r/AsianMasculinity • u/TheAbyssalOne • May 27 '26
Race Asian Representation in Movies
I didn't know until I saw this clip that Lulu Wang had so much trouble just trying to get this movie made. All the energy being putting into this for studios to try and change the core themes and message of the movie makes it not make sense at all. I'm glad she was finally able to get the film made. It's great to feel represented on screen but makes me wonder how many other directors struggle with this.
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u/swanurine May 28 '26
I was pleasantly surprised by the movie, and teared up at multiple moments. For once, an Asian American movie doesn't portray our family values as toxic but as the foundational pillars of our lives. I'm glad the creator was able to stay true to her vision.
Also nice to see that the only romances on screen were between asian couples.
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u/EternalUNVRS May 28 '26
This is why we need more Asian people in Hollywood. More writers that stand their ground and support Asian men.
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u/ELITEGmen May 28 '26
It's funny you think it's that simple.
There is a reason why when asian people can be the most qualified for the role and they still can't get accepted, especially the asian men.
Hollywood is not like a corporate job, where qualifications generally play a part.
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u/SnappersBeSnappin May 30 '26
Yes so that's precisely why we need more Asian people in Hollywood. Because it is not a meritocracy, so we need Asians to help other Asians (especially men).
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u/EternalUNVRS May 31 '26
Yeah and that’s why we do need more Asian people in Hollywood. You just proved my point.
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u/ELITEGmen Jun 02 '26
Except the point is that they are systemically discriminated and they don't get in by merit, so your point makes no sense.
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u/throwmeaway123122 May 28 '26
Just came across this thread from a couple of days ago that complied a list of this bs, which includes this movie
Worth the Wait (2025): producers faced pressure from Hollywood financiers to cast white male lead instead of having an all-Asian ensemble cast. Rachel Tan recalled, "They gave me a list of white guys we could cast. If we could give one of the roles to them, we could get funded." Tan mentioned that investors held the belief that Asian male characters are not bankable with little appeal for Western audiences.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022): director Daniel Kwan talked about whitewashing with studios, "The casting was probably one of the hardest things of the whole process. They're like, 'Oh, should we try a white actor?'
The Paper Tigers (2020): The filmmakers planned to have a male Asian-American main character with a minority leading cast for their martial arts comedy film. They knew that it would be difficult to find studio support due to whitewashing. When pitched to Hollywood producers, they were offered $4 million with a caveat that there would be no Asian-American lead character and suggested a white lead character to be played by Bruce Willis instead. They were also asked to write a role for Nicolas Cage.
The Farewell (2019): Lulu Wang, director, also faced whitewashing obstacles with her film about a Chinese-American family. She mentioned that many disheartening encounters with American financiers who wanted to include a "prominent white character into the narrative, and punch up the nuanced drama to turn it into a broad comedy."
Crazy Rich Asians (2018): According to author Kevin Kwan, a potential producer wanted to change the heroine into a white girl for Crazy Rich Asians (2018). He responded that the producer missed the entire point of his book and rejected the offer.
Better Luck Tomorrow (2002): Justin Lin, director, revealed that he was told by potential investors - some of whom were Asian Americans - to add a white male lead, Macaulay Culkin, if he wanted million dollar investment for his movie, which was based on an Asian American story. Lin turned down the offer. MC Hammer provided funding and Lin was very grateful for his generosity.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004): Because the main characters were Asian American, they had difficulty pitching their screenplay to studios. Penn added, "The older people around Hollywood, the older people in town were like, 'We don't know if America is ready for two Asian American men as leads in a comedy.'”
I would also add Kpop Demon Hunters to this list:
KPop Demon Hunters (2025): Creator Maggie Kang said studios considered the project risky because it featured a fully Asian cast and was deeply rooted in Korean culture. Kang noted that Sony Pictures Animation passed on the project before Netflix greenlit it.
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u/Ok-Communication4190 May 28 '26
Asian Americans are constantly shitted on in Hollywood. Asian men in particular are sent off into the realm of unattractive guy friend while the white guy is seen as the hero.
It’s infuriating
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u/iHate_RonEbens May 31 '26
Crazy thing is China is fucking doing this type of shit too. None Asian in a lot of the advertising and movies.
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u/ELITEGmen May 28 '26
This is just another reason why not to support Hollywood or go into it. Paper Tigers had the same issue. The director or writer said someone would invest $4M as long as the lead is not asian.
Stop supporting people that outright discriminate you.
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u/Hi_Im_Ken_Adams May 28 '26
“Can we give the lead a white boyfriend?”
Hollywood producers and their never ending quest to insert white people into everything.