In 2021, Sam Song Li, a relatively unknown actor, received a life-changing opportunity when he was cast in an independent film as the ancestor of a character played by Simu Liu, who would later go on to star in the blockbuster film "Shang-Chi." Although the role was non-speaking and lasted only 30 seconds on screen, it was a seminal moment for Li. The producer had chosen him out of over 200 people, and it made him realize that he was good enough for this industry.

Fast forward to almost three years later, and Li finds himself as one of the leads in a groundbreaking Netflix series called "The Brothers Sun." The show, dropping on Thursday, boasts an all-Asian cast and features Li alongside renowned actress Michelle Yeoh and fellow actor Justin Chien. "The Brothers Sun" aims to challenge the formulaic way Hollywood has often portrayed Asian immigrant families by blending crime drama and comedy. It offers a fresh perspective and serves as a platform for emerging talents like Li and comedian Jenny Yang.

Yang, who is primarily known for her stand-up and sketch comedy, makes her television acting debut in "The Brothers Sun" as the assassin Xing. She had heard about the project before any casting notices were released and felt an immediate sense of jealousy for not being involved. However, casting director Jenny Jue went the extra mile to discover talents that may have been overlooked. Jue, who grew up in Southern California with a connection to Taiwanese gangs, was determined to bring new faces to the screen and pitched the idea to writer-executive producer Brad Falchuk and executive producer Byron Wu.

Jue's heartfelt pitch emphasized the responsibility she felt towards the Asian American community. She didn't want to settle for the same familiar faces in roles that demanded distinctive and nuanced performances. Even during the final casting process, Jue wasn't sure if any of the chosen actors, aside from Michelle Yeoh, had their SAG cards. Yeoh, a renowned actress, was the only big name Jue believed was necessary for the project. Producers agreed after Yeoh impressed them with her performance in an early screening of "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

Working with Yeoh was a dream come true for Li, who compared it to playing basketball with Steph Curry. He admired her grace, love for everyone, and her ability to listen intimately to people. However, there were some naysayers on social media, including Asian Americans, who criticized Yeoh's continued casting in roles that could have been opportunities for other actors. This criticism mirrored the backlash Simu Liu faced for seemingly dominating the “Asian male” roles. The double-edged sword of breaking barriers while being accused of taking too many opportunities often plagues actors of color.

Yang understands the complaints and acknowledges that they come from a place of wanting to elevate more people. However, she believes that one person's success doesn't have to be divisive. She argues that everyone wants to work with Michelle Yeoh and witness her next performance. It's possible to uplift as many talented voices as possible while celebrating someone who gets a spotlight on their talents.

For Li, who only recently obtained his SAG-AFTRA card two years ago, any win within the Asian community is a victory for all. He doesn't dwell on rejections and believes that unity and celebration are essential. Casting director Jenny Jue, a 20-year veteran in the industry, acknowledges that seeing the same faces from marginalized groups is a result of decision-makers and higher-level executives not being aware of other talents. She had tried to initiate conversations about diversifying ensembles in the late 2000s but often faced rejection without explanation. However, there has been a seismic shift in 2020, following the racial reckoning after George Floyd's murder. Producers are now more open to dialogue, creating a safe space to discuss preferences, desires, and the need for natural diversity.

"The Brothers Sun" is part of a growing trend in recent productions that feature Asian American narratives with humor and action. These shows, including "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and the Disney+ series "American Born Chinese," have been praised for their fun and inventive storytelling. Audiences are moving away from the well-trodden tropes of Asian immigrant stories and are craving entertaining family shows with heightened situations. This shift represents a greater desire for diversity and representation in television.

The success of "The Brothers Sun" and other similar projects signifies a turning point in the industry's approach to Asian representation. It highlights the importance of giving opportunities to fresh faces, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating the achievements of actors within marginalized communities. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to uplift and support a diverse range of talents, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine on screen.