All articles tagged with #asian representation
Constance Wu expressed disappointment and discouragement over Andrew Barth Feldman's voice memo regarding the casting of 'Maybe Happy Ending,' highlighting ongoing issues of Asian representation and whitewashing in Broadway productions.
Hulu's adaptation of Charles Yu's novel "Interior Chinatown" offers a whimsical and meta take on the story of Willis Wu, an Asian man aspiring to be a Kung Fu star. While the TV series diverges from the novel's biting critique of Asian representation, it stands out with its unique visual style and character-driven narrative. Jimmy O. Yang stars as Willis, who transitions from a background actor to a leading figure in his own life, exploring themes of identity and self-worth. The show premieres on November 19.
Jenn Tran, a 26-year-old aspiring physician assistant from Miami, will make history as the first Asian woman to lead ABC’s “The Bachelorette” in its 21-year history. Reflecting on the milestone, Tran expressed gratitude and a desire to inspire others through her journey. The former “Bachelor” contestant is ready to find love and be the main character of her own story, as the franchise continues to diversify its lead cast.
Jenn Tran, a contestant from "The Bachelor," has been named the leading lady of "The Bachelorette" Season 21, making history as the first Asian American Bachelorette in the franchise. Tran expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Asian Americans on TV and described herself as a compassionate woman studying to become a physician assistant. The series is set to air this summer on ABC and Hulu, with no premiere date announced yet.
Comedian Ali Wong made history by becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win an Emmy for a lead role, winning the award for best actress in a limited series for her role in Beef. She thanked her family and collaborators in her acceptance speech and also received nominations for her work as an executive producer and voiceover acting. Wong's performance in Beef has earned her several awards, including a Golden Globe, and has been praised for her fearless portrayal of a complex character.
Max's TV series "Warrior," featuring one of the few Asian ensembles on television, has been canceled after three seasons. However, the show will continue to be available on Max and will also be streamed on Netflix through a non-exclusive deal. "Warrior" follows the journey of Ah Sahm, who must choose between loyalty to his tong and commitment to his sister Mai Ling, while the United States government escalates its persecution of Chinese immigrants. The cancellation comes despite the show's dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Randall Park discusses his directorial debut film "Shortcomings" and the importance of meaningful representation in Hollywood. The film explores complex issues within the Asian American community, such as internalized racism and fetishization, while also highlighting the human emotions behind these behaviors. Park emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding when portraying Asian American characters. He also addresses the ongoing Hollywood actors strike, expressing the urgency for improved conditions and fair compensation for actors. Despite the strike, Park remains optimistic about the momentum of the Asian American movement in Hollywood and the opportunity to tell diverse stories.
Bruce Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, reflects on her father's legacy on the 50th anniversary of his death, emphasizing that his true strength lay in his vulnerability and emotional intelligence. She highlights how he challenged stereotypes around Asian men and advocated for collaboration rather than competition. Shannon Lee also addresses the controversial portrayal of her father in Quentin Tarantino's film, "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," and emphasizes Bruce Lee's commitment to inclusivity and his refusal to accept unequal treatment. Ultimately, his legacy is defined by his pride in his culture and his ability to turn his unique qualities into strengths.
The cast of "Joy Ride" discusses potential sequel ideas, including a bachelorette party and a high school setting. They also joke about a crossover with "Saturday Night Live" and suggest recasting with Bowen Yang. The film, which features Asian leads in a genre typically dominated by white actors, delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance and representation. The cast expresses their enthusiasm for the project and the importance of telling diverse stories. "Joy Ride" is currently in theaters.
"Joy Ride," a raunchy comedy directed by Adele Lim, follows four Asian American friends on a wild journey across China to find the birth mother of one of them. The film, originally titled "The Joy F*** Club," pays homage to "The Joy Luck Club" but had to change its name to avoid legal issues. Despite its explicit content, the raunchiness was never contested during production. "Joy Ride" is being praised for its representation of Asian faces in Hollywood and its ability to showcase messy, vulnerable, and hilarious moments among friends.
Stephanie Hsu, the breakout star known for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," reflects on her journey in Hollywood and her love for art. Hsu initially fought her passion for art, unsure if it was a viable career path. Growing up as part of a marginalized group, she felt the need to excel to have a seat at the table. However, she eventually pursued acting and has gained recognition for her roles in theater, television, and film. Hsu emphasizes the importance of representation and feels empowered by being part of projects that feature Asian-American leads and are created by Asian-American women. She hopes to explore producing and directing in the future.
Bowen Yang, breakout star of Saturday Night Live and co-host of Las Culturistas podcast, opens up about his journey to Hollywood, including overcoming a strict upbringing that included gay conversion therapy. Yang, who is openly gay and the son of Chinese immigrants, discusses representation, his coming-out story, and his time on SNL. He also talks about his love for comedy, his NYU experience, and his favorite way to unwind (watching trash TV). Despite the lack of Asian representation in media, Yang has found success in the entertainment industry and is paving the way for future generations.
The Disney+ adaptation of Gene Luen Yang's graphic novel "American Born Chinese" offers a textured depiction of first- and second-generation immigrant suburban life, a flashy incorporation of characters from the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," and a critique of Hollywood's history of racist depictions of Asians. However, the show's strongest feature is the traditional family story at its core, while the mythological plot and the sitcom scenes are not as imaginative or compelling. The fusion that matters the most is the entirely commercial one between high school dramedy and martial-arts-inflected superhero action.
Disney Plus' American Born Chinese is a vibrant and inclusive sci-fi show that explores the immigrant experience and Asian representation. While the show falters in fully depicting the uprising and motives of the Bull Demon, it shines in its portrayal of the emotional stakes of Jin's parents and Quan's journey as a former '90s actor. The show goes beyond stereotypes and subtly addresses issues of identity and finding one's place in the world.
Lily Gao, the voice actor behind Ada Wong in Resident Evil 4 Remake, has responded to critics who complained about her performance and claimed she "ruined the remake". Gao, the first Asian actor to portray the Chinese-American character, criticised Asian stereotypes and called for more authentic representation of Asian women. The remake has received positive reviews, but microtransactions were added two weeks after release, allowing players to pay for weapon upgrades.