Warner Bros. has been developing a live-action film based on the classic cartoon Jonny Quest for years, a new update concerning the project comes from Deadline. They report that Robert Rodriguez has been hired to direct and co-write the script with Pirates of The Caribbean screenwriter Terry Rossio.
Jonny is the kid who accompanied his scientist father, their bodyguard Race Bannon and Jonny’s pal Hadji on a series of global adventures that always involved some evil conspiracy that forced Jonny to work his way out of danger.
I’m not sure how to feel about this mainly because Robert’s worst films are the ones aimed at kids. Spy Kids 4 and Shorts are easily his worst movies, and it’s troubling he’s going back to that well. I’m hoping the studio wants something a bit more edgy and period focused, I’m curious if the film will be set in the 60-70s or will be a more modern adaptation. I think it’ll come down to casting and the age they going for Jonny, a child actor might be a huge mistake on their part.
I’ll believe this when I see a trailer, because Robert has been down this road before with Warner Bros. when he was hired to make their live-action Jetsons film which never happened. Other studio projects based on existing material that Robert had been developing but never came include Red Sonja and Barbarella. Rodriguez is known for attaching himself to projects, however, he get’s bored and distracted very easily.
Directors like Richard Donner and Peter Segal tried to put a version together. One incarnation included Zac Efron as Jonny and Dwayne Johnson as Bannon, I think both of those choices have grown into strong contenders since both Efron and Johnson are now gathering steam with audiences. I wouldn’t be terrible upset if the studio looked at them again, considering Johnson’s working relationship with Warner Bros. I think it’s something he’d be open to.
SOURCE: DEADLINE