The sexual tension between Lolo and Kat was not imagined,Joy RidedirectorAdele Limconfirms.
“It’s an unexpected turn in their relationship but also feels real.
It killed me that we had to lose that scene for pacing and time.”
Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, Ashley Park, and Sabrina Wu in ‘Joy Ride’.Ed Araquel/Lionsgate
The scene will be featured in the DVD and streaming extras.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Hollywood has a history of hypersexualizing Asian women.
Was this something you were all conscious of when building the story?
Sabrina Wu, Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, and Stephanie Hsu in ‘Joy Ride’.Lionsgate
Let’s celebrate it on our side.
The original working title wasJoy F— Club.
What did those early drafts look like?
Sabrina Wu, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Ashley Park in ‘Joy Ride’.Ed Araquel/Lionsgate
Was it more or less explicit?
We’ve always known this was exactly what it was gonna be.
But no, I don’t think it got less explicit.
If anything Point Grey and Lionsgate were incredibly supportive and we went even more explicit.
Go for it."
How did you arrive at that genital tattoo plot point?
And why a demon?
It was not gratuitous at all.
It came from a place of character.
So we tried to think, ‘How can we dramatize this?’
And this seemed like the most extreme version of that.
So we pitched all these different things: Is it an embarrassing video?
Is it an embarrassing relationship?
We went through all these things and nothing felt new or exciting.
Celebrities have sex tapes out.
Everybody has an embarrassing ex, but we thought, nobody has ever seen this before.
That’s how we landed on that.
And also it’s f—ing funny.
What can you tell me about that scene?
Do you have a response to folks who’ve made note of Lolo and Kat’s chemistry?
If viewers felt sexual tension between Lolo and Kat, it’s not in their heads.
But it’s something deeper, too.
It’s an unexpected turn in their relationship but also feels real.
It killed me that we had to lose that scene for pacing and time.
Tell me about the drug bust scene on the train.
What was the powdery substance in the condom?
This is how you cut lines of coke."
It was a big mish-mosh on day one….
There was a lot of improv.
I think it was Steph Hsu’s idea to have Deadeye hide the bags of coke up her butt.
Were there obstacles to bringingJoy Rideto the screen?
If you have a compelling story that is entertaining and authentically true, people will show up for it.
It was heartbreaking withJoy Luck Clubbecause it was such a huge success.
I was a little girl watching it in Malaysia thinking, “Oh my god, this is amazing.
We should be able to have stories that fail like everybody else.
Audiences are so much more open than we give them credit for.
A critic recently claimed that the movie “targets white people” and “objectifies men.”
Do you have a response to that beyond yourquote retweet?
[Laughs] Oh, god.
I think it speaks for itself.
We have had a whole history of film objectifying women and fetishizing women.
I don’t think our movie targets white people at all.
We are just speaking our truth.
This is how our lives are, day to day.
And if you feel targeted, maybe take a closer look at yourself.
Would you be open to aJoy Ridesequel?
Have there been talks yet or is it too early?
Oh my god, it would be a dream.
Everybody who’s gone to see the movie has loved it.
It reminded them of being with their best friends.
It’s like being pregnant for five years and putting your baby out into the world.
We’re excited for people to discoverJoy Rideand enjoy it.
If it has enough resonance, hopefully we’ll see another one.
We’re [too] early [to have sequel talks].
I wanted to briefly touch onCrazy Rich Asians.
Jon M. Chu previously released that statement about standing with you and leaving the door open for a return.
Would you be open to that should the studio present better conditions?
Jon Chu, he could not be a bigger supporter and mentor.
I would not have the career I had if it wasn’t for him.
He was actually my mentor, coaching me through this first directing gig I’ve had.
I loveCrazy Rich.I love Jon.
I’m still friends with a lot of the actors.
I love that franchise.
I want nothing but the best for it.
Joy Rideis in theaters now.
Watch our fullAround the Tablewith the cast above.
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