Interview by Jana Letonja

Chin Han made a name for himself as one of Singapore’s top actors of stage, film and television before breaking into the North American market in the 2005 independent film ‘3 Needles’. Most recently, Chin wasseen in Disney+’s original series ‘American Born Chinese’ that premiered on 24th May.  

Chin Han, we’ve just been able to see you in Disney+’ original series ‘American Born Chinese’ alongside Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Daniel Wu and Yeo Yann Yann. The series is based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang and it tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. Tell us more about what makes this series so unique and special.

I think the series is unique in its blending and bending of genres. We have a coming-of-age story, a mythological adventure and a family drama all in one show. In many ways it’s a quest for identity and a need to belong. And belonging has become so significant for us, especially coming out of a global pandemic where we were all so isolated.

In the series you portray Simon, Jin’s father. How would you describe Simon and how he dealt with everything going on?

Simon is a decent man, even if he has lost his way a little. He had immigrated to the US with big ideas and dreams. But with time, he’s worn down by the day-to-day responsibilities at home and struggles of being an outsider at work, so he chooses security over risk. But that is about to change.

How important is it for a series or a film nowadays to include an almost all Asian cast?

I think it is important for cultural specificity, but more than that to find the universal within the specific, so that people can not only empathize with, but also see themselves in these characters and within these stories regardless of who they are and where they are from.

Representation and diversity have been a huge topic in Hollywood for quite some time now. What is your view on it?

I feel that it can only be a good thing to invite curiosity to things we are not familiar with, whether they are other cultures, races or places.

In 2021 you starred in Warner Bros’ ‘Mortal Kombat’, a martial arts fantasy film and you’ll be reprising your role in its sequel, which will soon start production. How excited are you to film this sequel? 

It’s always exciting to reprise a role, because as the saying goes “You never step in the same river twice”. The world of ‘Mortal Kombat’ is constantly evolving through the games, TV series and animated shows, so it’s very dynamic and alive.

You’ve been in the acting industry for over 20 years now. How has it changed since you first started out? Which changes stand out the most?

The advancements in moviemaking technology and the arrival of streamers is the most striking. Both these developments have opened up so many opportunities for filmmakers and content creators. And within those opportunities lie a potential for more diversity in stories and shows, which is what we are seeing now.

What or who inspired you the most to become an actor?

My parents are big movie lovers, so they definitely had a part to play in it. As for actors, I can’t really point to any one performer because I had quite an eclectic experience growing up. I saw everything from ‘The Godfather’ to ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’, but if I had to name a few, Al Pacino, Sydney Poitier, Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’ Toole, Catherine Deneuve, Lin Ching Hsia, Jackie Chan and of course Michelle Yeoh all helped stoke my interest in acting.

You’ve gotten to work alongside many incredible actors in all of the years. Who left the biggest impression on you?

Morgan Freeman in ‘The Dark Knight’ left quite an impression because he was the first Oscar winner I had ever worked with. I was such a fan of the ‘Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Seven’ and ‘Glory’, but we only spoke about golf and travel in between takes. He is an incredible presence on screen and off and a generous co-star too.

You’ve done some directing and producing on stage. Do you want to expand those skills also to TV and film?

Absolutely. It feels like a natural extension of what I am already doing and it also allows me to hang on set a bit more with my favorite people.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

I usually focus on one project at a time, so I’m just getting ready for ‘Mortal Kombat’ now. And that’s Kombat with a ‘K’.

photography GINA KIM