“Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang?”: John Wick 4 Star Donnie Yen Accuses Keanu Reeves Movie of Racism, Said Director Chad Stahelski Removed Brutal Asian Stereotypes Only After He Took a Stand
Donnie Yen is a famous name in the Hollywood industry. His portrayal of Cantonese Wing Chun master IP Man in 2008 has gained him needed attention. The actor has gained international recognition due to his film. His works include SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005) and Flashpoint (2007), Special ID (2013), and Kungfu Jungle (2014).
Yen was propelled to stardom by landing a role in the famous John Wick franchise. The new addition to the franchise is set to release soon. It includes a character name Caine, an old friend of John Wick. The 59-year actor being an Asian has faced stereotypes. He opened up about fighting for his Caine character from director Chad Stahelski.
Donnie Yen fought against Asian stereotypes with John Wick 4 director Chad Stahelski
Donnie Yen is a new addiction in the successful John Wick franchise. He plays Caine in John Wick: Chapter 4, John Wick’s old friend and High Table assassin. Yen playing the character, in an interview, revealed Caine’s original conception leaned heavily into Asian stereotypes.
When he was cast for the role, Yen refused to allow his character in the upcoming action film to be typecast.
He fought with the director, Chad Stahelski, whose vision for Caine was completely different. The Ip Man star said,
“The name was Shang or Chang. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Why can’t he have a normal name? Why do you have to be so generic?”
The 59-year-old even stood against the wardrobe choice. He said,
“The wardrobe again—oh, mandarin collars. Why is everything so generic? This is a John Wick movie. Everybody’s supposed to be cool and fashionable. Why can’t he look cool and fashionable?”
The Hong Kong actor cited a history of typecasting Asian actors in Western films. They are either placed as warriors or villains to show. Altering Caine’s initial characterization was important to break this stereotype.
Read More: Ip Man 4 Has Been Boycotted In Hong Kong!
Donnie Yen had a great time filming John Wick 4
The 59-year-old actor starred alongside Keanu Reeves‘ John Wick, Laurence Fishburne’s The Bowery King, and Bill Skarsgård’s Marquis da Gramont in Chapter 4. His character Caine is an old friend of Wick and a blind assassin for the High Table. His skills are already proving him as a fierce opponent for John. Yen had a great time filming.
He said, “I had a very respectful experience working on John Wick. Overall, I enjoyed making the film.”
In the new chapter, John embarks on a challenging mission and tries to end the menacing High Table and secure his freedom. Through the mission, he goes to various places including Berlin, Paris, Osaka, and New York City, fighting old foes and former friends. There is a fight scene between Ye and Reeves in the new film.
John Wick: Chapter 4 will be available in theaters across North America on March 24.
Source: GQ Magzine
