Chow Yun-Fat jumps off the set of John Woo's "Red Cliff"

HONG KONG — Chow Yun-Fat's withdrawal from a major Chinese historical epic directed by John Woo — the man who made him an icon — is raising questions about whether a local son has forgotten his roots.

Chow, who starred in Woo's classic 1986 film, "A Better Tomorrow," dropped out of the director's $80 million "Red Cliff" just as shooting got under way. He was the film's biggest star.

The 51-year-old actor said he submitted a request to pull out through his lawyers April 13 because he only got the script last week and didn't have time to prepare. Officials for the movie dispute this, saying they couldn't work with Chow because he made unreasonable demands.

Woo's business partner-producer, Terence Chang, told Chinese news Web site Sina.com the movie's insurer opposed 73 clauses in Chow's contract.

"There are too many [clauses we couldn't accept], and many exceed industry standards," Chang said.

Chang said Chow received a copy of the script last year and the version he got a week ago was a revision that incorporated his suggested changes.

Filmmakers said the movie remains on schedule and Chow's replacement will be announced this week.