In a groundbreaking new series that blurs the lines between reality and television, Hulu’s “Interior Chinatown” emerges as a powerful commentary on Asian American representation in Hollywood. Created by National Book Award winner Charles Yu, this highly stylized adaptation brings to life a story that resonates deeply with its cast’s real-world experiences.
A Story Within a Story
Jimmy O. Yang plays Willis Wu, a background actor working as a Chinatown restaurant waiter who aspires to be more than just a face in the crowd, in the series. His world changes when he meets Detective Lana Lee (Chloe Bennet), a character who stirs debate both on and off screen.
Yang’s journey mirrors his character’s struggle. “I went from playing Chinese Teenager #1 to being No. 1 on the call sheet,” he reveals. Many cast members who have experienced similar typecasting in their careers can relate to this meta-commentary.
Breaking Through Stereotypes
The show tackles common Asian stereotypes head-on through cleverly named episodes like:
- “Delivery Guy”
- “Tech Guy”
- “Kung Fu Guy”
- “Chinatown Expert”
Taika Waititi, the acclaimed director and executive producer, brings his unique perspective to the project. Drawing from his experience as a Māori person in New Zealand, he sees universal themes in the story of outsiders trying to find their place.
Art Imitating Life
Perhaps no one embodies the show’s themes better than Chloe Bennet herself. Born as Chloe Wang, she changed her surname after struggling to book roles in Hollywood. “I’ve become accustomed to my identity being exploited,” Bennet admits. Her character Lana Lee represents this duality, straddling two worlds just as many Asian Americans do in real life.
A Community Portrait
The series goes beyond individual stories to paint a broader picture of Asian American experience. Tzi Ma, a veteran actor in the cast, emphasizes the importance of seeing Chinatown as more than just a dining destination: “It’s a community.”
The show features an impressive ensemble including Ronny Chieng as Fatty Choi and Archie Kao, with Asian talent prominent both in front of and behind the camera. Yu’s creation serves as both entertainment and commentary, using the familiar format of a police procedural to explore deeper themes of identity and belonging.
Looking Forward
“Interior Chinatown” represents a significant step forward in Asian American storytelling. “If you don’t see someone who looks like you on the screen, you don’t think that you’re able to do that,” observes Bennet.
The 10-episode season masterfully weaves together elements of crime drama, comedy, and social commentary. Yu compares it to “The Matrix,” saying, “In the world of this show, reality looks a certain way. It doesn’t look like how we see it because we’re watching it from the outside, and they’re experiencing it differently.”
As Hollywood continues to evolve, “Interior Chinatown” stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of giving voice to underrepresented communities. The show premieres on Hulu, promising viewers a unique blend of entertainment and insight into the Asian American experience.
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