This is some damn good news right here. After months and months of tiresome speculation regarding whether actor-comedian Seth Rogen had ever managed to get a hold of king of Kung Fu Hustlers, Mr. Stephen Chow, we now have the final word on the negotiations from Columbia Pictures presidents, Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach. Not only does the studio have Stephen Chow scheduled to take on Bruce Lee’s role as the Green Hornet chauffeur/martial arts busting sidekick Kato, but also to direct the film. Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, “The Green Hornet” has been set for a June 25, 2010 release date.
Matt Tolmach and Doug Belgrad commented, respectively, with the following:
When Seth, Evan, and Neal said they wanted Stephen Chow to be part of ‘The Green Hornet,’ it was a fantasy. Now that it’s happening, it’s almost too good to be true. Stephen’s been a very important part of the Sony family for many years, so it’s truly serendipitous for us to be moving forward with him directing the movie and starring as Kato.
‘The Green Hornet’ is a dream project and it’s come together in a dream way. Seth will be fantastic in the lead role, and Stephen was the only name on the list for Kato. The material is a perfect match for his sensibilities — Stephen in the director’s chair is the best thing for the film.
Chow added:
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.
Regarding Rogen’s selection for Kato, here’s what he had to say:
Stephen was always my and Evan’s first choice for director and to play Kato. We just hope that he never finds out we’re not the Wachowski Brothers.
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.
Sony Pictures Entertainment continues their association with Chow, the studio having co-produced and released his earlier film, “Kung Fu Hustle”, which went on to gross $100 million at the box office worldwide. “Hustle” received a Golden Globe Nomination as well as 6 Hong Kong Film Awards and 5 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.
Well, that settles it then. I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to see the kind of chemistry that Rogen and Chow will bring to the big screen. “The Green Hornet”. Coming June 25, 2010.
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Hey, if it’s filmed well, then it’s going to be a great movie. At first I wasn’t too happy about the choice of Seth Rogen, but the more time that passes, the more I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.
I love Stephen Chow, and I even saw (and liked) CJ7. I’m looking forward to this one.