Crazy Rich Asians Star Chris Pang Regrets Dodging Action Roles, Eager for Gritty Thrillers

Chris Pang, known for his roles in blockbusters like "Crazy Rich Asians," has a surprising confession: he regrets actively avoiding martial arts roles. Despite growing up in a household where both parents were instructors and he himself practiced Wing Chun, Pang deliberately shied away from action early in his career. He just wanted to be taken seriously as an actor, not typecast as "the Asian guy who does martial arts."

Pang now admits he went too far. The result? He's primarily cast in rom-coms and dramas, with little opportunity to showcase his combat skills. It's a frustrating turn for an actor who loves Hong Kong cinema and lists "Terminator 2" as his favorite film. He longs for dark, gritty crime thrillers and high-concept action. Fans might soon see him chasing those dreams; he’s eager to collaborate with cinematic titans like Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan-wook, riding the global wave of acclaimed Korean cinema.

Shooting his latest Hulu series, "The Season," in Hong Kong offered a different kind of thrill. Pang, who speaks Cantonese, felt right at home. He praised the series for showcasing Hong Kong's iconic, romantic landscapes, from exclusive locations like Sha Tin Racecourse to bustling local dim sum shops.