Latest news with #WorthTheWait
AsiaOne
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Producers of all-Asian rom-com Worth The Wait reject Hollywood pressure to cast white actors, Entertainment News
SINGAPORE — Producers on the US-Canada romantic comedy-drama Worth The Wait wanted their movie to showcase Asians falling in love, navigating awkward encounters with former lovers and coping with loss. But they faced pressure from Hollywood financiers, who suggested a change they thought was minor, but was anything but to Rachel Tan. The Malaysia-born, Los Angeles-based producer says they wanted to add a white male to the cast rather than letting the film be an all-Asian ensemble. "They gave me a list of white guys we could cast. If we could give one of the roles to them, we could get funded. It was so tempting," the 43-year-old recalls. She was in town with her producing partner and husband, Chinese-American Dan Mark, for a screening of their film — which the couple also co-wrote — at Tanglin Club on July 10. The investors held the belief that, except for genres such as martial arts, Asian male characters are not bankable, with little appeal for Western audiences, she says. [embed] Tan and her team ignored the suggestion, completing Worth The Wait without watering down their goal of an all-Asian cast in stereotype-breaking stories. For years, Asian Americans have been viewed by the majority as the "model minority", the ethnic group to be the most well educated, well adjusted and upwardly mobile, but the film seeks to show a more complete picture, she says. Slated to open in Singapore cinemas in August, Worth The Wait is directed by Taiwanese film-maker Tom Shu-Yu Lin, known for his Golden Horse-nominated drama The Garden Of Evening Mists (2019), adapted from the 2011 Booker Prize-shortlisted novel of the same name by Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng. Set in Seattle and Kuala Lumpur, it revolves around a group of singles and couples of different ages, and features actors of Asian or mixed descent from North America and Europe, including Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Andrew Koji, Sung Kang and Elodie Yung, as well as Singapore actors Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Yu-Beng. Producer Mark, 43, says audiences will see that Butler (Shazam!, 2019; 13 Reasons Why, 2017 to 2020) fits the profile of the romantic lead, while also being Asian. "He's a masculine Asian man. He's stereotype-breaking, and we love that — we need to have that in our culture," he says. Singapore-born American actor Butler plays Kai, the son of a corporate bigwig (Lim). On why on-screen white male-Asian female couples are the more common representation, Butler feels it has to do with Asian men being seen as not desirable. "It's a deep topic to talk about. In the West, for a hundred years, the Asian man has been emasculated," the 35-year-old tells The Straits Times at the same event. Butler drew on his personal experience to play Kai, who is under pressure to live up to his father's goals for him. The performer took chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State University, but left his studies to pursue acting as a career. "A lot of this was generational legacy pressure from my mum. She is from Malaysia, and she took me to the US for the opportunities. We all know about the immigrants' dream," he adds. In another of the film's intertwining story threads, a couple played by Chinese-Canadian actors Osric Chau and Karena Lam find their marriage becoming strained after a miscarriage, while a young man, Blake (Chinese-Canadian actor Ricky He), has priorities other than school. Rachel Tan says: "Osric's character is vulnerable and Blake failed maths. There are so many layers to the characters. We are so much more than what's usually shown." Worth The Wait opens in Golden Village cinemas on Aug 8 and EagleWings Cinematics on Aug 14. [[nid:720270]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Asian Rom-Com Producers Reject Hollywood Pressure to Cast White Actors
Find out what's new on ST website and app. In Worth The Wait, Lana Condor and Ross Butler play a couple in a long-distance relationship. SINGAPORE – Producers on the US-Canada romantic comedy-drama Worth The Wait wanted their movie to showcase Asians falling in love, navigating awkward encounters with former lovers and coping with loss. But they faced pressure from Hollywood financiers, who suggested a change they thought was minor, but was anything but to Rachel Tan. The Malaysia-born, Los Angeles-based producer says they wanted to add a white male to the cast rather than letting the film be an all-Asian ensemble. 'They gave me a list of white guys we could cast. If we could give one of the roles to them, we could get funded. It was so tempting,' the 43-year-old recalls. She was in town with her producing partner and husband, Chinese-American Dan Mark, for a screening of their film – which the couple also co-wrote – at Tanglin Club on July 10. The investors held the belief that, except for genres such as martial arts, Asian male characters are not bankable, with little appeal for Western audiences, she says. Tan and her team ignored the suggestion, completing Worth The Wait without watering down their goal of an all-Asian cast in stereotype-breaking stories. