Word is out — Huang Shengyi will not be starring in the sequel of Kung Fu Hustle, where she shot to fame in a leading role.

According to Tian Qiwen, a board member of the Star Overseas Co., owned by Hong Kong actor and director Steven Chow, the cast of Kung Fu Hustle 2 includes Chow, Yuen Wah, Yuen Chau, Hsiao Leung, Lam Tze-chung and mainland’s Liu Jiajie.

Chow, capitalizing on his success in Kung Fu Hustle, is back as writer, director and star of the sequel. His new star, Liu Jiajie, is a 21-year-old undergraduate in Shanghai Theatre Academy. She auditioned for Chow's Shaolin Soccer in 2001.

Huang was said to have been lined up to star in the sequel. But just when everything was looking rosy for Huang's entertainment career with Chow, the actress surprised everyone by announcing she was going to seek a court termination of the contract with Star Overseas.

The actress said Star Overseas had not given her enough room for career development. Currently Star Overseas is busy threatening its own legal action against Huang in Hong Kong, said Tian.

Huang's boyfriend, Miao Sen, was angry with the decision by Star Overseas, saying, "Huang left Star Overseas long ago. She does not want to play a role in the sequel at all. Star Overseas is obviously using Huang to promote the movie!"

(Shenzhen Daily October 27, 2005)