Breaking Boundaries: Meet the Trailblazers of the 2025 API Entertainment Scene

Celebrating the Bold Storymakers Shaping the Future of Hollywood: Remarkable API Talents Poised to Break Boundaries and Redefine Representation

In an exciting announcement, Variety has unveiled its "2025 API Up Next in Entertainment" list, spotlighting eight remarkable Asian Pacific Islander (API) talents who are poised to make significant impacts across the entertainment landscape. This initiative not only acknowledges rising stars but also emphasizes the contributions these individuals are making within their respective fields, including acting, writing, and executive roles. According to Tiffany Chao, Vice President of Entertainment & Media at the cultural non-profit Gold House, these honorees are "bold storymakers and boundary-breakers," reflecting the dynamism and richness of the Asian Pacific community while pushing boundaries and creating new opportunities within the industry.

Supporting this mission is Variety's commitment to celebrating underrepresented voices through its regular Impact and to Watch lists, with senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay expressing her excitement at collaborating with Gold House. The aim is clear: to highlight the next generation of Asian Pacific talent who are successfully challenging the status quo and reshaping narratives in entertainment. With an impressive array of talents being featured in this year's list, it feels like the API community is stepping more squarely into the spotlight, gaining new visibility and opportunity.

Among this year's honorees is the Korean actor Han. His journey into the English-language film world began with a notable audition for “Pachinko,” which he did not secure. However, his subsequent audition for the role of Min in Andrew Ahn’s retelling of Ang Lee’s classic, “The Wedding Banquet,” became a turning point in his career. Han describes landing the role as a dream come true, as Min's story of love and familial expectations resonates universally. The comedic narrative explores the nuanced relationships within a queer context, underscoring the importance of chosen family in a world often fraught with societal pressures. His collaboration with co-stars, including Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone, has developed into a strong camaraderie, further marking a sense of belonging in a rapidly evolving industry.

In a different realm of entertainment, Zarna Garg has transitioned from a lawyer and stay-at-home mom to a successful comedian and writer. Her move into stand-up comedy was unexpectedly encouraged by her children, leading her to embrace the challenging yet fruitful world of humor. With her comedic special “One in a Billion” making waves on Amazon Prime and a follow-up titled “Practical People Win” scheduled for Hulu, Garg is not just an actress but a savvy businesswoman as well. Her observational humor speaks to a broader audience, and she encourages aspiring artists to maintain a business mindset in an industry where representation and diversity are essential but often insufficient for meaningful success.

In the agenting sphere, Jacqueline Kim stands out. With a client roster that includes talent like Marlon Wayans and Young Mazino, she has successfully secured significant opportunities for her clients in an industry where navigating deals can be complicated. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful representation, focusing on artists with distinctive viewpoints and authentic stories. Kim’s insights bring clarity to what it means to succeed in Hollywood today, reminding newcomers that a strong sense of self and clear passion are vital as they embark on their journeys in entertainment.

Television executive Paul Kim is making strides with his innovative storytelling initiatives. As Senior Vice President of Unwell Network and ACE Entertainment, he is dedicated to creating culturally relevant content that resonates deeply with diverse audiences. His collaboration with Alex Cooper, a major voice in podcasting, marks an exciting avenue for narrative exploration, particularly in the young adult (YA) genre. Kim notes that this genre is experiencing a vibrant renaissance, driven by the merging of platforms like BookTok with visual media, allowing fresh and inclusive narratives to take center stage.

The achievements of medical professionals and creatives have brought forth influential voices like actress and writer Wonders, who is currently gaining traction on Apple TV+’s “The Studio.” She reflects on the importance of authenticity and the need for characters that resonate on multiple levels. As an Asian woman navigating the entertainment landscape, Wonders is keenly aware of the need for multifaceted representations that break stereotypes and offer viewers a range of relatable experiences. Upcoming projects like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” signify her commitment to evolving the narratives surrounding Asian characters in mainstream media.

Lastly, filmmaker Wang’s directorial debut, “Slanted,” has already made waves, winning the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW. Her storytelling takes an unapologetic look at race and identity, stemming from her own experiences, which adds an authentic layer to her work. Wang is interested in exploring flawed characters and the complexities of human nature, a perspective that is increasingly welcomed in contemporary cinema. As diverse voices gain precedence and merit recognition, it will be exhilarating to see how the API community continues to shape the future of film and television, creating stories that reflect the multifaceted human experience.

The “2025 API Up Next in Entertainment” list not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also serves as a platform for bringing much-needed diversity and varied narratives to the forefront of Hollywood. As these artists break barriers and challenge conventions, the entertainment industry is reminded of the transformative power of storytelling — a medium that can unite, inspire, and propel society toward understanding and representation. As the anticipated projects from these rising stars make their debut, their influence will undoubtedly enrich the cultural tapestry of the entertainment world.