Bowen Yang's 'The Wedding Banquet' Releases, Uplifting Queer Asian Voices

A new update of Ang Lee's 1993 classic 'The Wedding Banquet,' directed by Andrew Ahn, premieres with a timely focus on queer Asian representation and evolving attitudes toward family and identity. The film follows Min, a gay man who proposes a green card marriage to his friend Angela to help her and her partner afford IVF, while hiding his real partner, Chris, played by Bowen Yang, from his conservative family. Cast members, including Yang, reflect on how the original film resonated with their personal experiences, particularly in navigating family acceptance and cultural expectations. Yang describes a journey from hiding his sexuality from his parents, who once sent him to conversion therapy, to now being embraced and supported by them, highlighting generational progress. The film also introduces new characters and subplots, such as Angela and Lee's struggles with infertility, broadening the themes of family and chosen kin. The project is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ and Asian American experiences, offering both continuity and fresh perspectives compared to the original.