The cast of The CW’s Kung Fu is asking fans of the network to speak out against anti-Asian racism in the wake of several violent attacks against AAPI people in recent weeks.
In a new video shared on The CW’s YouTube channel, cast members — including Vanessa Kai, Eddie Liu and Tzi Ma — reflect on the anti-Asian racism they’ve experienced first-hand, discussing how they hope the series will combat prejudice against the Asian American community.
The clip opens with Kai, who portrays Pei-ling, explaining, “I worry about my family…I worry about my friends, I worry about my coworkers, I worry about you guys.” Meanwhile, Ma admitted that he’s been on the receiving end of anti-Asian sentiments during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, noting that “someone rolled up and told me I should be quarantined… So I know what that feels like, you know.” Eddie Liu, who stars as Henry Yan in the series, also reflected on the fact that “these incidents are happening at a horrible rate,” adding, “It really hurts us to see this happening in our communities.”
Later in the video, the cast opens up about how they think Kung Fu will help change the perspectives of people. “It really is an invitation into the lives of this Asian-American family,” revealed Olivia Liang, who portrays Nicky Chen. Both Yvonne Chapman and Tony Chu doubled down on this belief, with Chapman suggesting the series “normalizes us and our cultures and makes us familiar to everybody so we’re not foreign or other anymore.” Chu added that “Kung Fu will be a positive force in the process of rectifying the situation.”
Shannon Dang wrapped the conversation up by explaining, “That’s the first step is when people of different backgrounds and communities can see themselves in each other… I’m proud to be part of this and I have this opportunity.” Other cast members to participate in the discussion include Jon Prasida, Kheng Hua Tam, Olivia Liang and Gavin Stenhouse.
Executive produced by Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros. TV, Kung Fu stars Olivia Liang, Tzi Ma, Kheng Hua Tan, Tony Chung, Jon Prasida, Shannon Dang, Eddie Liu and Vanessa Kai. The series premieres Wednesday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.
Source: YouTubeThe CW Network
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