Asian pop star Jay Chou is 'Green Hornet's' Kato

By Hanh Nguyen

    

August 8, 2009 9:52 AM ET

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"The Green Hornet" has found its sidekick, and he's one of the biggest names in Asia.

Musician, actor, songwriter and director Jay Chou has been cast as "The Green Hornet's" Kato, a role initially popularized by the late Bruce Lee.

The role, recently vacated by Stephen Chow, is significant for Chou since he idolized Bruce Lee while growing up (even playing with nunchucks recreationally). He'll play opposite  Seth Rogen's Green Hornet in the Michel Gondry-directed Columbia Pictures film.

Chou says, "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."

"Jay is incredibly unique and charming and fights like a wild dog!" enthuses Gondry. "When I filmed him next to Seth, they had such great chemistry, and I knew the movie will be great."

See other superheroes who made the leap to movies.

Chou, 30, mainly has a musical background, playing piano since the age of four, getting discovered at a talent competition for his piano playing and songwriting skills and winning four World Music Awards. He mainly writes his own songs and for other artists, combining classical Chinese music with Western pop sensibilities. He's well-known throughout most of South Eastern Asia.

His acting resume began with 2005's drift racing extravaganza "Initial D," shortly aftewrwards starring opposite Chow Yun-Fat and Gong Li in "The Curse of the Golden Flower." He made his directorial debut with "Secret."

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