The Green Hornet

[Assassin32]

Seth Rogen is an excellent dramatic actor, not just a funny one. I'm very interested in this film, and I hope it pulls him out of the comedy typecast in a big way.

[Catman]

Originally Posted by Gotham

The only question is, have they chosen Rogen's comedic route or the action route? He said he had written two completely different interpretations of the story.

Pineapple Express is an action-comedy so lets see how he does there.

[batgirl2119]

my concern is, who's kato? we all know he's the real hero.

[Catman]

Rogen said he wanted Stephen Chow.

[Octoberist]

i still think the main reason why Rogen wants to play as the Hornet is because he'll benefit from the massive weightloss he'll get from training. which in turn, can totatlly change his career from fat stoner loser, to a more versatile leading man in future movies.

[Shifty]

Here's some more info

Coming Soon!

Seth Rogen on The Green Hornet
Source: Heather Newgen
June 4, 2008

Before even seeing Seth Rogen on the New Mexico set of his new Warner Bros. movie Observe and Report (working title), we could hear his infectious laugh roar through an Albuquerque mall where the base camp was set up to shoot and we couldn't wait to chat with him. Not only is Rogen one of the coolest guys to interview because of his raunchy sense of humor and his genuine interest in wanting to talk to press, but he gave us some insight as to what is going on with The Green Hornet, which he is co-writing and would star in as the masked crime fighter.

"'Green Hornet' is PG-13 and that's an action movie. You can do anything violence wise," he told us.

When asked about Stephen Chow being involved in the project, Rogen confirmed that his name has come up and said, "Until you get an official green light, the studio won't spend any money and you can't get an actor without any money. We would love to have him. The version of the script is ultimately written as a very intense action movie."

"It's a very intense action movie and the relationship between Green Hornet and Kato, a lot of comedy comes from that. At first actually, we weren't even sure going in we could be more of a Jet Li type guy who maybe isn't the funniest guy in the world, but he's physically very impressive, or whether it would be more of a Stephen Chow type guy who can do martial arts, but clearly has a sense of humor. In the version that we've made it seems like a Stephen Chow type guy would be more suitable for the role. Again, until they officially greenlight it, it's hard to make any of those decisions," Rogen continued.

But that isn't stopping the comedian from searching for someone to helm the comic book film. "We have been meeting with directors and stuff even though we haven't been greenlit. We just kind of took it upon ourselves to kind of begin conservations with people. I'm really excited. It seems like it might really happen."

While they have approached a few different directors, Rogen isn't sure if he wants someone who has experience with big budget action films or more of an independent helmer. "We've been meeting with people in both worlds I would say and that ultimately is the real question. Do you get a guy who does action really well and who has done that before, or do you get a guy who has never done action before, but can bring something unique to that style movie? We don't know yet. Until we get the script down to people, we're kind of letting their response to what we write be the dictator. Someone will read it and be more psyched than the other guys and that will be the guys we go with."

When asked who will get more action -- Green Hornet or Kato -- Rogen said, " It's them sharing the action, but I would say the story has something to do with them working out their relationship exactly. I would say in a way it's your quintessential story about a hero and his sidekick. That's what really initially drew us to it. We always thought that was kind of a funny dynamic and a funny relationship and no movies really did that except 'Batman & Robin.' No movies did that well."

Rogen, who is writing the script with childhood friend Evan Goldberg, said the two had always been fascinated by superheroes and hope the project moves forward. "For years Evan and I have been toying with this notion of a movie that explores the hero / sidekick relationship and what is a hero without a sidekick and what is a sidekick without a hero. It's actually a dynamic that applies to many real life situations--a lot of working dynamics, a lot of bosses and their underlinings. The one thing people say when you see the Green Hornet is Bruce Lee and Kato. He's the only hero with a sidekick who is way more known than he is."

What exactly is the hold up with the movie? Rogen explains it's actually him. " It's more just us finishing up a newer draft of the script."

