Kal Penn Leaving White House for "Harold and Kumar"?

Kal Penn, most widely-known for his portrayal of Kumar in the "Harold and Kumar" movies, is set to leave his position at the White House to return to acting, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Asked to confirm Penn's departure, however, Shin Inouye at the White House Office of Media Affairs said, "Mr. Modi is honored to serve in this Administration and has no announcements to make about his tenure here at this point."

Penn goes by his birth name, Kalpen Suresh Modi, in his White House job.

The actor (pictured at right) began his stint as the White House's associate director of public engagement in July of last year, leaving a role on the television series "House."

His role as public liaison involved facilitating relationships between President Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups, Penn told the Huffington Post. He described his position as "engaging with constituent communities and making sure they have a seat at the table."

According to Entertainment Weekly, the actor's first project in his return to Hollywood will be the third installment of the Harold and Kumar franchise. It has a Christmas theme and might be shot in 3-D.

New Line aims to release the over the holidays in 2011 or 2012, according to Deadline New York.