Historically, Asian representation within media and popular culture has been incredibly limited. Up until recent years, the vast majority of the few Asian characters who appeared onscreen were pigeonholed into a static array of character types the domineering Dragon Lady, the bumbling wimpy nerd, the stoic and deeply wise martial artist. These deeprooted expectations of Asian sexuality, social aptitude, and individuality (or lack thereof) continue to haunt the community. Even today, AsianAmericans are still still struggling to carve out individual identities despite the damage left behind by decades of harmful stereotypes.
Perhaps, it is no surprise that a recent petition to Marvel Studios calling for an Asian actor to be cast in the lead role of the newest installment of their Defenders series, ‘Iron Fist,’, has gained popularity in past months. Again and again, Marvel leads have quickly become pop culture icons and role models for many, this is a chance for an Asian to transcend the stereotypical role of the perpetual foreigner and escape the typecasting that has historically relegated Asians to the role of the comical sidekick. Supporters hold that the backstory of protagonist Danny Rand, a white American who trains as a master martial artist in an exotic Asian city and immediately becomes the best among his peers, stinks of an anachronistic white savior fantasy. It is a given that any iteration of the character will include many elements from Asian cultures, especially parts of stereotypical martial arts like dragons, ‘chi’, and mystic powers. However, supporters argue that an Asian Danny Rand would eliminate many of the unfortunate implications of the character by reconnecting with the central Asian culture, instead of appropriating it. Detractors, on the other hand, question whether it is wise to cast the one Marvel superhero most associated with martial arts as the first AsianAmerican lead in the Marvel universe.
In an ultimately unsurprising decision, Marvel Studios eventually cast the white, male, Finn Jones in the role. However, the debates and discussions that have stemmed from this controversy do raise several interesting questions regarding the nature of stereotypes and, more importantly, how they blur with the concept of representation.
The fact is, it is difficult to find Asian characters in media without some stereotypic affectations. Maybe it is an incongruous and unnecessary accent, or strict and domineering ‘tiger parents,’ or even an inexplicable talent for kungfu fighting. The last of these is particularly interesting, because it is a stereotype that is, on the surface, not particularly demeaning. While broken English and social awkwardness mark Asians as wimpy comic relief, badass martial artists like Sunny from ‘Into the Badlands’ make Asians seem cool and powerful. However, it is rare that such characters transcend their onedimensional mold.
Undoubtedly, casting an Asian Iron Fist is in a way, inherently stereotypical. Danny Rand would be yet another Asian in popular culture with the affinity for martial arts. But that does not diminish the significance of his appearance, or the blow it strikes in favor of Asian representation on television and in theaters. An Asian Iron Fist would mean an opportunity to deconstruct a longheld stereotype and touch on complex issues about the relationship between immigrants and their homelands. Though this particular opportunity has been squandered, not all hope is lost. In an apparent move to appease both sides of the controversy, rumors hold that Marvel Studios is adding the character of Shang- Chi, an Asian martial artist, to the series to star alongside Jones. As with most minority characters in comics, his background is at points laughably stereotypical. However, Marvel has done an excellent job with their Defenders series so far in their nuanced portrayals of complex issues including classism, sexual consent, and racism. It is certain that the producers of the series will do their best to do justice to the character.
Regardless, it seems that Marvel’s first Asian superhero lead will have to wait a while more to debut.