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms, 1 lawyer over seized properties Singapore Air India crash: SIA, Scoot find no issues with Boeing 787 fuel switches after precautionary checks Opinion What we can do to fight the insidious threat of 'zombie vapes' Singapore $230,000 in fines issued after MOM checks safety at over 500 workplaces from April to June Business 'Some cannot source outside China': S'pore firms' challenges and support needed amid US tariffs Opinion Sumiko at 61: Everything goes south when you age, changing your face from a triangle to a rectangle Multimedia From local to global: What made top news in Singapore over the last 180 years? Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years For years, Asian Americans have been viewed by the majority as the 'model minority', the ethnic group to be the most well educated, well adjusted and upwardly mobile, but the film seeks to show a more complete picture, she says. Slated to open in Singapore cinemas in August, Worth The Wait is directed by Taiwanese film-maker Tom Shu-Yu Lin, known for his Golden Horse-nominated drama The Garden Of Evening Mists (2019), adapted from the 2011 Booker Prize-shortlisted novel of the same name by Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng. Set in Seattle and Kuala Lumpur, it revolves around a group of singles and couples of different ages, and features actors of Asian or mixed descent from North America and Europe, including Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Andrew Koji, Sung Kang and Elodie Yung, as well as Singapore actors Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Yu-Beng. (From left) Lim Yu-Beng, Ross Butler, Tan Kheng Hua and Osric Chau at the red carpet event for Worth The Wait on July 10 at Tanglin Club. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Producer Mark, 43, says audiences will see that Butler (Shazam!, 2019: 13 Reasons Why, 2017 to 2020) fits the profile of the romantic lead, while also being Asian. 'He's a masculine Asian man. He's stereotype-breaking, and we love that – we need to have that in our culture,' he says. Singapore-born American actor Butler plays Kai, the son of a corporate bigwig (Lim). On why on-screen white male-Asian female couples are the more common representation, Butler feels it has to do with Asian men being seen as not desirable. 'It's a deep topic to talk about. In the West, for a hundred years, the Asian man has been emasculated,' the 35-year-old tells The Straits Times at the same event. Butler drew on his personal experience to play Kai, who is under pressure to live up to his father's goals for him. The performer took chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State University, but left his studies to pursue acting as a career. 'A lot of this was generational legacy pressure from my mum. She is from Malaysia, and she took me to the US for the opportunities. We all know about the immigrants' dream,' he adds. (From left) Osric Chau and Karena Lam play a couple dealing with the trauma of a miscarriage in Worth The Wait. PHOTO: WORTH THE WAIT MOVIE LLC In another of the film's intertwining story threads, a couple played by Chinese-Canadian actors Osric Chau and Karena Lam find their marriage becoming strained after a miscarriage, while a young man, Blake (Chinese-Canadian actor Ricky He), has priorities other than school. Tan says: 'Osric's character is vulnerable and Blake failed maths. There are so many layers to the characters. We are so much more than what's usually shown.' Worth The Wait opens in Singapore cinemas in August.
Hype Malaysia
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
YSL Pop-Up Launch, 'Worth The Wait' Premiere, SEVENTEEN's Mingyu x SNICKERS & More: Dope Events We Hit Up This Week!
Another week, another whirlwind of totally EXTRA events! We were here, there and everywhere! We were on the scene and vibing like a boss! Just check out our social diary for this past week (don't be jelly!): 'Worth The Wait' Red Carpet Premiere At Dadi Cinema Pavilion KL It was a star-studded affair at the red carpet premiere of 'Worth The Wait', the new romantic comedy starring Ross Butler and Lana Condor. The movie is also significant for featuring scenes filmed in Malaysia! At the event at Dadi Cinema Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, we had the opportunity to meet Ross, as well as his co-stars Osric Chau, Tan Kheng Hwa and Lim Yu-Beng. Also present at the premiere were director Tom Lin and co-producers and co-writers Rachel Tan and Dan Mark, the husband-and-wife duo behind King Street Pictures. During the event, Malaysia-born Rachel shared more about the movie and how her long-distance relationship with Dan inspired the story of Kai and Leah, played by Ross and Lana. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: SEVENTEEN's Mingyu At SNICKERS Pop-up In Sunway Pyramid K-pop idol Mingyu becomes the first SEVENTEEN member to return to Malaysia after six long years with his appearance at the SNICKERS Pop-up at Sunway Pyramid. The heartthrob idol received a very warm welcome from Malaysian Carats (SEVENTEEN fans) as he made his way to the pop-up at the mall's Blue Concourse. At the event, the SNICKERS ambassador tried his hand at the available activities and read messages from fans who had patiently waited for his return to Malaysia. Emcee Natalie Chai also cheerfully shared some local food recommendations for the idol, which included our beloved nasi lemak. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 Media Launch At Suria KLCC Kuala Lumpur's biggest fashion event is coming back bigger and bolder than ever! Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) is once again teaming up with Suria KLCC and KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd to revive its iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers-facing show space, setting the stage for an elevated week of homegrown fashion. From 4th to 10th August 2025, the annual fashion event will ramp up the excitement, scale, and style for its 13th season, featuring its biggest line-up yet, with more than 55 designers and brands comprising highly anticipated veteran returns, emerging runway talent, and established fashion mainstays. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: La Roche-Posay Launch With GOT7's JAY B La Roche-Posay launched its latest innovation, the Anthelios UVMune 400 Anti-Dark-Spots Fluid SPF 50+, in Malaysia with a special celebrity appearance by Jay B, leader of GOT7. Formulated to meet the challenges of Malaysia's extreme UV levels, this next-generation sunscreen offers ultra-long UVA protection and visible dark-spot correction in a single, ultra-light formula. It features two patented breakthroughs – MEXORYL 400, the brand's most advanced UV filter, and Melasyl™, a powerful active that targets hyperpigmentation at its root. During the launch at Mid Valley Megamall, the K-pop idol also shared his personal skincare journey, underscoring the importance of reliable sun protection during both his performances and outdoor personal activities, so he can effectively shield himself from the sun. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: YSL LOVESHINE With YSL Beauty's LOVE GAME Pop-Up At Pavilion KL Luxe and bold beauty powerhouse YSL Beauty marked the debut of its YSL LOVESHINE LOVE GAME Pop-Up at Pavilion KL with an electrifying launch event. Drawing a crowd of over 300 guests, the evening brought together media, celebrities, and local tastemakers. Adding a dynamic rhythm to the night, Cherrybomb DJs Jovynn and Aidaho kept the energy high with their live sets. Inspired by the iconic YSL LOVESHINE Plumping Lip Oil Gloss packaging, the pop-up takes the form of a larger-than-life lipstick, complete with a striking silver cap and the signature horizontal Cassandra logo. Head on over to the Main Entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, to experience YSL Beauty's LOVESHINE Pop-Up from now to 20th July 2025. Pre-register on their sign-up link at and stand a chance to receive a special gift. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: MYTV Mana-Mana Premium Launch At GSC Mid Valley Megamall MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd launched MYTV Mana-Mana Premium, a new milestone in the evolution of Malaysian television, offering affordable, high-quality streaming content for everyone. Available for as low as RM6.90 per month, MYTV Mana-Mana Premium brings together the best in entertainment. Premium Live TV channels, Premium Video on Demand, and exclusive MYTV Originals, all designed with the people in mind. Further adding to its content offering, MYTV also unveiled plans for MYTV Originals, a fresh content initiative featuring exclusive productions in collaboration with local content creators, designed to showcase authentic Malaysian stories and talent to a wider audience. Download the MYTV app now to enjoy on-the-go streaming of your favourite shows! Available on both Android and iOS. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: (Awaiting reel) Kedah Fashion Week 2025: Where Couture Meets Culture Kedah Fashion Week 2025 is set to take place at Aman Central from 1st to 3rd August, marking a major moment for both the event and the mall's 10th anniversary. This year's theme, 'Diamond,' celebrates strength, beauty and transformation. The lineup will feature 18 couture designers, 11 student designers from Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Thai guest designer Patinya. From bold looks to wearable art, the runway will showcase the rising creative scene in Northern Malaysia. What will make KFW 2025 special won't just be the fashion. It will be the energy in the air. With performances by Hael Husaini, Nadeera Zaini, Mimifly and Amir Masdi, the event will offer more than just a runway show. DYTM Che Puan Muda Zaheeda will also attend all three days, adding a royal touch. More than a fashion event, KFW 2025 will be a celebration of local talent, community pride and Kedah's growing presence in the fashion scene. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: HYBE CINEFEST Preview At GSC LaLaport BBCC From 10th to 13th July, Malaysian K-pop fans will get an exclusive treat, as Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) hosts HYBE CINE FEST IN ASIA, bringing the excitement of K-pop to cinema screens nationwide. Alongside the exclusive film screenings, fans can enjoy a variety of immersive events at Wow Plaza, LaLaport, designed to celebrate and deepen the K-pop experience. Over four days, fans can watch exclusive films featuring HYBE artists like BTS and SEVENTEEN. They can also join the HYBE cinema noraebang, a fun karaoke event to sing their favourite K-pop hits. Additional activities include photo zones, games, and merchandise at WoW Plaza, LaLaport – making it a must-visit for K-pop lovers. