Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg and Josh Heald, the creators of Netflix’s hit Karate Kid sequel series Cobra Kai, are developing a new Harold & Kumar film for Lionsgate‘s Mandate Pictures, Deadline has confirmed.
Hurwitz and Schlossberg will direct from a script written with Heald. The project marks a full-circle opportunity for the trio, who began their careers with the stoner buddy comedy franchise. After scripting the original 2004 film, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, they went on to make their directorial debut with Harold & Kumar Escape Guantanamo Bay in 2008.
The franchise’s leads, John Cho and Kal Penn, haven’t yet closed deals but are expected to return. No word yet on further casting possibilities. Hurwitz, Schlossberg and Heald will produce for Counterbalance Entertainment banner, alongside franchise veteran Greg Shapiro; Mandate, which backed the films to date; and Nathan Kahane, Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group President, who is stepping down by end of year to return to producing, as we were recently first to tell you. Dina Hillier will exec produce for Counterbalance.
Gaining a cult following since launching in the early 2000s, the Harold & Kumar franchise centers on Harold Lee (Cho) and Kumar Patel (Penn), two friends who embark on absurd adventures while under the influence of marijuana. While the first film, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, was only a modest hit in theaters, it exploded on DVD, leading to sequels including Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. Films to date have cumulatively grossed around $104 million worldwide.
Emmy nominees Hurwitz, Schlossberg and Heald wrapped up Cobra Kai‘s six-season run in February. Most recently, the trio has been at work on Netflix’s Kevin Hart comedy 72 Hours, which Schlossberg and Hurwitz co-wrote alongside Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, and are producing alongside Heald.
THR was first to the news of the new Harold & Kumar.
