For the characters I play, I think of it as me, but in a multiverselike Spider-Man.
Chris is just me, if I was less awesome than I am right now.
Sean is an incredible director.
Izaac Wang in ‘Dìdi’.Focus Features /Courtesy Everett Collection
Thats how we got through most of the dramatic stuff.
The other directors note that kept him anchored to the spirit of a wayward teen?
Be less cool, Wang smiles.
Izaac Wang with director Sean Wang on the ‘Dìdi’ set.Iris Lee / © Focus Features / courtesy Everett Collection
I take a stab at be more confident.
But with Chris, I had to tone that down because hes immature and vulnerable.
I had to tell myself, Dammit, I have to be less cool.
So, I guess you’re able to say, in fact, that I amprettycool.
I was going to quit.
But then when I actually booked the job, I was ecstatic.
Taking on the responsibilities of a leading role meant new opportunities for the teen to hone his craft.
His first challenge came when he had to perform a heated argument with legendary actressJoan Chen.
Chris, unable to grasp her concerns, hurls a flurry of insults at her before running away.
Its funny because that crazy car yelling scene was my first time meeting Joan Chen.
But it all ended up working out, and we got a good scene out of it.
Its not that Chris despises his mom, he just doesnt understand her.
And she doesnt understand him.
The monologue that Joan has later is incredible.
Theres a delicately-balance to that portrayal, including themes packed with complexities that require a skilled hand.
My mom immigrated here when she was young, and the same goes for my dad, he says.
They had to learn how to be American [while growing up in Minnesota] in the 1990s.
Were both super stubborn and dont give up.
But the whole process of filming this movie bonded us together, Wang admits.
And it wasnt something that was an a-ha moment.
It was over time.
Luckily, all that work and butting of heads paid off.
I think of myself as chill, he says.
I dont get too high or too low.
My brain lets me take things in without freaking out too much.
But when I found out I was nominated for Breakthrough Performer, the news hit me like a truck.
This acting journey has been a crazy ride and tough at times.
Doubt is a monster Ive fought with all along the way.
But a well-written script that is meaningful to me and to others is always a winning combo.
