SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE -- Like his “Crazy Rich Asians” co-star Awkwafina, who ultimately won a Golden Globe for her role in the podcast-turned-film “The Farewell,” Shum felt a visceral connection in remembering the real-life source material that he had once encountered. After auditioning with his eventual co-star Jessica Rothe (“Utopia”) in a heavy fight scene that ends up in the film, he felt destined for the part.
While the world awaits his potentially center-screen role in the sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians” that was teased at the end of the first film, Shum — who spent his early childhood in San Francisco and was led to show business after a stint at San Francisco State University got him involved in the dance company Culture Shock Oakland — would also be taking on his first leading role in a major studio film. The part, however, was not an easy introduction.