Deadline brings word that Spy Kids, Sin City and From Dusk Til Dawn director Robert Rodriguez has joined Warner Bros.’ live-action adaptation of the cartoon series Jonny Quest. Rodriguez is set to direct the film and co-write the script with Terry Rossio (The Lone Ranger, Pirates of the Caribbean), rewriting a draft by Dan Mazeau. Dan Lin (The LEGO Movie) and Adrian Askarieh (Hitman: Agent 47) will produce the feature.
The original animated series ran from 1964 – 65, lasting a mere 26 episodes. The blond and brainy Jonny (voiced by Tim Matheson) was the 11-year-old son of scientist Dr. Benton Quest. Along for the adventure was Hadji Singh, the gifted 11-year-old Calcutta orphan who was adopted by Dr. Quest, and Quest’s tough and charistmatic bodyguard, Race Bannon. The series was revived in both the ’80s and ’90s for additional episodes, along with comic books and video games based on the series.
A feature film version of the classic Hanna-Barbera action adventure series has been in development for a few years now with Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson both previously in talks for a version that was never produced. Multiple directors have also tried to get the film off the ground, including Race to Witch Mountain‘s Andy Fick, Grudge Match‘s Peter Segal, and even Superman director Richard Donner.
