A poster of Kung Fu Hustle features Stephen Chow.

Hong Kong actor and filmmaker Stephen Chow has resigned as director of the action movie adaptation of the classic U.S. television series "Green Hornet" because of creative differences, according to Variety magazine.

Producer Neil Moritz now must find a new director for the project so filming can start in the spring, the report said.

Chow told Hong Kong media on Friday that he is arranging other works and is not sure whether he will still play the role of Kato, the Green Hornet's faithful sidekick, who was originally played by Bruce Lee in the 1966 television series.

"The production company, Sony Pictures, really wants me to join the cast," Chow told the Hong Kong-based Sing Tao Daily. "I'm also very fond of the character, but it will depend on my work schedule next year."

It has been reported that Chow is gestating another Hollywood superhero blockbuster that he will write and direct as well as play a role in. Hollywood actors Jack Black and Anne Hathaway may be cast as the movie's leads, reports said, although Chow has not confirmed the news.

Chow is known internationally for his humorous kung fu movies "Shaolin Soccer" in 2001 and "Kung Fu Hustle" in 2004. Last September, he signed on to direct and costar in "Green Hornet," which was expected to be his Hollywood debut.

(CRI December 22, 2008)