Caffeinated Clint
I don’t know that he’s the best director for the job – if only because his last effort “CJ7” left a lot to be desired – but I do know you won’t find a better Kato than Stephen Chow. Yep, the “Kung Fu Hustle” star/director has snagged the sidekick role in “The Green Hornet” – a film he will also direct, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The trade says Seth Rogen has slimmed down (I noticed that he was a few pounds lesser when I interviewed him for “Pineapple Express”) for his role as masked crimefighter Green Hornet, which started as a 1930s radio program and later on film and TV and in comic books. The masked Kato has traditionally been the Green Hornet’s sidekick and driver who helps on the crimefighter’s vigilante adventures.
Neal Moritz is producing the project through his Original Film shingle. Original’s Ori Marmur is executive producing.
“The Green Hornet is a dream project, and it’s come together in a dream way,” Moritz said. “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.”
Added Rogen, “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.”
“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,” Chow said. “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.”
