How the Blockbuster is Blocking Asian American Actors

Modern Hollywood is defined by two main sectors, independent films backed by creative teams and blockbusters curated by major film studios. While the internet has made independent films more accessible to the public, the American cinema scene is still dominated by blockbusters. This film mentality makes it difficult for Asian Americans to be cast in leading roles and also prevents the Asian American voice and narrative to be told.

Blockbusters are characterized by simplistic narratives and visual spectacles. Both elements play a part in preventing Asian American actors from breaking into the mainstream. Blockbusters are dependent on creating simple narratives that propel a visual experience. Any characteristic that complicates the narrative is seen as detrimental to the Hollywood experience. Thus, when Asian Americans are cast in roles that are not stereotypical or do not imply foreign overtones, it disrupts the simplicity of the narrative. Audience members are used to perceiving Asian Americans in certain roles and want Hollywood to reaffirm such notions.

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This creates a chicken and egg dilemma. The media creates archetypes of what Asian Americans represent: nerds, foreigners, passive men, exotic women. These stereotypes enter mainstream society and become the norm of what moviegoers expect in movies. Hollywood executives and their risk averse attitude create a climate that prevents Asian Americans from having roles that deviate from these stereotypes.

Films such as The Wolverine perpetuate stereotypes of passive Asian males and the need for a white protagonists to save the Asian female damsel in distress. Meanwhile, the recently released 47 Ronin rewrites history to create a narrative that contains a Caucasian lead. It’s already disappointing to find a lack of lead characters made for Asians and Asian Americans, but to have a real historic story that took place in Japan have a Caucasian lead is a clear indicator of the inherent problems that exist in Hollywood.

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Other elements of Hollywood don’t help the cause. With continuously rising production costs, licensing existing franchises are safer and more lucrative choices. Unfortunately, Asian Americans are just as underrepresented in literature and television. In addition, accusations of racism in film have scared studio executives into creating post-racial narratives that avoid issues of culture and race. Avoiding the problem only belittles attempts to have a more diverse and dynamic cast and plot.

There are signs of hope for Asian Americans though. Blockbusters have ballooned in prices and notable directors such as Steven Spielberg (one of the Blockbuster pioneers) predict a bubble burst soon. This will make room for independent films, that are more keen on experimenting, to rise. The framework is already set, as Asian Americans have taken up YouTube and other video platforms as an outlet for their expression. The ability for YouTube stars like KevJumba and NigaHiga to gain so many followers, and for acts such as Wong Fu Productions to garner funding for their first feature film, demonstrate that there is an audience that demands Hollywood to change. Not to mention, Eddie Huang’s latest TV show, Fresh Off The Boat, may be an indication of what’s to come for the big screen. It may seem difficult for these small acts to go up against the giant media conglomerates, but if Hollywood taught us anything, it’s that no matter the odds, triumph comes for the good guys.