Van Williams and Bruce Lee in "The Green Hornet"
With Hong Kong action star Stephen Chow bowing out of his co-starring role as Kato in "The Green Hornet," the door has opened up for any number of Asian actors to fill the part.
Columbia Pictures announced that Chow exited the film due to scheduling conflicts.
Seth Rogen will play the title role in the movie, which is scheduled for a July 9, 2010 release.
So who will be next to don the Kato mask?
Here are some possible choices:
Ken Jeong in "Role Models"
KEN JEONG
The doctor turned comedian turned actor has been in high demand since his breakthrough role as Dr. Kuni alongside Rogen and Katherine Heigl in "Knocked Up."
He has since played memorable roles as King Argotron in "Role Models," and Mr. Chow in "The Hangover."
Jeong will also appear in several more comedies this year, including "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard," "Funny People," and "All About Steve," and "Couples Retreat."
Roger Fan in "Drillbit Taylor"
ROGER FAN
Fan caught the eye of moviegoers playing the charismatic and manipulative Daric Loo in "Fast & Furious" director Justin Lin's breakout indie feature "Better Luck Tomorrow."
Fan also starred in, co-produced, and co-wrote the racy 17-minute short subject, "The Quest For Length," a surprise film festival hit.
He has since starred as Michael Wang in "Ping Pong Playa," co-starred with James Franco in "Annapolis," and appeared in "Drillbit Taylor" as Bodyguard with knives.
Jet Li in "Hero"
JET LI
A Chinese wushu (martial arts) world champion several times, Li got his first part as a shaolin disciple in the film Shaolin "Temple."
But most American moviegoers will recognize Li for appearing in action movies such as "Lethal Weapon 4," "Romeo Must Die, "The Forbidden Kingdom," and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor."
He will also appear in Sly Stallone's upcoming action flick "The Expendables."
James Kyson Lee on "Heroes"
JAMES KYSON LEE
Best known for his role as "Ando" alongside star Masi Oka on NBC's action drama "Heroes," Lee has since expanded into movie roles, including a recent part in the Sci-Fi Channel original movie, "Star Runners."
He was also rumored to have been offered the part of Mr. Sulu in J.J. Abrams reboot of "Star Trek."
However, the role eventually went to John Cho when Lee was unable to take the part due to the fact, "Heroes" producers didn't want two of the shows principal characters leaving to work on the movie. Zachary Quinto, who plays Sylar on "Heroes" had already been cast as Spock.
Who would you like to see play Kato alongside Seth Rogen in the upcoming "Green Hornet" movie?
Make your pick or leave your suggestions in the comments.
Comments
My first choice would be Roger Fan or Sung Kang (from The Fast & Furious (Tokyo Drift or the latest one). Both have great screen presence to play Kato. Check them out in Finishing the Game directed by Justin Lin. Jet Li is also a great choice because of his real martial arts skills, He might be too old for this role? MB9
Sung Kang was another possibility that I didn't list here... But I'm not sure he would fit well next to Rogen...? I supposed to they could even go with a female like Maggie Q... but I'm not sure that's the direction I would go in...
They should cast Michael Lye - who has worked in DROP DEAD DIVA.
How about some one totally new??? A new fresh hot Asian face! None of these guys hit the spot for Kato...
I think a new face would be great... they might also want to consider a female Kato... as I mentioned before Maggie Q or how about the girl from Street Fighter or maybe even Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon?
Hey, I think a lot of those choices would be good, but check out my demo reel at:
www dot alfredrocks dot com
Stephen Chow gives me the thumbs up in it! I'd love to honor this role and make it great.
Thanks!
alfred
Heres someone you may not have heard of but he's ranked 181 on the IMDb STARmeter! his name is JON LEE BRODY. look him up. and hes tall. hes 6'2 and only 25! thoughts?
Thanks for all the suggestions. Please check out my other article about the top Asian American leading men in Hollywood.
I wouldn't be surprised if they did something different like cast KATO as a woman... maybe have her be his assistant like in Ironman... have a female asst...
Please NO NO NO NO..!!!!!!! Don't ruin the film by casting a woman! That's how they ruined the new Battlestar Galactica series.... Starbuck a woman? Please!!!!!
Tony Jaa FTW
Ho-Sung Pak is the best choice for Kato. Korean-American born Ho Sung-Pak is best known for two accomplishments in martial arts. A wushu champion and actor, Ho was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1991. His first accomplishment was that he played in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II as Raphael, later he was both Liu Kang and Shang Tsung in the video game that started a fad and 2 movies, Mortal Kombat. In 1994, he was invited by Jackie Chan to star as the evil foreman Henry in Drunken Master II. Originally cast as the main fighting villain, he was replaced by Ken Lo in terms of the finale. But that didn't stop Ho. After starring in the WMAC Masters show in 1995, Ho starred and choreographed the action for Epoch of Lotus in 2000. Ho appears in two movies in 2002, Honor Among Thieves and The Book of Swords. New film staring Ho-Sung, just released on DVD, Fist of The Warrior.
My first choice for Kato would be MMA superstar Cung Le
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do all you can to get Stephen Chow, I don't mind waiting a month for the movie to release if it means getting the star originally cast to play. BUT if that isn't possible I would think of Jet Li the only concern I have is how old he will look on camera. Naturally if age wasn't a factor Jackie Chan would be in the running but age is a factor here. .... Good luck!
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