From The Invisible Man to The Green Hornet? It looks like Leigh Whannell might take over Universal’s upcoming film.
Universal optioned the rights to The Green Hornet from Amasia in spring 2020. Since then, the studio has been working on plans to create a Green Hornet and Kato film. According to Deadline, Whannell is now the frontrunner to direct.
The film, written by David Koepp, will likely be fast-tracked to pre-production once Whannell’s deal closes. Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo of Amasia will produce the film.
The Green Hornet actually dates back to the 1930s. Originally a radio series by George W. Trendle, it followed Britt Reid, newspaper publisher by day and crime fighter by night. The Green Hornet took on injustice with his sidekick Kato and supercar Black Beauty.
Then in 1966, The Green Hornet live-action TV series debuted. Though the show only lasted a season, it left behind an important legacy: it introduced North American artists to Bruce Lee. Lee played Kato in the series.
More recently, The Green Hornet got a feature film adaptation starring Seth Rogan in 2011.
In summer 2020, comic book enthusiast Kevin Smith announced plans to develop a Green Hornet and Kato animated series.
In addition to hit The Invisible Man, Whannell also directed Insidious: Chapter 3 and Upgrade.
Source: Deadline
