In Interior Chinatown, Hulu’s adaptation of Charles Yu’s award-winning novel, Sullivan Jones and Lisa Gilroy bring a fresh perspective to roles that blur the lines between stereotype and individuality.
The series is a satirical yet heartfelt exploration of identity, representation, and belonging wrapped in the framework of a police procedural. The show features an ensemble cast including Jimmy O. Yang, Chloe Bennet, and Ronny Chieng, with Taika Waititi helming the pilot.
In an exclusive conversation with Geeks of Color, Jones and Gilroy shared their thoughts on the script’s layered commentary, their favorite fight scenes, and what taking on roles challenging expectations means. The duo also reflected on the series’ cultural impact and the joy of stepping into a groundbreaking and deeply personal project.
Check out the interview with Sullivan Jones and Lisa Gilroy:
Fight Scenes and Police Procedurals
Gilroy and Jones started the interview with their favorite fight movies, showing just how varied their tastes are.
“I just finished One Piece on Netflix—the live-action series,” Gilroy shared. “The fight sequences, costumes, and sets were incredible. They translated the anime so well. All I want to watch now is cartoon characters in real life!”
Jones leaned into realism, naming The Bourne Identity as his top pick. “The hand-to-hand combat in Bourne is so visceral. It makes you shudder because it feels real—like that’s how people would actually fight in close quarters,” he said.
Regarding favorite police shows, Gilroy and Jones found themselves revisiting nostalgic staples. “My mom always watched CSI,” Gilroy recalled. “I was too scared to watch a full episode, but it’s so ingrained in the zeitgeist.”
On the other hand, Jones brought a different vibe: “For me, it was Cops. It’s trashy reality TV meets procedural, and that’s what we grew up on, for better or worse.”
Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Identity
For both actors, Interior Chinatown offers an opportunity to break out of familiar roles and tackle deeper themes. “These are the kinds of shows you hope to be a part of in your career,” Jones said. “When I saw it was based on Charles Yu’s book, with Taika involved, and on a platform like Hulu, I knew they’d take risks. This felt like the project I’d been waiting for.”
Gilroy expressed a similar sentiment, adding, “I never thought I’d get to do something this meaningful. I usually play light, comedic characters, so this is the first time I’ve had a responsibility beyond making people laugh. It’s an honor.”
The show’s exploration of identity and stereotypes resonated deeply with both actors. “The more you get into the show, the more you start examining your own life and the roles people play,” Gilroy said. “It’s about breaking out of expectations and realizing the love and support you need might already be there.”
A Balance of Script and Improv
Despite her comedic background, Gilroy revealed she mostly stuck to the script, saying, “My character is so by-the-book procedurally that I was 90% on script. But Sullivan? He’s an incredible improviser, which is so unfair because he doesn’t even have a comedy background. He had us laughing all the time.”
Jones humbly credited the collaborative atmosphere for the freedom to explore his character. “There’s a lot of heart in this show, and it’s been liberating to step into something so nuanced,” he shared.
A Show That Resonates
Interior Chinatown is set to challenge viewers while providing sharp entertainment.
“This show is a frontier,” Gilroy said. “It’s bold, it’s heartfelt, and it’s incredibly timely. Everyone will see a piece of themselves in it.”