Get ready for American Born Chinese! Today, Disney revealed a star-studded cast for the upcoming genre-hopping action-comedy.
American Born Chinese tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new foreign student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods. The action-packed coming-of-age adventure explores identity, culture, and family.
The cast includes Michelle Yeoh, Ben Wang, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, Daniel Wu, Ke Huy Quan, Jim Liu, and Sydney Taylor.
Get the details on each of their characters below.
American Born Chinese Cast & Characters
Michelle Yeoh as “Guanyin,” an unassuming auntie. She helps her nephew Wei-Chen navigate the challenges of American high school while maintaining her secret identity as the all-powerful Buddhist bodhisattva of Compassion.
Ben Wang as “Jin Wang,” an American teen. His parents immigrated from Taiwan, so Jin struggles to carve out exactly who he’s supposed to be socially and culturally.
Yeo Yann Yann as Jin’s mom, “Christine Wang.” A strong-willed, opinionated woman with a sly wit, who loves her family deeply.
Chin Han as Jin’s father, “Simon Wang.” A hard-working, devoted father and husband who is bumping up against the “bamboo ceiling” at his job.
Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong “The Monkey King.” The legendary, all-powerful god of the Chinese epic Journey to the West, who enters our world in search of his son.
Ke Huy Quan as “Freddy Wong,” a fictional character from a popular mid-1990s sitcom.
Jim Liu as Jin’s confident friend “Wei-Chen,” a teen who has just arrived in the United States. His sweet demeanor belies the deeper mystery of his true identity.
Sydney Taylor as “Amelia,” a friendly “All-American” girl who is Jin’s classmate and crush.
About the series
American Born Chinese comes from Emmy winning writer/producer Kelvin Yu (Bob’s Burgers). Marvel’s Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton also serves as executive producer, as well as director. The series is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang.
The series will begin production later this month in Los Angeles.
American Born Chinese will later debut exclusively on Disney+.
