Having captivated audiences with her poignant, award-nominated portrayals in "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "Under the Bridge," Lily Gladstone has swiftly etched her name among Hollywood's elite in the realm of dramatic cinema. Yet, she yearns to emphasize that her range transcends heart-wrenching narratives; she possesses a hidden talent for comedy as well.
In "The Wedding Banquet," a contemporary reboot of Ang Lee's groundbreaking 1993 Taiwanese-American romantic comedy, Gladstone embarks on a delightful comedic adventure, sharing the silver screen with Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran, and Han Gi-chan. The film weaves a tale where Tran's character, Angela, enters into a fake marriage with Han's Min—who is in a relationship with Yang's Chris—to facilitate Min's green card application, in exchange for financial support for her IVF treatment. The plot takes an intriguing turn when Min's grandmother discovers the impending wedding.
For Gladstone, diving into comedy felt like a nostalgic journey back to her roots. "I'm inherently a bit quirky," she shared with The Hollywood Reporter at the film's Los Angeles premiere on Monday. "When I was younger and my acting dreams began to bud, I envisioned myself in comedic roles." She continued, "It was surprising to those who perceive me solely as a nuanced dramatic actress. This was an opportunity to spread my wings and embrace a facet of my true self. My closest friends, who were among the first to view it, said it's the role that most aligns with my genuine personality."
Gladstone expressed her genuine desire to delve deeper into the world of comedy, a sentiment echoed by Yang, who attested, "She has an incredible sense of humor. She's truly a jack-of-all-trades." Writer-director Andrew Ahn revealed that during the casting process, he was captivated by Gladstone's interviews, noting, "She's a clown at heart, genuinely funny. Her magnetic presence often lands her dramatic roles, but I was thrilled to collaborate with her, highlighting her playful and quirky charm."
Ahn, whose credits include "Fire Island" and "Driveways," was inspired to remount "The Wedding Banquet," a film that holds a special place in his heart as his introduction to gay cinema. In updating the narrative for 2025, he reflected on the transformations within the queer community regarding marriage and parenthood. Yang echoed this sentiment, expressing his admiration for the remake's modernization. "As an avid fan of the original, I anticipated a straightforward update. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by its contemporary relevance. Legal queer marriage necessitates addressing the plot inconsistencies of the predecessor to ensure a coherent and timely narrative."
Discussing the film's release amidst the current political climate, Ahn acknowledged the prevalent fears and anxieties surrounding queer individuals and people of color. "My hope is that this film serves as a sanctuary, allowing viewers to embrace vulnerability through art, finding solace and strength to protect those we hold dear," he said. Tran added, "It's particularly meaningful to be part of a film celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community amidst relentless attacks. Navigating these dual realities is challenging, but I'm grateful to bring a semblance of joy to our community during these turbulent times."
"The Wedding Banquet" graces theaters on Friday, ready to charm and entertain audiences with its blend of humor, heart, and contemporary relevance.
