Based on Charles Yu’s award-winning novel, Interior Chinatown is a series that blends satire, action, and heartfelt drama. The story follows Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), a background character trapped in a police procedural called Black & White. Relegated to the sidelines, Willis spends his days waiting tables and dreaming of a world beyond Chinatown, where he could become the lead of his own story.
However, when he accidentally witnesses a crime, Willis begins to unravel a criminal conspiracy that shakes his community. Along the way, he uncovers his family’s buried history and discovers what stepping out of the background and into the spotlight means.
The series stars an ensemble cast including Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet, Lisa Gilroy, Sullivan Jones, Archie Kao, and Diana Lin. Taika Waititi directed the pilot.
Interior Chinatown is a unique blend of satire, action, and heartfelt storytelling, with Jimmy O. Yang at its heart. In an exclusive interview with Geeks of Color, Yang opened up about the unique challenges of portraying Willis, the evolution of representation in Hollywood, and what it means to finally lead a series after years of supporting roles.
Check out the full interview with Jimmy O. Yangbelow:
A Love for Action and Procedurals
Kicking off the interview, Yang was asked about the dynamic fight choreography in Interior Chinatown. When pressed about his favorite fight movie, his answer was immediate.
“Bloodsport,” Yang said enthusiastically. “That was shot in Hong Kong, and I grew up there. It’s such an iconic movie. Jean-Claude Van Damme showing all these different fight styles from different cultures—it’s a classic. I still watch it sometimes.”
Though Bloodsport is exceptional in his heart, Yang admitted his love for Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee films, particularly Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour. His passion for action films translates seamlessly to Interior Chinatown, which mixes dramatic and comedic elements with its action sequences.
When asked about his favorite police procedural, Yang didn’t hesitate. “Law & Order: SVU. Mariska Hargitay is incredible, and the guest stars they’ve had over the years—it’s some of the best acting on TV. I even deep-dived into SVU as part of my research for the show, watching the best and most iconic episodes.”
A Celebration of Food and Culture
Food naturally became part of the conversation, given the show’s setting in a Chinese restaurant. Asked to name his favorite Asian dishes, Yang shared a nostalgic list.
“Chinese food covers so much ground,” he explained. “I remember this one dish—crab noodles with hairy crabs and a simple bowl of noodles with scallions. It’s tied to some of my favorite childhood memories. And of course, there’s Chinese barbecue—roast duck over rice is unbeatable. I grew up in Hong Kong, so Cantonese food is closest to my heart, but I love exploring other cuisines like Japanese, Korean, and Thai.”
Hollywood’s Evolution for Asian Actors
Reflecting on his journey in Hollywood, Yang acknowledged how much the industry has changed for Asian actors since he started 15 years ago.
Now, as the lead of Interior Chinatown, Yang is embracing the spotlight. Yang shared, “It’s surreal. Willis’s journey mirrors my own in so many ways. I’ve literally been every number on the call sheet, from background actor to lead. Playing Willis feels like stepping back into my younger self, but with all the experience I’ve gained.”
Yang continued, “When I began, there were so few roles for us, and representation wasn’t even part of the conversation. It was like clawing your way into the industry. Being in Crazy Rich Asianswas a turning point—not just for me, but for how people saw Asian-led projects. It showed that we could lead a movie that’s beautiful and profitable.”
A Message to His Younger Self
As the interview wrapped up, Yang was asked what he would say to his younger self. His answer was heartfelt and reflective.
“Don’t listen to your dad. Just keep going,” Yang said with a smile. “My younger self had this optimistic ignorance. Even though I didn’t see anyone like me on screen, I had this blind belief that I could do it. That’s something Willis has too—a belief that despite all odds, he can make it.”
Interior Chinatown is now streaming on Hulu.