Daniel Dae Kim And Randall Park Team For Asian American-Led Heist Film At Amazon Studios

Last seen on screen together as romantic rivals in “Always Be My Maybe,” Daniel Dae Kim and Randall Park are teaming up for a new film. The two Korean-American actors are set to star in an untitled Asian-American-led heist film. Written by screenwriter Young II Kim for Amazon Studios. Amazon Studios has emerged victorious in a heated bidding war against other studios and streaming services for the rights to the still untitled film.

““There is an appetite to see this kind of a movie with an Asian-American cast”

Not much is revealed about the film but the story-line will reportedly focus on a reunion of high-school friends. According to Kim, the movie is inspired by some classic heist titles. “I think it has nods to Ocean’s 11, The Full Monty as well as Better Luck Tomorrow,” Kim revealed. The film will star Kim and Park who assemble a team composed mostly of Asian American actors. “It’s a story that kind of highlights community, friendship, unity in a very familiar genre that people I think will enjoy.” 

The screenwriter also revealed that he was encouraged by the bidding war sparked by the project. “There is an appetite to see this kind of a movie with an Asian-American cast, and that is a really promising sign of the times,” said the screenwriter.

“Randall and I have wanted to do something together for a while”

Kim and Park, who are also longtime friends, released a joint statement on the project. “We can’t wait to join with Young to tell this special story of friendship, pride and community. We’re also very grateful to Amazon for their exceptional enthusiasm and support,’ the statement said.

Adding to that sentiment, Kim said that they want to include as much of the community as they can. And that’s the reason why they set out to make this type of project. “We love heist movies,” Kim says. “We want to be inclusive and we feel like there’s a story here to be told. It’s super exciting… Randall and I have wanted to do something together for a while. This is just a great reason to bring together talented actors. Who have been friends for a really long time and really have fun on a project that, with any luck, will be able to make an impact.”

A formal plot hasn’t been revealed yet, but we do know a little bit about what to expect from the story line. The film follows a group of high school friends who reunite years later for an epic heist. Kim, Park and John Cheng, Head of Development at Kim’s 3AD production company, came up with the idea. And the trio will also produce the upcoming project. Kim founded his production company 3AD in 2013 to broaden storytelling featuring traditionally underrepresented cultures.

Acting credits and upcoming projects

Park is known for his role on the ABC sitcom Fresh Off The Boat, which he starred in for five years alongside Constance Wu. Randall portrayed North Korea leader Kim Jong-un in the 2014 film The Interview. He’s also appeared in shows like Veep, Drunk History and BoJack Horseman. The actor is set to star as Jimmy Woo in Marvel’s Disney+ TV series WandaVision.

Kim played Jin-Soo Kwon in Lost and is also known for portraying Chin Ho Kelly in Hawaii Five-0, Gavin Park in Angel, and Johnny Gat in the Saints Row series of video games. His 3AD production company currently produces the television series The Good Doctor.  He’s set to star alongside Anna Kendrick and Toni Collette in his most recent project, Stowaway.

Young II Kim’s writing credits include the Showtime series, Billions and the Black List script Rodham. Kim has also worked on Seoul Girls for Lionsgate. He’s currently developing multiple projects for South Korean studio CJ Entertainment (Parasite).