In an exciting revelation, acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh has shared her immersive experience working on the gripping gangster-themed show, ‘The Brothers Sun.’ The 61-year-old star recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, shedding light on her foray into the world of a contemporary action-comedy series set in the vibrant backdrop of gangsters.
“I’ve not been in a contemporary action-comedy show based on the world of gangsters,” Yeoh revealed, expressing her enthusiasm for the unique opportunity. She emphasized the novelty of the project, stating, “To be able to bring the East to the West in a big explosion of arms and legs was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss out on.”
Yeoh, whose stellar performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ earned her an Oscar last year, discussed the remarkable timing of her involvement in the Netflix show. Astonishingly, less than a year after her Oscar win, Yeoh found herself drawn to the intriguing narrative of ‘The Brothers Sun,’ showcasing the continued recognition of her diverse talent.
Recounting her initial meeting with the vibrant young cast of the show, Yeoh shared a lighthearted moment from their introductory session. “The first night with all the young cast, we went around the table to introduce ourselves and to talk about what we hope to take away from this experience. By the time it came to me, I was like, ‘Just don’t waste my time or else I’m going to kick your butts. Okay?’” she humorously recalled. The actress playfully added, “Oh, I hope what they learn is that behind this facade of being so nice, I’m quite naughty.”
Delving into the broader conversation about Asian representation onscreen, Yeoh voiced her observations, noting, “Everything ties back to the fact that there are so many Asian Americans here living the American way. They are Americans, so why do we not have stories that represent them on a greater level?”
Advocating for a shift in narrative focus, Yeoh urged, “I think we should now stop saying, ‘Oh, it should be more about this and more about that.’ Let’s tell great stories. Let’s tell stories where we can integrate.” As Michelle Yeoh continues to break barriers and contribute to the evolving landscape of storytelling, her insights serve as a compelling perspective on the changing dynamics of representation in the entertainment industry.
