Gemma Chan: Backing Every Voice, One Film at a Time
Gemma Chan, the 38‑year‑old star who once rocked a sniping scar in Captain Marvel, is the kind of actress who never sits on the sidelines. In British Vogue (Sept 2021) she stressed, in punchy words:
- “If only Black people care about Black Lives Matter, nothing’s gonna change.”
- “If only Asians are talking about Stop Asian Hate, nothing is going to change.”
- “Things shift only when we stick up for one another and stand side by side.”
Gemma sees us as the next generation of defenders for causes that our parents may not have had the chance to champion. “We’ve got a duty now,” she says.
Lights, Camera, Diversity!
Her heart skipped a beat when she got to work with East Asian female director Chloe Zhao on Eternals. She laughed on the set, admitting she’d never dreamed of such a collaboration until a few years ago.
“I’d never imagined a Chinese‑American woman directing a Marvel production.”
Gemma points out a critical gap: there’s still a shortage of Asian, especially Asian‑female, people in the big decision‑making seats that green‑light projects. “We’re still down in the gates,” she notes.
Sersi: Not Your Typical Superhero
Her role as Sersi, the ‘immortal soulmate’ of Ikaris (played by Richard Madden), opens a fascinating, centuries‑long romance. Gemma describes it as:
- “A fun, mind‑bending version of a ‘normal’ relationship that spans a thousand years.”
- “I’ve known Richard for over ten years, so it’s a familiar duet.”
She explains that Sersi isn’t a powerhouse of brute strength. Instead, her unique gift is being an empath who resonates deeply with humanity and the planet. “Her strength is connection, not clout,” she says.
Quick Takeaways
- Gemma champions solidarity across racial and ethnic lines.
- She loves the chance to work with trailblazers like Chloe Zhao.
- Her on‑screen chemistry with Richard Madden showcases a non‑traditional love story.
- Gemma reminds us that true power lies in the more inclusive decisions behind the camera.
And that’s the story of a star who’s not only dazzling the silver screen but also brightening the conversation about who gets to stand at the helm.