And he admitted he doesn't think about the budget when writing the script. " We don't think about the money at all. When we're writing a script, the only way we can do it is write exactly what it is we want to see when we go to a movie. When we wrote 'Pineapple Express,' we didn't know if it was going to be a $100 million movie or a $27 million movie. Ultimately, it was a $27 million movie, but that didn't affect the way we wrote it. We did all the action we wanted in that. That being said, this seems like it would be more in the $70-100 [million] world."

The high in-demand actor can't say for sure if the movie will be approved by the studio, but he's leaving his schedule open just in case. "If we make 'The Green Hornet' it would probably shoot sometime after [the Judd Apatow untitled project] so we're kind of leaving that slot open."

He joked, however, and said we could hear something soon and isn't 100% sure it's going to happen, but did say, "I have been getting good indicators lately and we've heard that they [Sony Pictures] really like the first draft that we've turned it," which was about three weeks ago.

Rogen is known for being a comedic writer and actor, but he grew up watching action films which he says is one of his favorite genres. "My mother's favorite movies were 'Die Hard,' 'Total Recall,' 'Under Seige' I remember seeing in the movie theater when I was way too young to see it. I remember seeing 'Lethal Weapon 2' in the movie theater, so those are my favorite types of movies, really, so it's not hard at all for me to write action. It's really fun for me...With 'Green Hornet' it's our goal to show people action that they haven't quite seen before."

EW.com says The Green Hornet has been scheduled for a June 25, 2010 release

[shapeshifter]

Originally Posted by Octoberist

i still think the main reason why Rogen wants to play as the Hornet is because he'll benefit from the massive weightloss he'll get from training. which in turn, can totatlly change his career from fat stoner loser, to a more versatile leading man in future movies.

man he has a long long way to go.

[Raiden]

I think I like the rumor of Jack Black playing GL better than this.

[Octoberist]

okay. now people are getting silly. i'm pointing at you, Raiden

[OctaviusINC]

Originally Posted by Raiden

I think I like the rumor of Jack Black playing GL better than this.

Both casting rumors make me want to make out with a rusty STD ridden chainsaw.

[shapeshifter]

Originally Posted by OctaviousINC

Both casting rumors make me want to make out with a rusty STD ridden chainsaw.

when your done can I borrow it?

[The Caped Knight]

Originally Posted by slinger

Here's some more info

Coming Soon!

Seth Rogen on The Green Hornet
Source: Heather Newgen
June 4, 2008

Before even seeing Seth Rogen on the New Mexico set of his new Warner Bros. movie Observe and Report (working title), we could hear his infectious laugh roar through an Albuquerque mall where the base camp was set up to shoot and we couldn't wait to chat with him. Not only is Rogen one of the coolest guys to interview because of his raunchy sense of humor and his genuine interest in wanting to talk to press, but he gave us some insight as to what is going on with The Green Hornet, which he is co-writing and would star in as the masked crime fighter.

"'Green Hornet' is PG-13 and that's an action movie. You can do anything violence wise," he told us.

When asked about Stephen Chow being involved in the project, Rogen confirmed that his name has come up and said, "Until you get an official green light, the studio won't spend any money and you can't get an actor without any money. We would love to have him. The version of the script is ultimately written as a very intense action movie."

"It's a very intense action movie and the relationship between Green Hornet and Kato, a lot of comedy comes from that. At first actually, we weren't even sure going in we could be more of a Jet Li type guy who maybe isn't the funniest guy in the world, but he's physically very impressive, or whether it would be more of a Stephen Chow type guy who can do martial arts, but clearly has a sense of humor. In the version that we've made it seems like a Stephen Chow type guy would be more suitable for the role. Again, until they officially greenlight it, it's hard to make any of those decisions," Rogen continued.

But that isn't stopping the comedian from searching for someone to helm the comic book film. "We have been meeting with directors and stuff even though we haven't been greenlit. We just kind of took it upon ourselves to kind of begin conservations with people. I'm really excited. It seems like it might really happen."

