Kevin Smith (Clerks) is teaming up with Peanuts owner and children show producer WildBrain for The Green Hornet animated series, according to Deadline. The series is aimed towards family audience, with the storyline following a re-imagined Green Hornet and Kato in modern times, defending and protecting Century City. The re-imagined characters are said to be the children the original characters, according to Deadline.
“It’s an honor to escort the legendary Green Hornet and Kato into their very own animated series for the first time in the rich history of these iconic pop culture characters,” said Smith via Deadline. “We’ll be telling a tale of two Hornets – past and future – that spans generations and draws inspiration from a lifetime spent watching classic cartoons and amazing animation like Batman: The Animated Series, Heavy Metal, and Super Friends. I can’t believe WildBrain gave me this job and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to extend my childhood a little longer.”
The Green Hornet originated as a radio show in the 1930s, with George W. Trendle (The Lone Ranger) as the creator. The original story surrounded Britt Reid’s double life as a publisher of The Daily Sentinel by day and fighting for justice and against crime by night. In 1966, The Green Hornet was made into a live-action film, with Bruce Lee (Fists of Fury) as Kato.
“We’re thrilled to embark on a new animated Green Hornet series with Kevin, who has set up an incredibly rich world with a cast of amazing characters – especially Kato, who is no longer just a sidekick, but is now a strong female partner to the Green Hornet.” Stephanie Betts, EVP Content and Current Series at WildBrain, added via Deadline. “With his ingenious talent and passion for superheroes and classic franchises, Kevin is the perfect creator to update the Green Hornet. We’re excited to share the new Green Hornet and Kato with audiences worldwide.”
Smith’s most recent projects include directing Jay and Silent Reboot, and currently Killroy Was Here. There is no word on when The Green Hornet animated series will debut.