Amasia’s THE GREEN HORNET AND KATO Revs Up At Universal
Four years since Paramount Pictures took the reins with Gavin O’Connor a likely prospect, LA-based Amasia Entertainment snagged the rights for a film all their own based on legendary pulp hero, The Green Hornet.That IP now has new life as Green Hornet and Kato, with word from the trades on Amasia’s newly-etched partnership with Universal Pictures. Both parties are reportedly eyeing a global franchise with Amasia’s Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo producing, currently in search of writers.
George W. Trendle and Fran Striker first launched the character on radio in 1936 with actor Van Williams transitioning the character on screen by the 1960s – a playboy/media mogul and owner of The Daily Sentinel, Britt Reid. A wanted fugitive, he dons a trenchcoat and green mask as the gun-toting crimefighting alterego alongside his valet-turned-partner, Kato, debuted by then-burgeoning martial arts star, actor Bruce Lee.
The new film marks the latest effort following Michael Gondry’s 2011 adaptation starring Seth Rogen and Jay Chou. THR has the pull quotes:
“Our goal is to make a film that existing fans will love, and new fans will love to discover,” said Helfant in a statement, noting that the studio was behind the serials made in the 1940s. “With Universal, it feels like we are merging the past and the future, creating a contemporary version of the franchise that is fresh and exciting while respecting its long legacy and history.”
Stated Gallo: “The confluence of America and Asia is so important. Who better to partner with than a company that has such a major presence on both continents? We also know that Universal will align with our ‘film geek’ sensibilities and offer up a vision which respects the iconic world of The Green Hornet.”
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