While they have approached a few different directors, Rogen isn't sure if he wants someone who has experience with big budget action films or more of an independent helmer. "We've been meeting with people in both worlds I would say and that ultimately is the real question. Do you get a guy who does action really well and who has done that before, or do you get a guy who has never done action before, but can bring something unique to that style movie? We don't know yet. Until we get the script down to people, we're kind of letting their response to what we write be the dictator. Someone will read it and be more psyched than the other guys and that will be the guys we go with."

When asked who will get more action -- Green Hornet or Kato -- Rogen said, " It's them sharing the action, but I would say the story has something to do with them working out their relationship exactly. I would say in a way it's your quintessential story about a hero and his sidekick. That's what really initially drew us to it. We always thought that was kind of a funny dynamic and a funny relationship and no movies really did that except 'Batman & Robin.' No movies did that well."

Rogen, who is writing the script with childhood friend Evan Goldberg, said the two had always been fascinated by superheroes and hope the project moves forward. "For years Evan and I have been toying with this notion of a movie that explores the hero / sidekick relationship and what is a hero without a sidekick and what is a sidekick without a hero. It's actually a dynamic that applies to many real life situations--a lot of working dynamics, a lot of bosses and their underlinings. The one thing people say when you see the Green Hornet is Bruce Lee and Kato. He's the only hero with a sidekick who is way more known than he is."

What exactly is the hold up with the movie? Rogen explains it's actually him. " It's more just us finishing up a newer draft of the script."

And he admitted he doesn't think about the budget when writing the script. " We don't think about the money at all. When we're writing a script, the only way we can do it is write exactly what it is we want to see when we go to a movie. When we wrote 'Pineapple Express,' we didn't know if it was going to be a $100 million movie or a $27 million movie. Ultimately, it was a $27 million movie, but that didn't affect the way we wrote it. We did all the action we wanted in that. That being said, this seems like it would be more in the $70-100 [million] world."

The high in-demand actor can't say for sure if the movie will be approved by the studio, but he's leaving his schedule open just in case. "If we make 'The Green Hornet' it would probably shoot sometime after [the Judd Apatow untitled project] so we're kind of leaving that slot open."

He joked, however, and said we could hear something soon and isn't 100% sure it's going to happen, but did say, "I have been getting good indicators lately and we've heard that they [Sony Pictures] really like the first draft that we've turned it," which was about three weeks ago.

Rogen is known for being a comedic writer and actor, but he grew up watching action films which he says is one of his favorite genres. "My mother's favorite movies were 'Die Hard,' 'Total Recall,' 'Under Seige' I remember seeing in the movie theater when I was way too young to see it. I remember seeing 'Lethal Weapon 2' in the movie theater, so those are my favorite types of movies, really, so it's not hard at all for me to write action. It's really fun for me...With 'Green Hornet' it's our goal to show people action that they haven't quite seen before."

EW.com says The Green Hornet has been scheduled for a June 25, 2010 release

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

[The Major]

Originally Posted by samsnee

Looks like the movie got the official greenlight. I know most people trash it, but I thought The Shadow with Alec Baldwin was quite enjoyable, so if this is similar in execution, I'll see it (even if others probably won't).

Baldwin was a proven serious actor for years before Shadow.

The movie had its light hearted moments but it was never a true comedy, either.

[Dark Donnie]

Chow to Direct and Star in Green Hornet

[L0ngsh0t]

great news, this movie looks to be awesome

[mclay18]

I'm very surprised to hear that Chow will both star in and direct The Green Hornet. Great news indeed.

Now, if we could get some new pics of Seth Rogan. He says he's losing weight to play Britt Reid, but I really don't think he can pull it off... particularly if he keeps the 'fro.

[batman44]

Chow directing!!!! Count me in

[Kent Allard]

Looks like my primary concern that Seth Rogen was turning Green Hornet into an action-comedy film has been proved out [to my great disappointment]. The choice of Stephen Chow as director is very revealing as to the movie's tone.

