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The Power of Chosen Family in Film: A Closer Look at Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone’s Journey
The new film delves into the theme of chosen family, blending humor and heartfelt moments, brought to life by a cast that has forged its own special connections. Lily Gladstone, reflecting on her collaboration with Bowen Yang, recalls a pivotal moment during an in-person meeting with director Andrew Ahn shortly after the Golden Globes. “I expressed my admiration for his script and previous films, but I truly felt compelled to join the project because of Bowen’s role as Chris,” she admits, now affectionately calling Yang her “star brother.”
Gladstone made history with her best-actress win for her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon at last year’s Globes. With a strong bond already established with Yang long before they met, she found a profound sense of connection with him. Growing up on the Montana reservation of the Blackfeet Nation, she always felt the absence of a brother she never had, having learned about her mother’s miscarriage of a boy named August. A memorable moment occurred while watching Saturday Night Live with her mother—when Bowen Yang joined the cast, her mother excitedly exclaimed, “That’s him! That’s who he would have been!”
In 2024, Gladstone was approached by Ahn for the role of Lee in The Wedding Banquet. Initially hesitant, particularly about stepping into the comedy genre and addressing her character’s challenges with IVF, she eventually embraced the opportunity to work alongside Yang, who was set to play Angela’s best friend, Chris. “I was already looking for something lighter,” Gladstone shared. “This script had romance and humor but was deeply rooted in significant themes and dynamics.” The added bonus? “I wanted to give my mom the chance to see me and Bowen together on screen as siblings,” she stated.
Although the notion of being reunited with a long-lost brother through a film might sound improbable, Gladstone believes that many of her meaningful projects have been infused with “little supernatural signs or touches.” These experiences have contributed to her artistic journey and personal growth, further emphasizing the film’s exploration of family connections.
Source
www.vogue.com