Gayety

Tag: Andrew Ahn

  • Andrew Ahn Made ‘The Wedding Banquet’ For His Boyfriend – And It Shows

    Andrew Ahn Made ‘The Wedding Banquet’ For His Boyfriend – And It Shows

    When filmmaker Andrew Ahn set out to reimagine The Wedding Banquet, he wasn’t just updating a classic queer rom-com—he was telling a love story rooted in his own experience. “Yeah, this one was really personal in a different way,” he told Gayety. “I made this for my boyfriend, and we’re in this phase of our lives where we’re thinking about how to grow our family. This question of marriage and this question of having children… So this one feels really close and makes me a little vulnerable in this process.”

    Originally released in 1993 by director Ang Lee, The Wedding Banquet broke barriers as one of the first queer Asian films to find global success. Ahn’s version keeps the heart and spirit intact, while adding modern layers of intimacy, humor, and cultural nuance.

    This time around, the story centers on Min (Han Gi-Chan), a closeted man who proposes a fake marriage to his best friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) to help fund her IVF journey. But when his traditional grandmother flies in for a surprise wedding banquet, the secret spirals out of control.

    Ahn leaned into his own experience to guide emotional beats—especially for the film’s couples. “I remember talking to Kelly and Lily [Gladstone] about how people say ‘I love you,’” he explained. “My boyfriend and I have a special way of saying it. I had them create together how they say ‘I love you’ as a couple. And that shows up in the film in this really beautiful way.”

    Photo: Luka Cyprian/Bleecker Street
    Photo: Luka Cyprian/Bleecker Street

    When asked for his favorite line, Ahn lit up: “I really love when Kelly Marie Tran yells, ‘Everything in this house is gay.’ Because I think a lot of queer people would really understand that—we just somehow end up accumulating so many gay things.”

    From the artwork to the DVD collection, everything in the film’s home set was intentionally chosen to reflect a queer household. “We worked with our production designer, Charlotte Royer, our prop master. We also worked with our actors to just pull together a house of gay things… It’s a home that I wish I lived in. It’s super cozy queer.”

    Backed by a cast that includes Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, and Han Gi-Chan, Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet is a poignant, funny, and deeply personal story about building the life you want—and the love that makes it possible.

    Catch it in theaters on April 18. Watch the full interview with Andrew below.

  • Andrew Ahn Teases ‘Fire Island’ Sequel and Gears Up for New LGBTQ+ Film ‘The Wedding Banquet’

    Andrew Ahn Teases ‘Fire Island’ Sequel and Gears Up for New LGBTQ+ Film ‘The Wedding Banquet’

    The sun might have set on Fire Island, but a second serving of the beloved queer rom-com may still be on the horizon.

    Andrew Ahn, the director behind the hit 2022 LGBTQ+ film Fire Island, recently opened up about the possibility of a sequel—and while nothing’s confirmed, fans have reason to keep their beach bags packed and ready.

    The Queer Classic That Sparked Joy (and Viral Memes)

    Originally released on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the UK, Fire Island is a modern, gay reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, centered around two best friends—Noah (Joel Kim Booster) and Howie (Bowen Yang)—as they dive into a week of romance, friendship, and drama at the famous gay vacation spot.

    The film was praised for its hilarious dialogue, heartfelt representation of queer Asian-American experiences, and thoughtful explorations of race, class, and body image. Oh, and let’s not forget the viral Marisa Tomei-inspired scene featuring Matt Rogers and Tomas Matos that lit up timelines and solidified Fire Island‘s cult status.

    Naturally, fans (and let’s be honest, the entire internet) have been demanding a sequel ever since.

    A Sequel? It’s in the Ether

    In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ahn revealed that while a Fire Island sequel isn’t officially in development, the idea hasn’t been ruled out.

    “There’s always been conversation about doing a sequel,” he said. “I don’t know if a real concrete idea has been formed yet, but there are things in the ether.”

    Ahn also shared that Booster, who wrote and starred in the original film, “always jokes” that a sequel would be like And Just Like That… — the Sex and the City reboot — but “30 years later, and they’re older and gayer.”

    Provincetown Wedding? Yes, Please

    The dream of a sequel has popped up before. In 2023, Matt Rogers told GAY TIMES there were “immediate” conversations post-release about a follow-up set in Provincetown, with a potential wedding between Howie and Charlie taking center stage.

    “It would be a really interesting continuation,” Rogers said. “You pull away from the dock, watch them dance, and you do wanna know what’s next. That is, I think, a compliment to the ensemble and the wonderful script.”

