Fri Sep 19, 2008 7:29PM7 comments ›
Fri Sep 19, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Stephen Chow to Direct 'Green Hornet'
Honk Kong Comedy Writer joins the Already Motley Crew
Feels like it is hard to believe that when you say a name like Green Hornet, the first actor to come to mind is Seth Rogen, but it looks as if that may just become a reality now. Rogen and writing partner Evan Goldberg have finally serenaded Hong Kong legend Stephen Chow enough in wanting him to don the eye-mask as Kato, Hornet's driver and not-so-side-kick, that it looks like Chow will also be taking the helm as director.
Stephen Chow is well known globally for his slapstick comedy style in such films like Shaolin Soccer, and Kung Fu Hustle (both also directed by Chow). Those who are familiar with his work know that Chow is a big fan of zany slapstick a-la classic Merry Melodies, and well as being a student of serious Kung Fu. When approached about the new role, Chow had this to say:
I'm excited to be taking on 'The Green Hornet' -- obviously, I've been a huge fan of the show since I was a kid. The idea of stepping into Bruce Lee's shoes as Kato is both humbling and thrilling, and to get the chance to direct the project as my American movie debut is simply a dream come true. I'm grateful to my friends at Sony, who have shown so much faith in me for so many years. I'm looking forward to working with Seth, Evan, Neal, and the team at Sony, and I'm eager to get started.
You can see the comedy stylings of the next Brett Reid in this year's Zach and Miri Make a Porno, wirtten and directed by Kevin Smith, who was at one time rumored to pen a Hornet script.
Jump to comments (7) 
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Comments (7)
James Hudnall (10:27 PM on Fri Sep 19, 2008)
I wasn't interested in this movie until now. Love Stephen Chow films. Been following them since the early 90s when he came out with The King of Beggars.
I think he can make this one interesting.
Matt Raub (1:30 AM on Sat Sep 20, 2008)
As do I, James. Loved Chow's King of Cookery, and I think this movie is now in good hands, let's just hope the team of Rogen/Goldberg can deliver with the script.
Delmo Walters Jr. (3:18 PM on Sat Sep 20, 2008)
So, the '60s version of Green Hornet, the version most are familiar with, was a serious take though it was produced by Bill Dozier, the man who produced the Batman tv series and now, 40 some-odd years later, a new version is being readied by a guy who writes comedies and directed by the guy who made Kung Fu Hustle? The irony is so thick you can cut it with a chainsaw. George Trendle, Fran Striker, and Bruce Lee must be spinning in their graves.
Mike Gold (8:33 PM on Sat Sep 20, 2008)
Well, define "serious." It was, sorta. Kinda.
It'll be interesting to see how they'll be handling the character. He was created to be The Lone Ranger in contemporary (1930s) times. He descended from the Lone Ranger, but now that the properties are owned by two different companies, I guess that part's vapor.
So all that leaves is another rich guy in a green suit with a more-talented servant and a really cool theme.
Delmo Walters Jr. (3:23 PM on Sun Sep 21, 2008)
I have the series on tape. It was more serious than it's brother series Batman. That may be damning it with faint praise but still.
Mike Gold (4:48 PM on Sun Sep 21, 2008)
No, that's about right. And I have the series on Japanese laserdisc, so with the captioning it probably looks a bit more funny than it was.
Gary Owens was in it. He must have been thrilled -- a long-time radio and comics fan. Still is.
Delmo Walters Jr. (10:15 PM on Sun Sep 21, 2008)
Japanese laserdisc? Nice!