With the release of Crazy Rich Asians just weeks away, star Constance Wu has opened up about why the film is so important in a powerful Twitter post.
Not in some 25 years has a major Hollywood film centred around an Asian-American storyline, and now, not only that, but the romantic comedy is one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
The movie, based on Kevin Kawn’s hit novel of the same name, stars Wu who plays economics professor Rachel Chu who accompanies boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding—only to discover he comes from one of the wealthiest families in the world.
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“Before [‘Crazy Rich Asians’], I hadn’t even done a tiny part in a studio film … I never dreamed I would get to star in one … because I had never seen that happen to someone who looked like me,” Wu wrote in a powerful Twitter post.
“CRA is changing that, just like [‘Fresh Off the Boat’] did.”
Wu previously starred in the hit series, Fresh Off The Boat, which is in its fifth season and was the first network TV show to feature an Asian-American family in more than two decades.
“Suddenly with Fresh Off the Boat‘s success, people were talking about the lack of Asian American stories. Why had it taken 20 years? Why hadn’t anyone been talking about that lack before? Today, Fresh Off the Boat is heading into its fifth season as the first network show starring Asian Americans to reach syndication,” she wrote. “That’s truly historic.”
Quoting Ava DuVernay – the first black woman to direct a $100 million movie with A Wrinkle in Time, Wu urges people without a voice to fight back.
“My friend Ava DuVernay says, ‘I work in an industry that really has no regard for my voice and the voice of people like me and so, what do I do? Keep knocking on that door or build your own house?’ My dear Asian American friends, we are building our own damn houses.
Wu says she hopes that the next generation will watch the movie and realise “they can be heroes of their own stories.”
“I know CRA won’t represent every Asian American. So for those who don’t feel seen, I hope there is a story you find soon that does represent you. I am rooting for you. We’re not all the same, but we all have a story,” she added. “I am the American daughter of immigrants. Immigrant stories are the stories of dreams, of love, of sacrifice, of courage, of honor. They are what truly make America great.”
Crazy Rich Asians is in cinemas on August 30 – and we cannot wait – in the meantime, you can watch the trailer below.