For an action-comedy movie you'd be hard pressed to find a better director choice than Stephen Chow, his filmography is full of these sorts of movies.

A quick look at Stephen Chow's IMDB page reveals that his filmography is dominated by comedic films [note, Chow has directed more than just action type films].

Kung Fu Hustle, Cj7, Shaolin Soccer all have strong comedy elements in them - and that's just the 3 that Western audiences would be most familiar with.

Chow's earlier work [as writer & director] includes: The King of Comedy 1999, The God of Cookery 1996, Forbidden City Cop 1996, King of Destruction 1994 -- all described as part comedy on IMDB.

My biggest concern all long was that Seth Rogen was writing this Green Hornet film as part comedy. Stephen Chow is a great choice as director of a movie that mixes action and comedy. I could still be wrong [and still hope I am wrong] about Seth Rogen's Green Hornet being an acion-comedy but the evidence continues to indicate that Rogen is intent on making a movie that is more Pink Panther and/or Mystery Men rather than a honest Green Hornet movie.



EDIT: I'm going to call it now, before any potential script leaks, this is movie that Seth Rogen has planned for the Green Hornet: [in spoilers tags now that it seems I'm likely close to the mark.]

Spoiler!!! Click to Read!:

Here's what I 'see' for the core story of Rogen's GH movie [I refer to both the characters as Rogen's Green Hornet and Rogen's Kato to differentiate them as both act different from the existing/original GH & Kato]:

Rogen's GH/Britt Reid knows he's inept when it comes to crime-fighting - but he has the money & resources to do it [possibly even the "presence"/theatrical skill to present the GH effectively so criminals take him seriously]. Rogen's Kato is a brilliant crime fighter - he can handle himself just about any situation however he doesn't have "presence".

No longer than 1/3 the way into the movie, Rogen's Britt and Rogen's Kato butt heads [Britt jealous of Kato's skill, Kato wanting more recognition] and split up. The middle third of the movie will mostly be comprised of Rogen's GH and Rogen's Kato going the solo heroics route. Rogen's GH learns that while he has "presence" and resources he just doesn't have the skill to truly take down criminals, Rogen's Kato learns that while he has all the necessary skill [and then some] to fight criminals he just can't get them to take him seriously. Both characters learn that without their teammate they aren't much of a crime fighter, and that each needs the other.

Just in time for the climax to begin the band gets back together [so to speak] and the reunited Rogen Green Hornet and Rogen Kato handily take down the criminal boss/group [whom they had been tracking down together, and apart, since the beginning of the movie]. And all along the way the audience has had plenty of laughs.

Now, while this isn't necessarily a bad story for a movie it would [will?] be a bad Green Hornet movie. Ultimately, to pull it off you have to compromise the character of Green Hornet and Kato to turn this story into a movie. Britt Reid is no longer a skilled crime fighter in his own right [remember, Britt Reid is the Lone Ranger's grand-nephew] and Kato is reduced to a bundle of bitterness and jealousy. Also, the Green Hornet operates differently from modern heroes, remember the GH is a product of the pulp hero era [even though he original appeared on the radio]. While the GH is most definitely a hero, to the criminal element, [most of] the law, and the public at large in his fictional universe the Green Hornet is a crime boss of the highest calibre. The defeats of criminals are orchestrated so that neither the criminals or the law ever learn that the Green Hornet is not a criminal.

[I SEE SPIDEY]

Chow is awesome. I wish him great luck.

[Wolfwood]

My dreams have been fulfilled, Chow and Rogen working on one movie. This is easily one of my most anticipated movies.

[Warhammer]

Mod, change the thread title to "The Green Hornet" please.

[블라스]

Wow....great, great news!

[Booznian]

Seth Rogen is <3.

[블라스]

As much as I love the GH series (where's the DVD set, btw? ), I really wouldn't mind this being an action-comedy.

[fu manchu]

Chow, directing and starring as Kato....sounds awesome.