Kilmer replaces Arnett in 'Knight Rider'

Val Kilmer has been called up as a last minute replacement to play the voice of KITT in the new Knight Rider pilot on NBC.

Will Arnett, who was originally cast in the role, was forced to pull out of the show because its promotion of Ford cars conflicted with his work for General Motors, for whom he has done voice-over work for over a decade.

According to Variety, the Arrested Development star had already completed his filming on the two-hour show, which is due to air in two weeks.

Talking about his withdrawal, Arnett said: "I was very excited at the prospect of playing the part of KITT in the new Knight Rider movie.

"However, because of a long relationship with General Motors as the voice of GMC Trucks, I had to respectfully withdraw from the project."

Batman Forever star Kilmer has provided voice-over work before in DreamWorks' The Prince of Egypt.