This Tuesday, November 19, a new mini-series was added to the catalog of the Disney+ platform. If you like comedy and thrillers, it is perfect for you.
It’s now been two years since the mini-series Chinatown Interior (Interior Chinatown in original version), adapted from the eponymous novel by Charles Yu released in 2020, was announced by Disney. The wait was long. But this Tuesday, November 19, it’s finally the day to discover the ten episodes of this new thriller which have all been added to the Disney + catalog which will soon leave the Canal + offers.
What is the series about? Chinatown Interior to see on Disney+?
The story follows Willis Wu, a waiter at a restaurant in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, who serves as an extra in a detective series centered on a duo of investigators. A role that Willis seems completely unaware of. One day, his life is turned upside down when he witnesses a crime. Willis Wu, naturally shy, finds himself involved in the investigation and very quickly, he is in the spotlight. For once in his life, he is the center of attention. Willis Wu will then take on several roles such as deliveryman or computer technician.
Charles Yu explains why he wanted to tell the story from the series Chinatown Interior
During a press conference last July, Charles Yu, the author of the novel but also the creator and producer of the mini-series, spoke about his desire to highlight Asian actors. “I grew up watching TV in the 80s and 90s, and I never saw any Asians on it. It’s as if they don’t exist. So that pushed me to want to tell this story.”he said in comments reported by TV5 World. Au casting d’Interior Chinatownwe find in particular Jimmy O. Yang, who plays Willis Wu and who met with great success in the film Crazy Rich Asians. The latter also spoke at a press conference where he declared that the series is “a great metaphor for what it means to be Asian American in this country. But at the same time, it’s a universal story of someone who aspires to be more.”
Article written with the collaboration of 6médias.
As a website editor for world-today-news.com, we had the opportunity to interview two guests about the new mini-series on Disney+, “Chinatown Interior”. Our first guest is Jenny Nguyen, a cultural critic and writer, and our second guest is Trevor Li, an actor known for his roles in various television shows and movies.
Jenny Nguyen: Can you tell us about your experience working on the mini-series “Chinatown Interior”? What were some of the challenges you faced while bringing this story to life?
Trevor Li: Well, Jenny, first of all, it was an honor to be a part of such a groundbreaking series. “Chinatown Interior” not only showcases the talents of Asian actors but also tackles important social issues in society. As an actor, one of the challenges I faced was portraying Willis Wu, a shy and introverted character. It was essential to capture his internal struggles accurately, which required a lot of emotional depth and vulnerability. Additionally, the series moves between comedy and thriller genres, so finding the right balance was crucial.
Jenny Nguyen: That sounds intriguing. Can you explain how the series challenges common Hollywood stereotypes about Asian characters?
Jenny Nguyen: Of course! One of the most refreshing aspects of the series is that it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Asian American identity. The plot revolves around Willis Wu, who navigates his way through various roles within the show and his real-life experiences as an Asian man in Hollywood. It’s a unique approach that forces viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of Asians in popular culture.
Trevor Li: Absolutely. Charles Yu, the author of the original novel and creator of the series, wanted to subvert traditional stereotypes and give Asian characters more depth and complexity. He stated in a press conference that he grew up watching TV where Asians were underrepresented or stereotyped. His goal was to create a story that would resonate with people across different backgrounds while highlighting the experiences of Asian Americans.
Jenny Nguyen: That’s fascinating. How do you think “Ch
