Into the Badlands' Daniel Wu Discusses the Demands of the Martial Arts-Focused series
New AMC series Into the Badlands premieres in a couple of days, and tells a futuristic story in which a feudal society has emerged and the badlands (as the land is now called) are divided among seven rival Barons.
Each Baron leads an army of trained assassins known as Clippers, and the show's most lethal Clipper (and lead) is Sunny, played by Daniel Wu. The Hong Kong-based Chinese-American actor, director and producer spoke recently about the challenges of acting and producing in a new hybrid series, among other things.
Wu explained that he hadn't thought much about his role as an Asian-American in the larger picture, describing the experience as "very organic".
"...When we went through the audition process, it became clear that I was going to be playing the lead role. It didn't start off that way." His focus from then on rested on maintaining his fitness and stamina, and facing the rigors of the physically demanding role.
It meant he couldn't labor on the next phase of the series - actually seeing it reach its audience. He did say that he is grateful for AMC's dedication to casting an Asian-American for the role.
Wu explained concern he has still for the role. Being 40, he was unsure whether he could handle the physicality for 5 or 6 seasons (if the show proves to be successful).
His character begins the series as a cold-blooded killer, though circumstances begin to shift his one-world view as the series wears on.
Source: Collider
