Jonny Quest is one of the all-time great action-adventure characters, launched as a hit primetime animated series by Hanna-Barbera back in 1964 and continuing in multiple incarnations on television, in comics, and via video games every decade since. A live-action Jonny Quest feature film has been in development for a long time, and recently the project took a big leap forward when Dan Mazeau's Jonny Quest screenplay was rewritten by Robert Rodriguez and Terry Rossio. Well, I've read their draft of the screenplay, and I can confirm it's the Jonny Quest big-screen adaptation fans have been waiting for, and a potential tentpole picture capable of spinning off a whole expanded universe of franchises for Warner Bros (which owns Hanna-Barbera). So I've got you my review of the script, word on which directors could be in the mix for the film, and a look at what makes Jonny Quest a perfect choice for a new movie franchise.
First, some quick background is in order. The original Jonny Quest series enjoyed strong viewership among kids and adults, as well as critical acclaim. It has lived on in syndication while occasionally getting rebooted -- first in the 1980s with The New Adventures of Jonny Quest, and later as The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest in the 1990s. The '80s series spun off two animated TV movies, Jonny's Golden Quest and Jonny Quest vs. The Cyber Insects. Comics based on Jonny Quest were published in the 1960s and 1980s, and the characters later appeared in Scooby-Doo's 2015 comic series. Video games were also created during the 1990s to expand the Quest brand's multimedia footprint.
DC Comics' 2016 release of the comic book series Future Quest had high sales numbers, with June's #1 issue outselling Batman's Detective Comics title and Superman's Action Comics to take the #30 spot among comics sold in North America. Reactions have been quite positive, with the series garnering good reviews from fan sites and readers, and it has revived interest in Hanna-Barbera generally but especially in a few key properties, most notably Jonny Quest.
That interest seems to be spurring movement for the feature film project, as it appears a few directors might be looking at the project. After doing some digging, I heard that Joe Cornish was considering it, that there were some discussions with Justin Lin, and that the screenplay was sent to Scott Derrickson. I have no idea (yet) in what order any of that might have happened, nor who else has or hasn't been approached. If things are in place by this fall, then production discussions could begin by the end of this year. No performers have been approached yet for casting talks yet, but apparently the "wish list" includes Idris Elba, Bradley Cooper, or Will Smith for the role of Race Banon.
Which brings me to my review of the latest draft of the Jonny Quest screenplay. So, let's get right into it!
The script takes inspiration from a few specific stories and elements in the original 1960s TV show, (including a certain robot arachnid). Race Bannon is a government agent similar to a cross between Indiana Jones and Jason Bourne, and this is his introduction to the Quest family. Jonny and Dr. Benton Quest have a nice subplot for their relationship, providing added dimension to Jonny's overall characterization and particularly his drive to explore and get into adventures against his father's wishes. And Hadji has an "origin" that provides more detail to his background and lets him take a more active role in the main plot. Jade plays a significant role in the story as well, as the female adventurer whose loyalties are uncertain and whose past relationship with Race is a source of much tension and humor.
I don't wish to give too much away about the plot itself, other than to say an old nemesis returns with a plan to unleash a major threat upon the world, and it's up to Jonny, Race, Jade, Dr. Quest, and Hadji to stop the evil scheme from succeeding. The ancient mythology of the tale and competing motivations among the antagonists create an added layer of detail and mystery to the whole affair.
It's a story that slows down enough to give us amusing and touching character moments, but then races off to the next action set piece. Fast paced and full of witty banter, fights, and lots of sci-fi technology -- jet packs and the aforementioned robot spiders, for example -- this is a terrifically fun screenplay that is easy to envision as a big, successful summer popcorn flick. There's a retro-coolness alongside a decidedly modern sensibility, allowing it to service our desire for nostalgic relief while not relying on nostalgia for its primary appeal. This could easily be a new concept and new original characters, and it would still be an excellent script promising a hit movie.
Jonny Quest is like Harry Potter in an Indiana Jones movie, if Harry had James Bond's gadgets to go along with the magical elements of the story. That's the way to think about the feature film potential of this character and his world, and this script certainly delivers on the promise of that premise.
So, why Jonny Quest and why now? Read on for my explanation of why this is the next big franchise Warner needs...