1960s superhero classic ‘The Green Hornet’ is getting a reboot

Superheroes and nostalgia seem to be the most bankable things in entertainment, and they’re about to be combined for a new project that reimagines an old favorite.

Filmmaker and über-nerd Kevin Smith is currently developing a new animated series that will bring Green Hornet and his crimefighting partner, Kato, to life for a new generation of fans. The heroes were created for a radio series in the 1930s and have been the stars of several shows, films and comic lines, but this will be the first time they’ve been in an animated project.

The new series will reportedly take another unique approach in rebooting the classic characters. According to Entertainment Weekly, Smith’s version will be set in the present day and will follow the adult son of the original Green Hornet and the adult daughter of the original Kato as they take over their dads’ roles as vigilante crimefighters. The adaptation will also feature the duo’s high-tech car, Black Beauty, which has always been a highlight of the franchise.

In the 1966 TV version of “The Green Hornet,” the action followed newspaper publisher Britt Reid, who donned the Green Hornet persona by night and patrolled the streets in Black Beauty with his pal, Kato. That is arguably the most famous and beloved adaptation of the character, despite only running for a single season on ABC.

It was notable for its martial arts action and for helping launch the career of Bruce Lee, who played Kato.

“The Green Hornet” was most recently rebooted in 2011, when Seth Rogen co-wrote and starred in it. The movies followed the same basic storyline as the 1960s TV series but was regarded as a box-office flop, despite making more than $220 million worldwide.

In addition to Smith’s new animated series, the character will be revived in yet another live-action movie in the near future. Universal Pictures is currently developing “The Green Hornet and Kato,” according to Variety.