On July 26, 2021, the Geena Davis Institute hosted an insightful virtual influencer screening for the show "Kung Fu" with its creators and stars. Moderated by Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, the panelists included two of the show’s stars, Olivia Liang and Shannon Dang, as well as Executive Producers and Co-Showrunners Christina M. Kim and Robert Berens. They spoke about API diversity and inclusion, how the remake of the famous 1970s show "Kung Fu" came about, the selection process for the writers and actors, as well as developing a show with nearly an entire Asian American cast.
The virtual event started with Christina M. Kim talking about the daunting task of remaking a classic series from the 1970s that so many hold dear and the process in which she met fellow showrunner, Robert Berens. Next, actors Olivia Liang and Shannon Dang jumped in and spoke about the casting process, API representation, and how they were genuinely happy to play non-stereotypical Asian American roles.
Madeline Di Nonno then asked the participants about the weaving of social issues into "Kung Fu’s" story line and specifically about an episode which addresses the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd. The panelists were happy and proud that the show was able to show the struggle of Black Americans through the point of view of Asian Americans. The virtual session concluded with a Q&A, in which the actors spoke about the fans’ reactions to "Kung Fu," Season 2 of the show, and how more roles for well-rounded Asian characters are being written.
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