While fanboys and comic book geeks debate whether Seth Rogen will make a good Green Hornet, I would like to express my personal outrage at the miscasting of Kato. FYI, he’s the Green Hornet’s loyal and more capable Asian “side kick.”
The Taiwanese “actor” playing Kato is pretty much unknown in mainstream America, but in the Chinese speaking world, he’s won over the hearts and unwavering love from millions of Asian (and some non-Asian) girls (and maybe some boys too). His name is Jay Chou and while he can play the piano, mumble through every song he’s ever written and portray moody, soft-spoken characters that are basically extensions of his real life persona, the man can not speak English well.
I was told this was a non issue since Kato is a silent role. I watched the trailer yesterday and he has dialogue. We’re not talking about “yes” and “no” responses to simple questions here. He has a lot of dialogue, enough to allow his character to explain what’s going on to Seth Rogen’s character. From what I saw, it was enough to put my head in my hands and say, “dear lord, why?”
Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself.
On a related note – Is it me, or was this another lost opportunity for English-speaking Asian American actors to have a decent Hollywood role where they’re not just in the background. I may be preaching to the choir, but was John Cho busy or something?
Filed under: Breaking News, Film, Asian, Film, Green Hornet, Hollywood, Jay Chou, Taiwan
Hi Daisy– i was totally missing John Cho watching this trailer too! Maybe they saw Jay Chou as a bigger Asian market tie-in… hard to say. They totally should have gotten an ABC or another Asian American to take the role though — Seth Rogen is double-acting for the both of ‘em. <3