What happens when you blend sharp satire, heartfelt cultural commentary, and thrilling action? You get Interior Chinatown, a one-of-a-kind series that redefines what it means to take center stage.
The show follows Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), a background character in a police procedural, as he unravels a criminal conspiracy in Chinatown while confronting his family’s buried history and grappling with his identity.
With an ensemble cast including Chloe Bennet (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Ronny Chieng (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), and Diana Lin (The Farewell), the series deep-dives into themes of representation and belonging while keeping viewers hooked with humor and action. Directed by Taika Waititi, the show delivers a balance of fun and thought-provoking storytelling that will resonate with all audiences.
In an exclusive conversation with Geeks of Color, Bennet and Chieng opened up about their favorite fight movies, the challenges of their roles, and how Interior Chinatown sets a new standard for authenticity and representation.
Check out the interview with Chloe Bennet and Ronny Chieng below:
Action-Packed and Nostalgia Driven
Bennet and Chieng discussed their love of action movies, reflecting on how fight choreography has inspired them.”I honestly have to say Charlie’s Angels,” Bennet said, laughing. “The movie with Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore, and Cameron Diaz. It’s iconic!”
Chieng, always ready with a mix of humor and trivia, went for a classic: “Bruce Lee was killing it, but Lethal Weapon 1 deserves credit for introducing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to American audiences. That triangle choke? Game-changing.”
The conversation shifted to police procedurals, where Bennet confessed her love for CSI: Las Vegas. “I even had the box set. Science solving crimes was revolutionary at the time,” she joked.
Chieng offered a curveball with his pick: Night Court. “It was funny, it was weird, and it was court at night. What more could you want?”
Chloe Bennet on Lana’s Depth and Representation
For Bennet, playing Detective Lana was an opportunity to reflect on her career and identity.
“Lana feels like the subtext of Daisy Johnson from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in many ways,” Bennet shared. “The show examines themes of being a mixed-race woman in the industry, and it was therapeutic for me to explore that. Lana’s journey felt personal and deeply rewarding.”
Bennet also praised the series for its attention to detail and said, “Every prop, every scene, every piece of food was handled with care. If you’re Asian, there are so many small, relatable touches that make the show even more special. But for anyone, it’s just an incredibly well-told story.”
Ronny Chieng on Authentic Storytelling and Humor
Chieng agreed with Bennet, highlighting the significance of the show’s cultural authenticity.
“The series is crafted with so much love and respect for the Asian-American experience,” Chieng said. “Even if you’re not Asian, the storytelling is so high-quality and universal. But if you are, the little details—like how we eat or the props on set—add an extra layer of connection.”
Chieng’s humor also led him to share a behind-the-scenes Easter egg from Shang-Chi.
“There’s a scene where my character shouts something in a foreign language. That voice? It’s me. Destin [Daniel Cretton] asked me to do it, and I thought, why not? Now it’s a little BTS trivia for the fans!”
A Must-Watch for Everyone
Interior Chinatown is more than a series; it celebrates culture, identity, and storytelling at its finest. With its mix of humor, action, and heart, Bennet and Chieng agree it’s a show that warrants watching and rewatching, thanks to its layers of Easter eggs and thoughtful details.