(writing and reporting by John Gaudiosi)

After throngs of people filed out of the San Diego Convention Center late Wednesday night at Comic-Con, Seth Rogen, co-writer, executive producer and star of Columbia Pictures’ July 2010 summer action film “The Green Hornet,” unveiled the film’s “third lead” character — the custom-built, fully-armed, 1966 Chrysler Imperial car known as “Black Beauty.”

“Many people said this day would never come and I’m excited to say this film is going to happen,” said Rogen, who confirmed principle photography will begin August 31 in Los Angeles. “If you’re big fans of the original, you’ll be pleased with what we’re doing. If you never saw the show, we’ve created an origin story that you’ll like.”

The actor, who joked that he’s lost “700 pounds” for this role, also confirmed that the studio is in talks with Cameron Diaz to play Lenore “Casey” Case, the love interest of Britt Reid (The Green Hornet), and with Nicolas Cage to play the film’s villain.

“We want it to be a scary villain,” said Rogen. “We want it to be a scary villain. We are not looking for a goofy, comedic villain. We want it to be real danger in the movie, so that is what we are going for.”

The Green Hornet’s kung fu master sidekick, Kato, played by Bruce Lee in the 1966 TV series, remains uncast after Stephen Chow dropped out.

“We’re still looking for Kato,” said Rogen. “We’ve seen tons of people and there are some people we like a lot. It’s a big decision. We still have a few weeks until we’re in real trouble.”

An avid comic book fan, Rogen was at home at Comic-Con, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

“If there’s one group of people who understand my desire to buy comic books, it’s these guys,” said Rogen.

Rogen was joined by producer Neal H. Moritz (“The Fast and the Furious”), director Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), and co-writer Evan Goldberg (“Superbad,” “Pineapple Express”).