LATEST NEWS
Rumor: Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson for Jonny Quest?
by Alex Billington
February 16, 2009
Source: IESB
One project we haven't heard from in a long time is Jonny Quest. I was a big Jonny Quest fan when I was a kid and was very excited when we first reported last August that it was headed to the big screen. However, it has gotten lost in a bit of production hell at Warner Brothers, namely because of the failure of Speed Racer. Out of nowhere, IESB has broken that silence to reveal three big names that are in the running for The Adventures of Jonny Quest, which is what this movie is being called. They reveal that Zac Efron might play Jonny Quest, Dwayne Johnson might play Race Bannon, and Andy Fickman might direct.
So here's the latest - the Jonny Quest script that Dan Mazeau wrote made it on to the Black List last year, which is quite an achievement for an adaptation of a cartoon. The log line was pretty much a copy-paste from the TV show: "Young Jonny Quest travels the world with his scientist father, adopted brother from India, Bandit the bulldog, and a government agent assigned to protect them while they investigate scientific mysteries." On the show, which first aired in 1964 and later in 1986, Jonny Quest was 12 years old. So their decision to bring on Efron means that they're considering bumping up his age to around 17 or 18.
As for the director, IMDb originally listed Get Smart director Peter Segal, which makes a lot of sense considering his success with Get Smart there at WB. However, according to IESB, it looks like Andy Fickman, of She's the Man, The Game Plan and the upcoming Race to Witch Mountain, will be taking over. Unfortunately Fickman wouldn't confirm that this was one of his upcoming projects, so we can't say this is more than just a rumor at the moment. I really hope this isn't accurate, because I would much rather see Segal (or someone else) adapt Jonny Quest, than Fickman, who I don't think is a very talented director.
As for Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson, I'm not as opposed to them as others seem to be. In fact, I don't really mind that Jonny's age is bumped up a bit, especially if it's to fit with Efron. No, I'm not a fan of High School Musical, but I actually do like Efron as an actor and I think he's got quite a bit of talent. Same with Dwayne Johnson, despite his roles in movies like The Game Plan, he's actually a good actor and would be a great Race Bannon. So it seems my only complaint with this Jonny Quest movie is the choice of director. Here's hoping that they find someone else to direct, but keep Efron and Johnson. Anyone else agree?
19 Comments
1
Since we are ignoring age There's Johnny Quest right there: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm740594688/nm0005401 Oh and I'm sure some caucasian guy is out there ready to play Race Bannon!
bltzie on Feb 16, 2009
2
If this is true, I will file take the director to court over rape.
TRAILER- Not BROKEN on Feb 16, 2009
3
Adhir Kalyan should play Johnny Quest adopted brother
terry on Feb 16, 2009
4
Interesting news, However, I wonder about the dog Bandit, They will most likely use a real dog since he doesn't do much in the cartoon.
TigerClaw on Feb 16, 2009
5
Don't like Zac as Jonney, but I don't mind the rock as Race. Sure he isn't white but as long as he as the spirit as Race I'm fine. Sort of like how I was fine that they made the kingpin black in Daredevil. Sounds to me that they're going more towards the 90s "Real Adventrues of Jonny Quest" since they want Zac. They'd be closer in age in that one.
jesse on Feb 16, 2009
6
Personally, I think they could choose better actors as well. Maybe even Thomas Jane as Race Bannon.
Cory on Feb 16, 2009
7
my childhood just got raped again. is there a support group for victims of childhood rape? "Hi, my name is Dave, and I've had my childhood raped by Hollywood at least 6 times in the last 3 years"
dave13 on Feb 16, 2009
8
If it has legs, run with it. Girls like Zach & Dwayne and most guys in their Mid 20's & 30's are nostalgic to JQ... This was the first and only catroon I saw as a kid where people died. If they stay true to that and push the evelope to that pg-13 rating, I think it'll work. If they try and make a kids-flick, we're gonna hate it.
jmoney on Feb 16, 2009
9
my gosh...can't they make a movie out of novels...I mean I grew up watching Johnny Quest..dang ...leave it alone. Or even better yet..come up with something original..jeepers.
Bry from Chi on Feb 16, 2009
10
This thing is going to bomb 10 times harder than Speed Racer. That cartoon was the boringest POS ever. No kid I know ever liked it.
why on Feb 16, 2009
11
#10...oh quite. I can't believe this. I hate that stupid kid too. Thomas Jane would be an awesome Bannon. but heck, with this cast they should get Kal Penn has Hadji. Yea.......
wassssssuuuuuupppppppp on Feb 16, 2009
12
The "old school" Johnny yes, not the newer version. The casting HAS to be perfect. The fore mentioned individuals are not capaple of this. #10, did you not have a TV or friends growing up? CRAZY TALK!
D-9 on Feb 16, 2009
13
My god just leave it alone, Johhny Quest does not need touching. Leave it and it's great intro music to rest.
SLee on Feb 16, 2009
14
I'd like someone to explain this "raping my childhood" thing. It's just a movie. If it was a rape Warner Bros wouldv'e gone back in time and replaced your cartoon you loved with one that had Jonny look like Zac, and they would be having sex with you while you watched it.
jesse on Feb 16, 2009
15
Obviously Dev Patel is going to get cast for Haji. Or at least they'll try.
George on Feb 16, 2009
16
i dont think Dev Patel should play Hadji i think actor Adhir Kalyan should play Hadji.
movieboy1 on Feb 16, 2009
17
Really the only things I want in this movie are Doctor Zen and that giant spider robot. Anyone with me?
jesse on Feb 16, 2009
18
I would love to see Zac Efron play Tony from the Time Tunnel. I think he'd make a good Johnny Quest...although, Johnny's hair is blonde. I think he's being cast from that wholesome boy image...and he still seems to have innocence airing about him...Well, Race Bannion/Dwayne Rock...lol......I think they could pull this off...I would hope they'd think of a new director, although he has done escape to Witch mountain...I'll have to check it out. I don't know if this is the challenging role that Zac Efron may be looking for. Well, he's still young enough.
athena on Feb 17, 2009
19
zac efron wears false eyelashes and matte foundation. i am diametrically opposed to this.
mary on Feb 22, 2009
New comments are no longer allowed on this post.
FEATURED POSTS
FOLLOW FS HERE
Follow Alex's main account on Twitter:
Add our posts to your Feedly › click here
Get all the news sent on Telegram 
LATEST TO WATCH