Gemma Chan to Star as Anna May Wong in New Biopic
Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first Chinese-American golden age movie star, is finally getting the recognition that she deserves. The Eternals actress Gemma Chan and Nina Yang Bongiovi are collaborating with Working Title Films to bring Wong’s story to life.
Chan, who will be an executive producer for the upcoming biopic, detailed Wong’s impact as an actress during the silent film era. She stated, “Anna May Wong was a trailblazer, an icon, and a woman ahead of her time. Her talent and her exploration of her art both in and outside of the U.S. was groundbreaking — and the challenges and prejudice she faced in the early 20th century as an actress speak directly to the conversations and the world we are navigating today.”
Chan has been a long-time admirer of Wong. She paid tribute to the movie icon at last year’s Met Gala. The Crazy Rich Asians actress spoke of Wong’s mission to end discrimination and stereotyping in Hollywood. Chan writes, “Despite facing prejudice and stereotyping; she fought back against the discrimination she faced in Hollywood. In her words: ‘It’s a pretty sad situation to be rejected by Chinese because I’m “too American” and by American producers because they prefer other races to act Chinese parts.”
Gemma Chan Pays Tribute to Anna May Wong in Stunning New Met Gala Look https://t.co/XMztGSGXpR pic.twitter.com/ywTypOI5Qv
— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) September 16, 2021
I can’t get over @gemma_chan Met Gala look. It’s stunning and her paying homage to Anna May Wong. I love it!😍 pic.twitter.com/jDDEiWx5Dp
— ♡Marissa♡(she/her) (@marissalenoble) September 16, 2021
David Henry Hwang, the first Asian-American playwright to win a Tony for M. Butterfly in 1988, is penning the screenplay. The film will be adapted from Graham Russell Gao Hodges’ 2012 biography, Anna May Wong: From Laundryman’s Daughter to Hollywood Legend.
Wong’s niece, Anna, will also be involved in the film. She states of Chan and Bongiovi, “I’m delighted that I’ll get to build on my aunt’s legacy with Gemma and Nina, who are Asian leaders in the forefront of storytelling. Anna May Wong’s presence in American and worldwide cinema was the first of its kind, and her representation continues to resonate today. She is the embodiment of inspiration for artists of color.”
Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles in 1905. She appeared in 60 films between 1919 and 1960. Her career spanned the genres of silent film, sound film, television, stage, and radio. Some of Wong’s most successful films include The Thief Of Bagdad (1924), Piccadilly (1929), and Shanghai Express (1932).
marlene dietrich & anna may wong in publicity photos for shanghai express (1932) pic.twitter.com/dFP56GG8Zu
— best of old hollywood (@oldhllywoods) October 9, 2020
Anna May Wong
— Storm in a Teacup (@cnu_aceob) September 1, 2017
PICCADILLY (1929)
Directed by: E. A. Dupont pic.twitter.com/V5O6Cjlpcy
We cannot be more excited to see Gemma Chan star as Anna May Wong. She was an amazing actress who tirelessly advocated for the rights of Chinese-Americans in film. It is wonderful to see Chan following in her footsteps.
Writer | Tweet me @court__giles
