8 Asians

It’s hard to fathom that in the mid-90s Marvel was declaring bankruptcy, but look at the comic company now: an entertainment jaggernaut that cranks out box office smashes. And there’s no reason why they should stop at domestic success, as the newest sequel to the Iron Man franchise will be co-produced to a Chinese production company as a way to co-finance and distribute the film. According to an article from the LA Times,

Foreign films co-produced in China have an easier time getting cleared by Chinese censors and do not fall under the country’s annual import cap,” and what to you know, the film will be shot in both the US and Mainland China – a country of a billion people that suddenly have the budget to watch Iron Man 3.

Interesting from a financial point, of course, but also interesting from a storyline point: the rumored superhero villain for Iron Man 3 is The Mandarin, a half-Chinese guy with long flowy robes and a fumanchu beard. But not to worry if you’re concerned about Asian American actors only getting stereotyped roles: Ben Kingsley is in final talks to play the role as the half-Asian villain with the magic rings – a British actor best known for playing… wait for it… Ghandi.  See, kids? Damned if we want foreigners playing Asian roles, damned if we don’t!

(Hat tip: Min Y)