed.
5. The Green Hornet is fully capable in hand-to-hand combat in most every situation. He has a totally different style than Kato. He is in top physical condition.
6. Kato is fully competent in any situation of combat. He is so confident that his attitude comes across as smug. But make no mistake he takes crime fighting and combat very seriously. It would be a very rare occurrence if he were bested in hand-to-hand combat.
7. The TV series was canceled because the producer was not allotted enough TV time to further develop the character. ABC only allowed 30m and Dozier insisted on 60m for the second season. ABC refused so dozier canceled the series.
8. Production costs were out of control on Batman (A Huge hit) and budgets were getting tight so this was also a factor in sidelining the Green Hornet.
9. Keaton worked as Batman because he has shown he an actor that has depth and intensity. It makes no difference that he was in a comedic role prior. He is/was capable of VERY serious roles and can be very dark, which is needed for the Dark Knight. Same goes for Robin Williams as Joker, Riddler. He has proven himself in serious roles and can also be a believable villain and can also be very dark. Seth??
10. The Green Hornet does not exist in the DC or Marvel universe.
11. Seth has in the past said this will be a comedy then said it will be an action film just like Pineapple Express (due out this fall), so who knows what he/they will decide on.
The were able to hold the elements together for Spider-man, Fantastic Four, Elektra, Daredevil, Hulk, Iron Man, X-Men, Batman, Superman, Punisher, Blade so why not do the same for the Green Hornet? The Hornet is more like a Jason Borne, or a James Bond without the MI5-CIA connection. Hard fighting, mental strategy game, interesting gadget technology.
Anything less that what the character is or was created to be is just a slap in the face to all of fandom and aficionados of the genre. People do not want something different they want something familiar but updated to take advantage of the wonderful film technology we have today.
Filmgoers want to leave the film after paying their $10 saying “…damn that was awesome!†Not “Damn I could have blown that $10 bucks elsewhere and been happier.â€
Fans are not looking for another Rush Hour film, they did that and it was fine for what it was.
Impress us Seth! Don’t rip us off!
Comment by Why? — June 12, 2008 @ 10:01 am