Bowen Yang Speaks Out on His Role in Wicked and SNL Journey
Bowen Yang recently shared insights into his acting journey, discussing his role in the highly anticipated musical Wicked and his experiences on Saturday Night Live. The actor captivated audiences during a talk at the BFI Flare, London’s LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, where he engaged in a candid conversation with his podcast co-host, Matt Rogers.
The Pressure of Wicked
During the discussion, Yang reflected on the pressure he felt while working alongside acclaimed stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. He conveyed a sense of awe regarding the intense passion and artistry these performers brought to the set under the direction of Jon M. Chu. “I was daunted by the biblical precision and just the passion that everybody was bringing to it,” Yang admitted. He noted that while he and others felt overwhelmed, Chu was the steady captain guiding the project.
Improvisation Moments and Ad-Libs
Yang recounted amusing instances of improvisation on set, revealing how Chu would often challenge him to ad-lib after their scripted takes. A standout moment involved Yang’s character nervously asking Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, “Enroll here often?” Initially thinking his improvised lines would not make the final cut, he was surprised when Chu included them in the performance. “I was not going to outdo [screenwriters] Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. No way. Yet, Jon used all of my ad-libs!” Yang shared.
Exploring Wicked’s Deeper Themes
Delving into the narrative of Wicked, Yang expressed his ongoing struggle with understanding its themes. He finds the story politically poignant as it explores issues of racism and fascism. “It’s crazy that Wicked is out in the world and doing so well, especially with such heavy themes,” he stated. The dual nature of its appeal—artistically beautiful yet socially reflective—left a lasting impression on him.
Facing Imposter Syndrome on SNL
Shifting gears, Yang opened up about the imposter syndrome he felt as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. He recounted a pivotal moment during a vacation where, after taking LSD, he envisioned himself participating in the sketches. “I was like, ‘What is me being on this show going to look like? That’s gonna feel crazy’… After watching sketches featuring Bill Hader’s character, Stefon, I hallucinated myself as him. Suddenly, it all made sense,” he revealed.
Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Yang is set to star in Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet, alongside notable actors Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, and Han Gi-chan. He praised Ahn’s unique storytelling ability and his knack for subverting classic romantic comedy tropes. “He knows the [rom-com] trope. He will dial it up to the max, then completely cut off the thread,” Yang explained, highlighting the intricacies of comic writing.
Working with Youn Yuh-jung
Yang also shared his excitement about acting alongside the legendary Youn Yuh-jung, often referred to as the “Meryl Streep of Korea.” He described the experience as exhilarating, pointing out the powerful presence she commands on set. “She just sucks the air out of the room; everyone straightens up when she walks in,” he said, underscoring how her talent elevates the project.
Despite initial hesitations regarding her role after reading the script, Yang noted that Youn’s son encouraged her to reconsider, leading to a journey of acceptance and collaboration.
The Wedding Banquet Release Date
The Wedding Banquet is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters on April 18, promising to deliver a fresh take on familiar themes.