Asians are taking the world by storm. And it’s no different in Hollywood. From playing supporting roles to the leads, many Asian actors are reaching for the stars.
Let us take a look at the roster of actors of Chinese descent that will — or are rumored to — be playing leading roles in upcoming major Hollywood films.
1. Heart Evangelista in Crazy Rich Asians 2
Heart Evangelista
Indeed, there has been so much buzz that the Philippines’ very own Heart Evangelista may take part in the long-awaited movie, Crazy Rich Asians 2. Kevin Kwan, the author of the best-selling book, recently confirmed that Evangelista is one of the three choices for the role of Colette Bing in the sequel. The other two are Vietnamese-American Lana Condor (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) and Taiwanese-Australian Hannah Quinlivan. All we can do is hope the filmmakers choose Evangelista, bringing pride to the Chinoy community.
2. Awkwafina in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Awkwafina
Nora Lum (a.k.a Awkwafina) is known for standout supporting roles in comedy films, such as the first installment of Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8 with Sandra Bullock. Now, the Golden Globe winner has three projects ahead of her. Aside from Crazy Rich Asians 2, she was cast in Marvel’s upcoming superhero film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, based on the comic book. She will also make the leap to animated films with Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, voicing a character named, Sisu.
3. Gemma Chan in Eternals (2021)
Gemma Chan
Gemma Chan is another Crazy Rich Asians star on the rise. She previously starred in Captain Marvel, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Her next role will be out of this world: She is set to star in an upcoming movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe called, Eternals. In the film, she will play a member of the race of immortals, alongside Angelina Jolie, and Game of Thrones’ stars, Richard Madden and Kit Harington.
4. Jessica Henwick – The Matrix 4 (2021)
Jessica Henwick
You may have seen Jessica Henwick in Game of Thrones (as Nymeria Sand), Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and in Marvel’s Netflix television show, Iron Fist. Her upcoming movie is none other than The Matrix 4, the fourth installment of the globally renowned sci-fi action franchise with Keanu Reeves. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but she’s surely The One among the Chinese community.
5. Fan Bingbing – The 355 (2020)
Fan Bingbing
Fan Bingbing, a big star in East Asia, joins the star-studded all-female cast of the upcoming spy action flick, The 355. The actress/singer/producer stars alongside Hollywood actresses Jessica Chastain and Penélope Cruz in an exciting film where five women from different countries and spy agencies come together to stop a common enemy from starting World War III.
