Chow pulls out of 'Green Hornet'

Stephen Chow has revealed that he does not have the time to direct the comic book adaptation of The Green Hornet.

The Shaolin Soccer director will instead be helming a new superhero comedy starring Jack Black.

"If I direct The Green Hornet, the superhero comedy will have to be delayed for two years," he said. "Seth Rogen has written the screenplay for The Green Hornet and will star in the film."

The Green Hornet, a masked fictional crimefighter created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, originally appeared on US radio in the 1930s.

A 1966 television series based on the character saw Van Williams in the title role.