SPOILER ALERT: Major spoilers from Hulu's “Interior Chinatown” ahead!

Chloe Bennet, star of the thought-provoking series “Interior Chinatown,” shares her insights on the show’s significant themes, her character’s journey, and the ongoing conversations about racial identity in Hollywood. For the Chinese American actress, whose upbringing was shaped by her biracial heritage and experiences in the industry, the adaptation of Charles Yu's award-winning novel resonates on multiple levels.

Having previously starred as Daisy Johnson/Quake in “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Bennet spent a considerable part of her 20s exploring the procedural genre. It is in this context that she discovered an uncanny parallel when reading Yu’s novel, which unpacks the life of a Chinese American actor navigating the boundaries of racial archetypes within Hollywood. “Charlie beautifully captures nuanced feelings about racial identity,” Bennet reflects, highlighting how she felt the narrative echoed her own experiences.

Once Bennet learned that the character of Karen from the novel had been adapted into a role named Lana for the Hulu series, she felt compelled to become involved. She pursued the role with determination, ultimately securing the part of Lana Lee—a detective catapulted into the limelight through a lens of cultural significance amidst rising crime in Chinatown. The series brilliantly critiques how Asian characters are frequently sidelined in mainstream media.

In her depiction of Lana, Bennet engages with complex themes of identity. Lana initially benefits from the privilege of observing herself through others' perceptions but faces an existential crisis as she realizes she doesn't fit entirely into either the Asian community or her white counterpart world. In a pivotal episode, she grapples with being part of a community she’s never fully engaged with—a mirror to Bennet’s own experiences.

As the season progresses, the meta-narrative deepens, culminating in a cliffhanger finale where Lana and her co-star Willis Wu (played by Jimmy O. Yang) leap off a rooftop, only to wake up in another show—signifying their entrapment within a larger corporate mechanism that exploits their stories. “They realize they are parts of a larger puzzle,” Bennet muses, emphasizing the complexity of the characters' self-awareness.

Throughout the interview, Bennet discusses the nuances of her racial identity; she has grappled with comments about not fitting into predefined roles and the industry's fluctuating perceptions of her looks. “I often find myself not ‘Asian enough’ for certain roles while also being pushed away from lead roles for not fitting the mold,” she admits. Bennet has noticed a shift wherein producers seem hesitant to fully embrace her ethnicity. “We have a lot of work to do,” she stresses, reflecting on the industry's need for genuine diversity beyond superficial representation.

Importantly, Bennet’s professional journey has led to significant introspection regarding her name and identity. Once known as Chloe Wang, her decision to change her surname to Bennet drew backlash and complicated conversations about assimilation and privilege. “Nothing about me has ever changed; it’s just how people perceive me that’s different,” she explains. The emotional toll of her choice continues to resonate, complicated by the varied reactions from both the Asian community and the industry at large.

In embarking on this project, Bennet found herself surrounded by numerous talented Asian Americans on set—a stark contrast to her previous experiences. The sense of solidarity and representation uplifted her, encouraging her to explore storytelling beyond just acting. “I’ve always wanted to branch out into writing and producing,” she shares, highlighting how her personal experiences with a diverse family background have shaped her creative ambitions.

As Bennet contemplates the power of representation, she aims to honor the complexities of identity through her future work. Rather than amplifying stereotypical narratives, she seeks to celebrate multifaceted experiences, drawing from her own upbringing that challenges conventional expectations. “This isn’t just an ‘Asian show;’ it’s an exploration of humanity that resonates with everyone,” she asserts.

With the conclusion of the first season, Bennet’s take on “Interior Chinatown” has ignited a deeper commitment to tell her own stories, proving that only through authentic representation can there be progress. The surge of inspiration from this experience seems to promise more exciting narratives and creative endeavors on the horizon.

Stay tuned, as Chloe Bennet continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be heard in Hollywood!