Let's discuss Kemp.

How do you think Johnny will portray him?

I see Kemp as deeply conflicted - a state that most, if not all, of the characters Johnny has portrayed seem to be in. Bet JD brings that out.
Just guessing, I think he'll play Kemp as a character of Hunter's, rather than as a thinly disguised young Hunter.

A bit rough around the edges, a little irresponsible, charming, well meaning and tender on the inside, and as Buster said, conflicted. Johnny does charming really well! This should be interesting!

Johnny knew Hunter so well that I think he will play Kemp as Hunter. Kemp was restless and always looking for something even though he really didn't know what - at that time in his life. Kemp was a little laid back, always observing - on the edge of the circle - not in the middle. But many times his actions put him in the middle. Also think Johnny will bring out Kemp's humorus side. He is so good at doing that. Looking forward to seeing Johnny in this role.

All excellent descriptions of the character and of Johnny's abilities! I think he can't help but bring Hunter's influence to the character. I believe this is his homage to his friend and we will see him there. I can not wait to find out!

Guess I got literal with this one. Wondered what music would help define the character. He uses that for inspiration while he's "working" Thought of piano bar music, and, of course, Laura. Any latin stuff?? If he plays Kemp as Hunter, guess there would be the hint of Southern drawl. Kentucky. Will or did he channel someone? His style doesn't look like the young Hunter we're familiar with. Is it a "50's " personality? I even thought of Juan Thompson. Hopefully the movie will will move forward so we can witness how and if all these ideas develop!

I wish as Buster says that Johnny would portray him as a character of Hunters. Unfortunately so many people having read about Hunter consider Kemp, Hunter in his youth. So much about Kemp parallels Hunter life, being a journalist, and living in Puerto Rico. Because Johnny knows that people will consider his portrayal a reflection on Hunter, he will play him as his good friend in his younger days. I think for Hunters family and his friendship he will put the best light on Kemp character.

Maybe something along the lines of alter-ego, as opposed to biographical...

I totally agree with that and they are two side of Hunter. Even in the story Yeamon tells Kemp they are the same. And I don't think Kemp helped him get off the island in the end because he felt guilty about Chenault. He saw that "There but for the grace of God go I".

I have to agree with those who are looking for Johnny to offer a fictional character as opposed to a portrayal of a young Hunter. I think there are probably aspects of HST's personality (and obviously his perspectives) in Kemp but this is not gonzo stuff. There remains a distance between the writer and Kemp, one that doesn't exist in some of Hunter's other work (Fear and Loathing etc). In addition Kemp seems much more hesitant than Hunter would in the same situations. The fact that what we've seen of Kemp 'in costume' so to speak doesn't seem to capture the young Hunter also might support the idea that JD is going for his own 'take' on this character, using his formidable talent to knit disparate beings into one whole new persona. In any case, I can't wait -- I sure hope they come out of Cannes with solid distributors.