Latest news with #MichaelNaizu
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Janel Parrish, Michael Naizu Join Forces For Romance Drama Bound For Glory
Last Updated: Janel Parrish and Michael Naizu star in Bound For Glory, an indie romance drama about identity and generational expectations in a mixed-race relationship. Actors Janel Parrish and Michael Naizu are set to lead Bound For Glory, an upcoming indie romance drama that explores identity, generational expectations, and emotional conflict within a mixed-race relationship. The film reunites the duo after their 2021 collaboration in Christmas Is Canceled. Directed by Michael Naizu alongside his brother John Wilcox, the film draws heavily from Naizu's real-life experiences as a Chinese American navigating the often unpredictable entertainment industry. According to the official synopsis, the story centres on a working-class, mixed-race couple grappling with crisis, codependency, and the pressure of familial and societal expectations. Production is scheduled to begin this fall across locations in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. The project also has the support of Gold House, a nonprofit collective that promotes Asian Pacific creatives and leaders in various industries. Speaking about her involvement, Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish expressed her excitement about working with Naizu again. 'So happy to be working with Michael Naizu again, this time to tell his beautiful and compelling story," she said. 'It means so much to collaborate with AAPI storytellers and help bring narratives to life that reflect who we are and why representation matters." Naizu, who is not only starring in but also co-directing the film, shared the personal nature of the story. 'This is a story I've been trying to tell my whole life. It's deeply personal, rooted in my experience navigating identity and purpose in an industry that is extremely competitive and volatile," he said. He also noted the emotional value of working with those close to him on this project. 'To now be making this film with my brother John, my childhood best friend Derik, and Janel Parrish — someone I've admired for years — it feels like everything is coming full circle." He concluded, 'To have Bound For Glory backed by a trailblazing organization like Gold House is incredibly meaningful. I honestly can't wait to get cameras up and bring this story to life." First Published: July 20, 2025, 15:48 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Janel Parrish, Michael Naizu to star in 'Bound For Glory'
Los Angeles, Hollywood actor Janel Parrish, best known for her work in the drama series "Pretty Little Liars", will feature in a new indie film, titled "Bound For Glory". Janel Parrish, Michael Naizu to star in 'Bound For Glory' According to the entertainment news outlet The Hollywood Reporter, the film also stars Michael Naizu and marks the collaboration for both actors, who have previously worked in "Christmas Is Canceled". The film was released in 2021. "Bound For Glory" is directed by Naizu, alongside his brother, John Wilcox. It is inspired by Naizu's background as a Chinese American navigating Hollywood, and follows 'a mixed-race, working-class couple in crisis, interweaving themes of identity, codependency and generational expectation," according to the official synopsis. The production of the film is slated to begin in the fall in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Parrish said she is happy to collaborate with her "Christmas Is Canceled" co-star. "So happy to be working with Michael Naizu again, this time to tell his beautiful and compelling story," the 36-year-old actor said in a statement. "It means so much to collaborate with AI storytellers and help bring narratives to life that reflect who we are and why representation matters," she added. Naizu said the story is deeply personal for him. "This is a story I've been trying to tell my whole life. It's deeply personal, rooted in my experience navigating identity and purpose in an industry that is extremely competitive and volatile. To now be making this film with my brother John, my childhood best friend Derik, and Janel Parrish — someone I've admired for years — it feels like everything is coming full circle," he said. "To have Bound For Glory backed by a trailblazing organization like Gold House is incredibly meaningful. I honestly can't wait to get cameras up and bring this story to life," he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Pretty Little Liars' Alum Janel Parrish to Star in Coming-of-Age Drama ‘Bound For Glory' From Michael Naizu (Exclusive)
Janel Parrish is set to star in a new indie drama, Bound For Glory. Parrish, known for playing villain Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars and the To All the Boys I've Loved Before films, is reuniting with actor-filmmaker Michael Naizu (Hacks, My Secret Agent Husband) for the feature, who stars alongside the actress. He also co-directs the film with his brother, John Wilcox. Parrish and Naizu previously worked together on the 2021 rom-com, Christmas Is Canceled. More from The Hollywood Reporter Cash Cobain on Justin Bieber 'Swag' Collaboration: "We Were Just in There Being Free" Clearing the Way: Robin Kaye's Legacy as a Champion for Music Supervision How Hollywood Is Feeding the Frenzy Around the Epstein Files The film, which is inspired by Naizu's background as a Chinese American navigating Hollywood, follows 'a mixed-race, working-class couple in crisis, interweaving themes of identity, codependency and generational expectation,' according to the synopsis. 'So happy to be working with Michael Naizu again, this time to tell his beautiful and compelling story,' Parrish said. 'It means so much to collaborate with AAPI storytellers and help bring narratives to life that reflect who we are and why representation matters.' Bound For Glory was adapted into a feature film from the 2020 short film of the same name, which was made during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a finalist in the Gold House AAPI Renaissance Rally. Luber Roklin Entertainment is behind the project. Derik Young serves as a producer, and Charlie Waddell and Sean Casey are executive producers. 'This is a story I've been trying to tell my whole life. It's deeply personal, rooted in my experience navigating identity and purpose in an industry that is extremely competitive and volatile. To now be making this film with my brother John, my childhood best friend Derik, and Janel Parrish — someone I've admired for years — it feels like everything is coming full circle,' Naizu said. 'To have Bound For Glory backed by a trailblazing organization like Gold House is incredibly meaningful. I honestly can't wait to get cameras up and bring this story to life.' Production is slated to begin this fall in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Greatest Needle Drops in Film History The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best Solve the daily Crossword
