Michael Gondry’s “The Green Hornet” is a superhero movie with a difference. Based on a character created in 1936 by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, with input from radio director James Jewell, it followed film serials in the 1940s, a television series in the 1960s, and countless comic book series based on the eponymous hero.
With Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg having written the screenplay, and Rogen playing the titular character, “The Green Hornet’s” humor is unlike almost any other superhero movie ever made. It has the vibe of a buddy comedy flick in the mould of “Lethal Weapon” or “Tango & Cash.”
In this case, the buddy to the Green Hornet is Kato, a mechanic and martial artist who works both as the hero’s partner and valet. Kate is played by Jay Chou, who plays his part in an impressive supporting cast that also includes the likes of Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, and David Harbour.
“The Green Hornet” was released on January 14, 2011, meaning it’s fast approaching its 15th anniversary. So what do its core cast members look like now compared to back then? Let’s take a look…
Seth Rogen (Britt Reid AKA The Green Hornet)
GettyCanadian actor, comedian, and filmmaker Seth Rogen played the eponymous role of Britt Reid aka the Green Hornet in “The Green Hornet.” Reid is a wealthy newspaper publisher (of “The Daily Sentinel”) who masquerades as a crime-fighting superhero.
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Knocked Up (2007), Superbad (2007).
GettyAge now: 43.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: This Is the End (2013), Steve Jobs (2015), Sausage Party (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jay Chou (Kato)
GettyTaiwanese actor, singer-songwriter, director, and businessman Jay Chou played Kato in “The Green Hornet.” Kato is a mechanic, a martial arts expert, and the Green Hornet’s crime-fighting partner and valet.
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 31.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: Curse of the Golden Flower (2006), Kung Fu Dunk (2008), True Legend (2010).
GettyAge now: 46.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: The Viral Factor (2012), The Rooftop (2013), Now You See Me 2 (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Christoph Waltz (Benjamin Chudnofsky AKA Bloodnofsky)
GettyAustrian-German actor Christoph Waltz played the villainous Benjamin Chudnofsky in “The Green Hornet.” Chudnofsky is a paranoid Russian gangster intent on joining the crime families of Los Angeles together to form a “super-mafia.” He eventually goes by the villain name “Bloodnofsky.”
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 54.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: Death, Deceit and Destiny Aboard the Orient Express (2000), Pact with the Devil (2004), Inglourious Basterds (2009).
GettyAge now: 69.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: Django Unchained (2012), Spectre (2015), Frankenstein (2025).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Cameron Diaz (Lenore Case)
GettyProlific comedy actress Cameron Diaz played Lenore Case in “The Green Hornet.” Case is Britt Reid’s top secretary for “The Daily Sentinel” and his romantic interest in the movie.
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 38.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: The Mask (1994), There’s Something About Mary (1998), The Holiday (2006).
GettyAge now: 53.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: Bad Teacher (2011), The Other Woman (2014), Back in Action (2025).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Edward James Olmos (Mike Axford)
GettyVeteran actor Edward James Olmos played Mike Axford in “The Green Hornet.” Axford is the managing editor of “The Daily Sentinel.”
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 63.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: Blade Runner (1982), Selena (1997), Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008).
GettyAge now: 78.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: 2 Guns (2013), El Americano: The Movie (2016), The Devil Has a Name (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
David Harbour (Frank Scanlon)
Getty“Stranger Things” star David Harbour played District Attorney Frank Scanlon in “The Green Hornet.” In the movie, Scanlon is a corrupt ally of the villainous gangster Benjamin Chudnofsky.
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: Brokeback Mountain (2005), Revolutionary Road (2008), Quantum of Solace (2008).
GettyAge now: 50.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: Hellboy (2019), Violent Night (2022), Thunderbolts* (2025).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Tom Wilkinson (James Reid)
GettyEnglish actor Tom Wilkinson played James Reid in “The Green Hornet.” Reid is the eponymous character’s stern father who amassed great wealth through his work as a successful newspaper publisher.
Age when “The Green Hornet” released: 62.
Selected movie credits before “The Green Hornet”: The Fully Monty (1997), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Batman Begins (2005).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2023 aged 75.
Selected movie credits after “The Green Hornet”: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), The Catcher Was a Spy (2018).
Filmography info per IMDb.
If you’re suffering from superhero movie burnout and haven’t seen “The Green Hornet,” you should definitely give it a chance. It’s far from being the perfect movie, but its surreal humor and brilliant cast provide enough entertainment to make it worth your while.
May Tom Wilkinson rest in eternal peace.
