A few weeks ago, I was issued the call to participate in FictionDiversity’s #TheSorkinChallenge, a challenge to cast the film adaptation of the Michael Lewis novel Flash Boys, a non-fiction book centered around data links, stock exchanges, and the Brad Katsuyama’s creation of the IEX, a stock exchange meant to make exchanges fairer.
To be honest, I’m unfamiliar with Flash Boys, but I am intrigued by this film adaptation, since I am familiar with Aaron Sorkin getting in trouble with some comments about there not being viable Asian male lead actors. Well, to be honest, he actually didn’t get in the type of trouble he should have gotten in, but his comments were part of the big leak in the Sony Hack.
So, with him adapting this book and his erroneous feelings about Asian male leads, what does he plan on doing? Is he going to whitewash stuff? My money would be on “Yes” to him possibly whitewashing it. It’s not like Hollywood hasn’t done it before, so I wouldn’t expect them to suddenly grow a conscience now. HOWEVER, if Hollywood did want to cast Brad Katsuyama with an actual Asian actor, here are some choices.
Fernando (Fu-Nan) Chien
You’ve seen this guy in tons of blockbuster films and you probably don’t even know his name. He’s been in Iron Man 3, Transcendence, Fast Five, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, and plenty of other fan-favorite projects. I’d say he’s paid his dues as an actor/stuntman; why not give him a shot at reading for the role of Brad? Mickey Rourke was a boxer in a past life, and now he’s a lauded actor.
Randall Park
Randall Park has now becomes everyone’s favorite dad thanks to Fresh Off the Boat. Now would be a great time for him to firmly cement is movie career and showcase versatility by getting this role. Seeing him in The Interview isn’t enough for me, the casual movie-goer. Park is a lot greater than just portraying Kim Jong Un.
Masi Oka
Outside of Heroes, we haven’t really seen anything featuring Masi Oka since. I think Oka would be great for the role of Brad since he still has that Heroes geek card that could help sell him as the creator of a new stock exchange.
Takeshi Kaneshiro
I’ve been a fan of Kaneshiro from The House of Flying Daggers, and I think it’s time for us to see a lot more of him stateside. Kaneshiro knows how to bring the drama and should really be given the chance to shine a role that would not only challenge him, but make him a household name in the United States.
As a side note, since Hollywood’s trying to bring a Bruce Lee biopic to theaters, it would behoove them to take a look at Kaneshiro, who is both a Japanese and Chinese superstar and he looks a whole lot like Bruce Lee. In my opinion.
Who do you think should be on this list? Give your opinions in the comments section below!
Photos: IMDB. Randall Park in Fresh Off the Boat photo credit: Jordin Althaus/ABC
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