behind closed doors at the licensing show

Some of you might know that the big Licensing International Expo happened this week in New York. I'm not too familiar with it, but it's described as the world's brand and property marketplace, where you get to see all sorts of opportunities for licensing products and showcasing properties. Anyway, I received an interesting email from an anonymous reader who participated in some very eye-opening meetings. It involves the big studio Green Hornet movie, currently in the works:

This week is the big Licensing Show in NY.

I can't tell you what industry I'm in, but we met with a studio this week to discuss possible licensed products for an upcoming Green Hornet film. Now, I must preface this by saying the film is still being written, so things can change, but what I'm relating to you is what was presented to a group of 12 of us (from several different companies) by the studio executives.

The Green Hornet will star Seth Rogan as The Green Hornet. He will be totally inept, a bit like Inspector Cleuso . Kato will actually be the hero, but he saves everyone, including The Green Hornet, without TGH ever realizing its not he himself doing it.

So this is where it gets interesting, I will refer to the executives as executive 1 and 2, and the potential licensors as PL 1, 2, and 3:

PL1: So who would play Kato?

Executive1: We're thinking a Chinese actor, possibly Rain.

PL2: Rain isn't Chinese….

Executive1: No, I think he is (looks at Executive2 who is nodding in agreement)

PL2: No, I'm actually positive he isn't. He's Korean.

Executive2: Well, he's one of those. That's just one option.

Executive1: The other option is, get ready, Will Smith!

PL3: Will Smith? Will Smith isn't Asian.

Executive1: (Bursting with excitement) I know, that's the twist!

The meeting then went one to discuss an upcoming live action / CGI Smurf movie involving an interdimensional portal and an abusive Father.

The writer's strike has really messed up Hollywood.

Just wanted to share that.

Thank you, anonymous tipster. Goodness, is this the kind of conversation that happens behind closed doors among executives? We already know Seth Rogen has signed on to star as the Green Hornet. The clueless, inept hero angle sounds great, particularly if they're aiming to make Kato the true hero of the story. But dammit, Kato better be Asian. I'm not exactly thrilled about Rain—I can think of twenty other guys who'd be better for the role... but man, Kato sure as hell better be Asian, or this is going to be a whole other level of angry. Keep an eye on this one, friends. Hollywood's getting ready to screw us over again.