Gemma Chan discusses how Crazy Rich Asians impacted her career

Gemma Chan has discussed how 2018 romantic comedy film Crazy Rich Asians has impacted her career.

In the February issue of ELLE UK, the actress, 38, revealed she was once unable to walk through an airport in Singapore following her portrayal as Astrid Leong-Teo, and credited the hit movie for introducing her to lead roles.

The screen star also discussed increasing representation as a British Asian in the industry, working with Meryl Streep and being hopeful about the future as she starred in a high-fashion cover shoot by photographer Marcin Kempski.

‘I couldn’t walk through an airport’: Gemma Chan has discussed how 2018 romantic comedy film Crazy Rich Asians has impacted her career as she starred in the February issue of ELLE UK

Despite becoming a thespian in 2009, the media personality received worldwide recognition as socialite Astrid nine years later.

On how Crazy Rich Asians has widened her opportunities, the film star said: ‘Before Crazy Rich Asians, I was not being considered for lead roles in feature films. 

‘There is a very select group of actors and actresses who are in that pool and I wouldn’t even get an audition, I was just not even in that conversation. 

‘Whereas now… Well, I’ve been told I am being talked about for certain things and then you may meet the director, or you at least get to have your shot. So that does feel a bit different. 

'I was just not even in that conversation': The actress, 38, credited her role as Astrid Leong-Teo for introducing her to lead roles in feature films

‘I was just not even in that conversation’: The actress, 38, credited her role as Astrid Leong-Teo for introducing her to lead roles in feature films

Avant-garde: The screen star took part in a high-fashion cover shoot by photographer Marcin Kempski

Avant-garde: The screen star took part in a high-fashion cover shoot by photographer Marcin Kempski

‘Because Crazy Rich Asians did so well internationally, I definitely felt a shift at that time. Like, on the Captain Marvel press tour, not being able to walk through an airport [in Singapore]. 

‘But then again, I feel like things have settled a bit more now and the slight craziness of that time has gone away. I do feel like I can – touch wood – go about my life normally now.’

The Fresh Meat star went on to confess she finds it ‘ridiculous’ that the topic of representation is still brought up as a ‘talking point’. 

Gemma insisted: ‘I do get moments where I think, ”Oh gosh, I wish we didn’t have to talk about race anymore.” In the same way I wish we didn’t have to talk about why it’s unusual to have a female lead. 

Breakthrough: Despite becoming a thespian in 2009, the media personality received worldwide recognition as socialite Astrid nine years later (pictured in the film)

Breakthrough: Despite becoming a thespian in 2009, the media personality received worldwide recognition as socialite Astrid nine years later (pictured in the film)

‘Why is that still the exception? Why is it still so unusual to have half of the human race being centred in these stories? It seems ridiculous that we’re still flagging that up as a talking point.’ 

Elsewhere in the interview, the Transformers star touched on joining forces with Meryl in new drama Let Them All Talk, in which she plays her character Alice Hughes’ literary agent Karen. 

The Oxford alum enthused: ‘Obviously I jumped at the chance. It was just such a dream project. A lot of the dialogue was improvised. There’s a scene, a lunch in New York with Meryl, which was actually the first scene that I shot. 

‘So I arrived on set and the whole restaurant was full of 200 extras, you could hear a pin drop, I went in and sat down, then Meryl came in and sat down, and we just had to improvise a scene. 

''I don't think I've ever had such a clenched bum!' Elsewhere in the interview, the Transformers star touched on joining forces with Meryl Streep in Let Them All Talk (pictured)

”I don’t think I’ve ever had such a clenched bum!’ Elsewhere in the interview, the Transformers star touched on joining forces with Meryl Streep in Let Them All Talk (pictured)

‘I don’t think I’ve ever had such a clenched bum! I was petrified. There I am, with possibly the greatest actress of all time, and… ”Action!”’

In the romance department, Gemma has been dating Mamma Mia! star Dominic Cooper, 42, since 2018.

On maintaining a private personal life, the London native said: ‘Over 10 years, you learn the importance of privacy, what you choose to share and what you don’t. 

‘When you start out, you don’t even know what is important to keep for yourself – I didn’t anyway, at the beginning, whereas now I think there are certain things that I absolutely know, ”That’s mine and it’s private.” 

Out soon: The February issue of ELLE UK is on sale from January 7

Out soon: The February issue of ELLE UK is on sale from January 7

‘For me, my comfort level is to have a clear distinction between what is for me and what I’m happy to talk about.’ 

The Mary Queen of Scots actress also spoke about holding faith for the next generation after feeling ‘powerless’ about the ‘governing of our country’ amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

She added: ‘I’ve definitely struggled. I’ve had times where I’ve felt quite hopeless about things. I think for most of us, we’ve realised how powerless we are as a whole in terms of the day-to-day governing of our [country]. 

‘There seems to no longer be any accountability for anyone. A complete lack of shame. So things that a minister or an advisor would have resigned for five, 10 years ago, there are now no repercussions, therefore no accountability. 

‘But, at the same time, I have hope – mainly because of the next generation. I think the generation below mine are much more politically aware than I was at that age, much more involved and active.’  

The February issue of ELLE UK is on sale from January 7.

''Over 10 years, you learn the importance of privacy': In the romance department, the London native has been dating Mamma Mia! star Dominic Cooper, 42, since 2018 (pictured that year)

”Over 10 years, you learn the importance of privacy’: In the romance department, the London native has been dating Mamma Mia! star Dominic Cooper, 42, since 2018 (pictured that year)