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The New Wave of Representation in “The Wedding Banquet”
The upcoming romantic comedy “The Wedding Banquet,” features a diverse cast led by Bowen Yang from “Saturday Night Live,” newcomer Han Gi-chan, Academy Award winner Lily Gladstone, and “Star Wars” actor Kelly Marie Tran. The film revolves around two gay couples who navigate their relationship through a discreet arrangement, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
In an exclusive interview with “Extra’s” correspondent Azia Celestino, the four stars opened up about their experiences while working on the film, particularly highlighting a significant moment for Kelly Marie Tran during production.
At the time of filming, Tran was still navigating her journey of self-acceptance and had not yet publicly disclosed her sexual orientation. Reflecting on a memorable day on set, she recounted, “We were shooting the Korean wedding, and we had a reporter from Vanity Fair on set. I remember being fully dressed for the scene, and during interviews, he simply asked me, ‘What are you most excited about?’ I replied, ‘I’m so excited to tell a queer story as a queer person.’ It felt surreal to have that moment.”
Tran mentioned that the film’s producers were considerate and checked in with her to ensure she felt comfortable expressing her identity. “I had a few months to really think about it,” she explained, illustrating her contemplation about her identity representation through the film.
Excited about the opportunity to share her true self, Tran continued, “By the time we finished filming, I was thrilled to be in a film that celebrates not just my identity but many others too. Why would I not share this?”
In addition to discussing personal stories, Bowen Yang addressed the recent criticism from “The White Lotus” star Aimee Lou Wood, who described a parody of her character on “SNL” as “mean and unfunny.” Yang acknowledged her reaction, stating, “Whatever she felt about that sketch is completely valid. It’s important to remember the human emotional cost that these parodies can impose.”
Yang underscored the need for comedians to recognize the potential ramifications of their work, emphasizing, “We need to remember that parody can sometimes cross a line. It’s essential for comedians to take responsibility rather than insisting they should be able to say whatever they want.”
The “SNL” cast expressed their admiration for both “The White Lotus” and its performers, with Yang noting, “We believe Aimee Lou should be immensely proud of her contributions this season.”
As anticipation builds, “The Wedding Banquet” is set to premiere on April 18, promising to blend humor and heartfelt storytelling while contributing to a more inclusive narrative landscape in cinema.
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extratv.com