It’s spent seven long years in development, but Warner Bros. is finally moving forward with their highly-anticipated adaptation ofJonny Quest, with the studio bringing onRobert Rodriguezin May to direct thislive-action adventure. We haven’t heard anything further about the project since then, but todayColliderhas an update from producer Adrian Askarieh, who revealed that they are keeping the same characters from the original 1060s series, such as Johnny’s father Benton Quest, their bodyguard Race Bannon and more.
“No,Jonny Questis in it. Race Bannon, Benton Quest, Hadji is in the movie, even Bandit. Jezebel Jade. If you loveJonny Quest, the potential that this movie has to honor that show, I think you’ll be thrilled by it.”
The originalJonny QuestanimatedTV seriesonly lasted for one season, spanning 26 episodes, following the aforementioned characters as they tried to stop the evil Dr. Zin. The show was revived with The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, which ran for two seasons between 1996 and 1998. Adrian Askarieh revealed that this new adaptation will be based on the original show, and not the 1990s revival.
“We’re working based on the original 1960sJonny Questprime time animated show. That is our source of, not only inspiration, but the pool that we’re culling our inspirations from. I know a lot of people like The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, and that’s fine, but we are now focusing on the original 60s animated show. Robert,Dan Lin,Terry Rossio, myself, big fans, and look, there’s nothing wrong with it, so if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. That thing is a work of genius. We’re lucky to have it to reference.”
The producer also revealed thatRobert Rodriguezis co-writing a new draft of the script withTerry Rossio, which they hope to turn in to the studio by Labor Day. He also said the project is in the same vein as classic franchises likeIndiana JonesandJames Bond, but these adventures just happen to revolve around a young boy. Here’s what he had to say, confirming they are aiming for a PG-13 rating.
“We want to make a PG-13. Again, I never want to be presumptuous to stamp a rating before the studio gets involved; that’s ultimately their decision. This is not going to be a kiddie action-adventure movie; this will be an action-adventure that happens to have a 12-year-old in it.”
If the studio approves of the script this fall, it’s possible that casting could begin in the next few months, and we may find out who the nextJonny Questis by the end of this year. Do you think this adaptation could be a big hit at thebox office? Chime in with your thoughts, and stay tuned for more onJonny Quest.
