Jay Chou is set to play Kato

The search for Kato in the new Green Hornet movie is over. Taiwanese actor/musician Jay Chou has signed on to play the character in the film, which is set to be released in the summer of 2010.

Chou takes on the role after actor Stephen Chow left the production. Chow, who was also set to direct the movie, dropped out of the movie last month, reportedly due to the direction the movie was taking. Green Hornet star Seth Rogen, who co-wrote the film with Evan Goldberg, has stated publicly that the film will be a departure from the Green Hornet that everyone expects, and the film is an origin story.

In the original series, Kato was many things: a skilled fighter, mechanic and driver. But it wasn’t until the 1960s TV series, when martial arts legend Bruce Lee brought his skills to the character, that Kato became an expert in martial arts. It’s possible, if Rogen and Goldberg are doing a departure and going back to the original source material, that Kato will be going back to that original role and the Bruce Lee-inspired Kato is a thing of the past (which might also explain why Chow left the production).

Whatever they have in store for faithful sidekick Kato, Chou feels he’s up for it and plans on bringing his own style to the project.

From deadlinehollywooddaily.com

“Chou said, ‘It’s an overwhelming experience to take on a role made famous by Bruce Lee. I won’t try to be Bruce Lee’s Kato – I will try to bring my own interpretation to the part. Of course, it’s a dream role, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.’”

Along with Rogen and Chou, Green Hornet also stars Nicholas Cage as Mr. X and Cameron Diaz as Lenore Case, and will begin filming in early 2010.