The Green Hornet News

As numerous critics are fearful of what direction Seth Rogen and Stephen Chow will take The Green Hornet in, Kevin Smith is telling everyone to relax.

The writer/director, who just finished working with Rogen on Zack and Miri Make a Porno, recently said the project will satisfy fans of The Green Hornet comic book; he thinks the film will be an action comedy.

“It’s not… Superhero Movie. You know, the parody film," Smith said. "It’s certainly not that by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s more along the lines, from what he’s talked about it, of Pineapple Express. There are lots of jokes and there’s lots of action.”

The Green Hornet just got some street cred.

Stephen Chow, one of Asia's most popular box-office draws, will direct Seth Rogen and star opposite him as Kato in Columbia Pictures' upcoming adaption of this famous comic book. It's set for release June 25, 2010.

Questions have been raised about the movie, as Rogen isn't typical super hero material. But he and writing partner Evan Goldberg have insisted that fans of the original series will be satisifed with the final film product.

Matt Tolmach, co-president of Columbia Pictures said:

"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."

While his casting is still stirring debate among fans of The Green Hornet, Seth Rogen was recently asked what he liked about that comic book character.

Here's his reply:

We've always wanted to make this hero sidekick movie. That was always an unexplored area to us and for years we've actually been trying to write a movie that was about a hero and his sidekick and then when we heard that "The Green Hornet" movie was up for grabs we thought that could be the most perfect way to do this story because he is the only kind of hero who's sidekick is actually more known than he is.

We kind of thought that it would be a good way to tell this relationship story and just do a big crazy action movie basically.

Fans are still debating the merits of Seth Rogen as The Green Hornet.

Amidst controversy over selecting Seth Rogen as The Green Hornet, Sony is moving full speed ahead with its adaption of that comic book hero.

The studio has announced a June 25, 2010 release date for the film. It's also released the following Green Hornet logo:

What do you think of the choice of Seth Rogen as The Green Hornet?

Not only do we know Seth Rogan is confirmed to star as The Green Hornet, we now know the release date for this comic book movie: June 25, 2010.

Rogan said as much in a recent interview, while adding that Stephen Chow hasn't signed on for the role of Kato, but those behind the project would"love to have him" as that character.

"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," the Knocked Up star said.

"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."

Rogen said the movie will focus on the humorous nature of the relationship between Kato and the title character.

"It's kind of a funny dynamic and a funny relationship and no movies really did that except Batman & Robin. No movies did that well," he said, taking a deserved poke at that George Clooney mess of a film.

Despite some critics of the decision, Sony is moving forward with what may be the most unlikely superhero movie yet: The Green Hornet... starring Seth Rogen.

The Knocked Up actor will portray Britt Reid, a bored playboy who inherits his father's crusading newspaper and spends his nights fighting crime with his sidekick, Kato.

Rogen is also writing the film's script, alongside Evan Goldberg (they co-wrote Superbad together); The Green Hornet is due in theaters on June 25, 2010.

Some may think he doesn't look the part, but Seth Rogen has confirmed to MTV that he'll be suiting up as The Green Hornet.

First, well, he has to hit the gym.

"You should believe that I can do some physical activity," Rogen said. "You have to believe I can do SOMETHING."

Because comic fans are so picky, many have complained ever since Rogen was announced as the man to don the famous green fedora to play this role. But the actor understands.

"Nerds love complaining!" he chuckled.

Mostly, fans are worried that the Knocked Up and Superbad star would turn the story into a comedic farce.

"There's a more comedic version and a less comedic version and we don't know what will feel right until we're actually writing it," Rogen said.

He has us sold.