    Booster echoed the sentiment in an earlier GAY TIMES interview, saying, “While I don’t know that I necessarily feel all the way inspired to write another gay vacation movie at this time, I would definitely do anything to work with this cast again.”

    Still, he teased the same And Just Like That style reunion: “We’ll all return to Fire Island, and we’ll see where these characters are in 20 years.”

    Andrew Ahn’s Queer Cinema Continues

    Even if Fire Island 2 doesn’t land on our screens just yet, Ahn isn’t done blessing audiences with queer-centric stories.

    His next film, The Wedding Banquet, hits theaters in the U.S. on April 18. A remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic, the updated version follows lesbian couple Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) and Lee (Lily Gladstone), who are navigating IVF challenges. Their friend Min (Gi-chan) steps in—offering to fund their next round of treatment in exchange for a green-card marriage, following a breakup with his boyfriend Chris (played by none other than Bowen Yang).

    Family secrets, complicated love, and sharp humor? It’s another Ahn signature.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Pride (@pride)

    Will the Gays Return to Fire Island?

    The answer is still up in the salty, sunscreen-scented air—but as long as the cast, the fans, and the memes are ready, hope for a sequel is far from washed out.

    Stay tuned… and maybe keep your Speedo handy.

  • Andrew Ahn’s ‘Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines Classic with Star-Studded Queer Cast with Bowen Yang and More

    Andrew Ahn’s ‘Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines Classic with Star-Studded Queer Cast with Bowen Yang and More

    Director Andrew Ahn, known for the critically acclaimed “Fire Island,” returns to the romantic comedy genre with “The Wedding Banquet,” a contemporary reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, boasts a diverse and celebrated cast, including Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, and Youn Yuh-jung.

    “The Wedding Banquet,” set for theatrical release April 18, offers a fresh perspective on love, family, and cultural expectations, weaving together themes of immigration, fertility, and queer identity. The screenplay, co-written by James Schamus, who penned the original film, updates the narrative for a modern audience.

    The film centers on Angela, portrayed by Tran, and her partner Lee, played by Gladstone, who face financial hurdles in their pursuit of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their friend Min, a closeted heir to a global corporation, played by Korean actor Han Gi-chan in his English-language debut, grapples with an expiring student visa.

    A solution emerges when Min proposes a green card marriage to Angela, offering to fund Lee’s IVF treatments in exchange. However, their plan for a discreet elopement is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Min’s grandmother, played by Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung, who insists on a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. Joan Chen also stars in the film.

    The premise sets the stage for a comedic exploration of cultural clashes and familial dynamics, as the characters navigate the complexities of their arranged marriage. The trailer, released ahead of the film’s theatrical debut, showcases glimpses of the humor and heartfelt moments that audiences can anticipate, including scenes from a lavish Korean wedding.

    Ahn’s direction has been lauded for its nuanced portrayal of queer relationships and its ability to blend comedy with emotional depth. The film, which was met with positive reviews at Sundance, has been described as a “radical approach to love, connection, and joy” by Out magazine.

    Tran, known for her role in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” delivers a compelling performance as Angela, a woman navigating the challenges of fertility and immigration. Gladstone, an Oscar nominee for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” brings depth and authenticity to the role of Lee. Yang, a “Saturday Night Live” cast member, provides comedic relief as Chris, Min’s commitment-phobic boyfriend.

    Han Gi-chan, making his English-language debut, delivers a nuanced performance as Min, a character grappling with his identity and familial obligations. Youn Yuh-jung, known for her Oscar-winning role in “Minari,” brings gravitas and humor to the role of Min’s grandmother.

    The film’s exploration of cultural traditions and modern relationships resonates with contemporary audiences. The wedding ceremony, a central element of the narrative, serves as a backdrop for the characters’ personal journeys and their evolving understanding of family and love.

    “The Wedding Banquet” is expected to appeal to a broad audience, including fans of Ahn’s previous work and those seeking a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre. The film’s diverse cast and inclusive storytelling reflect a growing demand for representation in mainstream cinema.

    The film’s release comes at a time when discussions about representation and inclusivity in Hollywood are at the forefront. Ahn’s work contributes to a growing body of films that celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences.

    The film serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the romantic comedy genre, while also pushing boundaries and challenging conventional narratives. With its star-studded cast and timely themes, “The Wedding Banquet” is poised to make a significant impact on audiences. The film’s release is anticipated to generate buzz and discussion about representation, family, and modern love.