Taiwanese movie star Kai Ko has officially announced his departure from the upcoming fantasy film “Monster Hunt,” directed by Raman Hui, causing the studio to reshoot his scenes.
"I have to say goodbye to 'Monster Hunt' for a while. I hate to let go of my monster son Wuba...Farewell buddy! Take good care of him for me plz... @JingBoran, @BaiBaihe. Thanks and love you all!" the actor posted on his microblog on Monday.
The studio, Edko Films Ltd, later announced Chinese actor Jing Boran as Ko's replacement in the film, which also stars Bai Baihe, Eric Tsang, Sandra Ng, Jiang Wu and Wallace Chung.
Zhang Han, general manager of Edko Films' Beijing film distribution branch, said that the reshoot, which is scheduled to start after the Lunar New Year, will be difficult and expensive.
"Other relevant actors will be summoned back to rework it all over again," he added.
Zhang also said that the studio is open to incorporating Ko's scenes in the film's future DVD release as an alternate cut.
"Kai Ko's performance was excellent and we hope that there is an opportunity for fans to see his version in the future," a studio representative said in a statement.
Ko's exit comes after his much publicized arrest along with Jaycee Chan, son of Hong Kong martial arts superstar Jackie Chan. The two were detained by Beijing police in August the previous year after they were caught smoking marijuana at a foot massage parlor. He was released 2 weeks later and issued an emotional public apology.
"I was wrong on this issue. I made a mistake. There is no excuse for it. I was wrong," a tearful Ko said in a news conference.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), China's official media watchdog, requires TV stations and film companies to immediately ban actors, directors, screenwriters who have been arrested for drugs, gambling, and prostitution.
The upcoming comedy romance "Tiny Times 4" also had to reshoot after Ko's scenes were removed following his arrest. Ko, whose real name is Ko Chen-tung, also lost endorsement deals with Canon, KFC, and Quakers because of the scandal.
Taiwanese producer and manager Angie Chai, speaking on behalf of Kai Ko's management agency, thanked the studio, the movie's director and lead actress Bai Baihe for their understanding and tolerance.
"We hope 'Monster Hunt' can be a great success, and thank you again for giving Ko an opportunity to play such a great role, but we let you all down."
Originally slated for release during the Spring Festival season in February, "Monster Hunt" is now rescheduled for a summer release to provide time for reshooting.