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: The Lagom Life Experience At IPC Shopping Centre IPC Shopping Centre unveiled The Lagom Life, a new brand concept inspired by the Swedish values of balance, simplicity, and intentional living. Centred around the idea of 'just enough,' The Lagom Life encourages visitors to take their time, enjoy meaningful experiences, and shop thoughtfully. Whether you're a family seeking convenience and fun, a food enthusiast exploring fresh tastes, or someone wanting a peaceful escape, IPC provides a well-rounded experience for all. The mall is more than a shopping destination — it's a lifestyle hub that combines sustainability, community, and comfort. Explore new dining options, flexible workspaces, and wellness activities like indoor pickleball courts. Eco-friendly programmes and creative workshops make sustainable living easy and enjoyable. With amenities such as family rooms and stroller rentals, IPC offers a comfortable, purposeful place to unwind and connect. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: Pavilion Bloom: Journey Of Scents, Style & Curation Experience the scents, style and curation of Pavilion Bloom with Pavilion Damansara Heights from today till 31st July. Visit the stunning Rose Dome, adorned with 1,999 preserved roses, a symbol of enduring grace. Wander through lush floral art and immersive spaces where fashion, flavour and festivity come together. Enjoy exclusive Pavilion Bloom Rewards, captivating workshops, lively performances, and fun social media contests when you indulge in their Blooming Experience. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: (Awaiting Reel) Harvey Norman x Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | Flip7 Launch Ever since AI hopped into the smartphone limelight, Harvey Norman Malaysia has been one of the major spearheads leading the charge in incorporating this state-of-the-art technology into everyday use. And this week, the retail company brought the next generation of AI smartphones to Malaysians. Harvey Norman's Mid Valley Megamall branch officially launched the new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, and we were there for a first glance. Folks from all walks of life were able to try out the latest flagship foldable from Samsung, which they can snag at the store at an incredible price! When you pre-order any of the select devices at any Harvey Norman physical outlet or online store from 10th to 31st July, you can receive offers up to RM1,390. Furthermore, you will receive a complimentary double storage upgrade (up to RM600) and a special e-voucher (up to RM390) when purchasing. Additionally, if you are a CIMB cardholder, you are entitled to receive rebates of up to RM400. The Z Flip and Z Fold models are available for you to check out at all Harvey Norman stores now. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel:
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Rachel's love story inspires rom-com with Malaysia as the star
A YEAR after premiering 'Sight' , about Asian-American eye surgeon Dr Ming Wang, Malaysian beauty queen-turned-filmmaker Rachel Tan is back with 'Worth The Wait'. Expected to reach cinemas in August, it is her sixth movie and is partly shot in Kuala Lumpur. At the movie's recent premiere in Dadi Cinema in KL, Rachel said that 'Worth The Wait' was loosely based on the love story of her husband and business partner, Dan Mark, and herself. "While the characters' names are changed, a lot of it is based on our story, a long distance romance between Seattle in the United States and Kuala Lumpur," said Rachel. STAR-STUDDED The movie boasts a star-studded Asian-American cast which includes Lana Condor, Andrew Koji, Ross Butler, Sung Kang, Elodie Yung, Karena Lam, Osric Chau, Tan Kheng Hua, Lim Yu-Beng and Vincent Xie, who doubles as the producer. Taiwan's Tom Lin of 'The Garden Of Evening Mists' fame is the director, and marks his second movie in Malaysia. " 'Worth The Wait' is like my favourite movie, 'Love Actually'. It is a collection of love stories and we shot it over a few days in KL in June 2023," said Rachel, adding that filming took place over 22 days in Seattle and Vancouver. SEREMBAN Rachel, from Seremban, "leaped" from beauty queen to lawyer to film producer. "I was doing my first year of law school and tried out a beauty pageant during my summer break. "I then realised that I loved the entertainment industry," she said. Rachel said that like all of her previous movies, 'Worth The Wait' carries a common theme, healing and breaking stereotypical roles. "I love stories that take viewers on a journey of healing and redemption. "Basically, all movies that touch the heart, promote family values and give hope." She said the representation of East Asian and Southeast Asian talent in Hollywood was evolving for the better. "I hope that we can be a hub for Asian-American and Asian movies and TV shows." FOUR STORIES 'Worth The Wait' is four stories in one. "They are interconnected stories of four couples, one based on Dan and myself, another based on my sister and her husband, and the other two based on friends," said Rachel. She added that the two-hour movie was an exploration of love in its many facets and how it is "no bed of roses, but always worth it." "It's not just about romantic love but also love between parents and children, between siblings and between best friends. "There's even one about a former couple who choose to be friends even though they are no longer together," said Rachel whose nine-year-old company Kingstreet Pictures produced the movie. Tom said that many of the indoor scenes were filmed in KL despite being set in the US. "I'm really happy to be back in Malaysia, as I love the people here. "Everyone is focused and positive, not to mention helpful and friendly." SUPPORTIVE He added that Rachel and Dan were very supportive of the cast and crew, and gave him a lot