John Cho and Kal Penn expected to return for new 'Harold & Kumar' adventure

After a long hiatus since their famed White Castle chase and holiday escapades, Harold and Kumar are finally back for some more adventure! Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, the masterminds behind Netflix sensation Cobra Kai, have sealed the deal to write the latest instalment of the franchise. The news brings excitement as the iconic duo reunites for a nostalgic comeback, following a gap of 14 years.

 

Hurwitz and Schlossberg will direct the new movie, a defining moment for the duo, who had written all three movies and embarked on their directorial debut through Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.

Set to be written by Heald, it will be produced by Counterbalance Entertainment, alongside Greg Shapiro and Lionsgate’s Mandate Pictures. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, John Cho and Kal Penn, who played the titular roles, are expected to return back in the series, though no deals have been made.

 

Turning into a popular phenomenon following its launch in 2004, the franchise revolves around the celebrated pair Harold Lee (played by Cho) and Kumar Patel (played by Penn). As the two friends embark on laughable adventures while under the influence of marijuana, they are met with a series of obstacles. The first film of the series, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, was viewed as unique for its time, due to its ability to add comic elements to inverse stereotypes and raise socio-political issues, while ensuring a platform for actors who generally don’t find themselves in the headliners. 

 

The first film, a modest hit at the theatres, turned into a cult hit on home entertainment, prompting the creation of its sequels: Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.

 

On the acting front, Cho and Penn saw their careers ascend following their iconic roles. While the former went on to play the character Sulu in Star Trek and later won the Indie Spirit Award for his stellar performance in Searching (2018), Penn became noted for his role in the medical series House, later becoming a member of the Obama administration.

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