GREEN HORNET news Stephen Chow is out Who will be KATO?

I'm shocked, but I'm not surprised. We can't say we didn't see this coming. Stephen Chow's involvement in Seth Rogen's adaptation of The Green Hornet has slowly gone the way of the buffalo. Chow was originally set to direct Hornet, as well as co-star alongside Rogen as the Hornet's sidekick, Kato. After "creative differences", Chow stepped down as director, with Michel Gondry stepping in to helm. We were all relieved that Chow was still sticking around as Kato, but that is no longer the case, due to "scheduling conflicts". That seems to be the most used term in Hollywood these days, I wish that line worked when I was a kid, "Sorry I missed school. It 'conflicted' with my schedule." So in other words, Chow has "better things to do."

Spoiler TV has recieved word that the production company for Hornet, sent out a casting call for a new Kato.

ALL ASIAN ETHNICITIES, Male, 20's - early 40's. Brit Reid's manservant/chauffeur by day and Green Hornet's martial arts-skilled sidekick by night. Actor doesn't have to have Martial Arts experience.

In a role made famous by Bruce Lee, it would be a real shame if they brought in some one who couldn't kick some real ass. And seeing as how Rogen and Evan Goldberg's script is a comedic take on The Green Hornet, the person has to have those sensibilities as well. That's the real shame in Chow's departure. We've seen him display both of those skills in Kung-Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer.

So who do you think they should bring in? I wish Ong Bak's Tony Jaa had some comedy under his belt, that guys is an insane martial artist. John Cho would be an obvious choice. But I think it would be absolutely hilarious, if they brought in Keanu Reeves! He can handle the action, and everything he does is funny, whether he wants it to be or not.

Hopefully this doesn't further push back The Green Hornet's July 9th, 2010 release. Let us know what ya think!