of ideas to improve the storyline. Malaysian-American Ross, of 'Riverdale' fame, said that he was honoured to play the male lead Kai who is based on Dan. "My favourite scene was one where Lana and I had to eat durians. I love durians, and introduced her to the king of fruits in that very scene," he said, adding that her character Leah was based on Rachel. "Our best filming destination was Batu Caves, and both of us loved the colourful stairs into the cave, plus its cool and refreshing breeze." Osric, who is of Hong Kong and Malaysian descent, said that his character had to deal with the loss of a stillborn child. "While I'm not yet a father, I was able to grasp my character's pain and grief because it was the real-life experience of a close relative. "My character is a sensitive yet strong husband whose wife is traumatised by the death of their child." Tan' of Singaporean comedy 'Phua Chu Kang' fame' said that she was once again playing a strong, compassionate and protective mother, and she loved such roles. "Playing a mother is so much a part of me, and here I become a pillar of strength to both my daughter and son-in-law," she said. Singaporean actor Lim said that his character was Kai's father who does not approve of his long-distance relationship. "He wants his son to succeed him as head of his law firm, and deep down, Kai isn't happy about it. "But gradually, both father and son realise that one should be free to pursue his own path in life." SEQUEL Dan said that he and Rachel would love to have a sequel to 'Worth The Wait' which will feature more destinations in Malaysia. He said: "The movie is a heart-warming romantic comedy that celebrates Asian talent, cultural connections and cross-border love. "We want to create something that celebrates our Asian identity and which speaks to an international audience." The movie was launched by Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
VMY2026: Tourism Malaysia backs 'Worth The Wait' to boost country's global appeal
VMY2026: Tourism Malaysia backs 'Worth The Wait' to boost country's global appeal Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia is stepping up efforts to promote the country by leveraging the global reach of international films, in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. The latest initiative is through the film 'Worth The Wait', a collaborative project between the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and King Street Pictures, an international production company. Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said film is a powerful medium for showcasing Malaysia's beauty to global audiences, and the ministry fully supports foreign production companies that choose the country as a filming location. "One of our key objectives is to promote Malaysia through cinema. We strongly encourage more international film companies to select Malaysia as their filming destination," he said at the premiere of Worth The Wait today. He said Tourism Malaysia is actively involved in promotional efforts, positioning Malaysia as a filming destination and leveraging the film's cast and producers as ambassadors for the VMY2026 campaign on social media platforms. Manoharan said the film's cast, predominantly of Asian descent, with millions of followers on digital platforms, can significantly boost Malaysia's appeal among international travellers. In addition to the collaboration with Worth The Wait producers, he said the ministry and Finas are also actively engaging with more international production companies. He noted that film-based promotion offers broad and rapid reach, as movies today are distributed not only in cinemas but also via online streaming platforms. He said this collaboration presents a win-win opportunity for the ministry, government agencies and international filmmakers in promoting and showcasing Malaysia's unique attractions. During the screening, producer Rachel Tan shared that the film is loosely inspired by her personal love story, which began as a long-distance relationship between Malaysia and the United States. "Worth The Wait is not just entertainment, but also a reflection of love, faith and hope. Dan Mark (producer) and I wanted to create something that celebrates our Asian identity while speaking to audiences around the world. "The response so far has been incredibly encouraging," said the former Miss Malaysia. Partially filmed at various locations across Malaysia, Worth The Wait reflects ongoing efforts to promote Asian representation in North America while also showcasing Malaysia's diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality, qualities that continue to position the country as a world-class travel destination. Produced by King Street Pictures, the film is scheduled for theatrical release in Malaysia this August, with distribution by Astro Shaw. Directed by Tom Shu-Yu Lin, the film features a star-studded cast including Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Andrew Koji, Sung Kang, Elodie Yung and Golden Horse Award-winning actress Karena Lam, acclaimed across Hong Kong and Taiwan, alongside Malaysia's own Kheng Hua Tan. The film marks a significant milestone for Malaysian cinema, standing as one of the few romantic dramas to achieve both international theatrical and streaming success. It has already gained popularity as a streaming original in Hollywood, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and is set to premiere in cinemas across Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia. – Bernama
