Like Willy Wonka’s iconic hat tip and flowing rivers of warm chocolate, Wonka offers a heartwarming nostalgic nod to our childhoods. For Brits, Wonka is a melting pot of British comedians. Although American-French Dune star Timothée Chalamet takes the helm as the titular character alongside a stellar performance from Calah Lane, British comedy staples and acting veterans strengthen the remaining cast.
Olivia Colman, Charlotte Ritchie, Rowan Atkinson, Tom Davis, Paterson Joseph, Mat Baynton, Matt Lucas, Jim Carter, Rahkee Thakar, and of course, Hugh Grant are brought together to form a super team of British acting royalty.
One British comedian no one expected to be thrown into the mix was Phil Wang. That’s not a slight on Wang or his career but the stand-up comedian turned TV actor has not ventured into the wonderful world of Hollywood, let alone a $125 million budget box office number 1.
When Resonate interviewed the British Malaysian comedian back in 2017, Wang said “there are no parts really written for East Asians.”
“Black artists still have to fight for representation and they have so much more of a cultural hold than East Asians,” he said. “It’s much harder to be an actor though because you have to count on parts being created or wait for a casting director to be open to casting a traditionally white part otherwise.”
Fast forward six years and Wang’s gracing the big screen, tap dancing, singing and making out with co-stars. It’s quite an accomplishment not only for Wang but also for the industry itself.
What’s even more striking is Wang’s ability to not appear out of place. Instead, Wang effortlessly fits among the British greats; he’s likeable, charming, witty and talented. All within the short burst of screentime he has.
Wang may have broken his arm whilst showcasing his table-dancing skills but it was all worth it. As Chalamet encapsulated the moment so perfectly, it was Wang’s “lucky break.”
Of course, Wonka is a far cry short in representation compared to the likes of Crazy Rich Asians and all that Asian-led goodness but Wang in Wonka is certainly commendable. Just don’t combine their names.
