Eddie Murphy To Voice 'Hong Kong Phooey'

In the '70s, the animated fighting kung-fu dog Hong Kong Phooey was a minor television favorite, in part thanks to the work Scatman Crothers did voicing the character. Now the mutt is set for a hybrid live-action/animated big-screen revival, in which the late Scatman will be replaced by Eddie Murphy.

A press release recaps the show effectively:

Based on the 70's cult classic Hanna Barbera animated TV series, a mild-mannered dog named PENRY (Murphy) stumbles into a mystic ceremony and is accidentally granted mystic powers, including the ability to walk, talk, and do kung fu. Under the tutelage of his kung fu master, Penry dons a costume and becomes Hong Kong Phooey, and with the help of his trusting sidekick Spot the cat cleans up a rogues gallery of wacky criminals.

Alcon Entertainment is behind the project, and Alex Zamm (Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts, Tooth Fairy 2 – yike) will direct.

Here's a portion of an episode of the show from '74 to give you an idea of what's likely to result from this project: