My Casting Story: Chelsea Zhang on ‘Love in Taipei’

Ahead of its August 10 premiere on Paramount+, we wanted to virtually sit down with one of the stars of the upcoming film adaptation of Abigail Hing Wen’s New York Times bestselling novel Loveboat, Taipei. The feature — similarly entitled Love in Taipei — follows a young American woman, Ever Wong, whose parents send her to a cultural immersion program in Taiwan’s capital city.

Upon arrival, she soon discovers that the summer full of homework and history lessons she’d expected is far from the free-for-all experience called “Loveboat” by locals and students alike. Ever is soon caught up in a love triangle but makes a new friend, Sophie, who helps her navigate all the ups and downs of a summer spent defying expectations.

Chelsea Zhang plays Sophie in the upcoming feature, and she took time out to share the casting story behind her breakout role in Love in Taipei.

Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Zhang detailed to us how she initially auditioned to play Ever before being asked to also read for Sophie. She noted that the latter part was a better fit for her, personally, and encouraged other actors to play to their strengths when performing their particular version of a character. “I think casting will read that, and then you end up in the role that really fits you,” she stated. “Obviously as actors, we’re supposed to transform and stuff, but there’s always a little bit of you [in the character]. That’s that ‘gold’ in my opinion.”

The Love in Taipei star also gave a window into what audiences can expect from Sophie in the film, describing her as trendy and global-minded. You can also anticipate the character bringing some levity to the film. “She’s just so much fun,” Zhang said of Sophie. “She brings a lot of spice into everything.”

When asked about the impact of landing such a big role — as it pertains to her career — Zhang shared something that has resulted from her work in the film. “One thing I’ve really enjoyed is just the connection with my Asian community,” she noted. The actor expanded on her experience being part of an Asian-led film, as well as the creative community that has come from Love in Taipei. “It’s been very inspiring,” she concluded.

Chelsea Zhang, Ashley Liao, and Ross Butler in Love in Taipei. Photo credit: Dragon 5/Paramount+

You can catch all the insights Zhang gave us about the dream casting process that led to her landing the role of Sophie in Love in Taipei in this on-camera installment of My Casting Story.

—

This video interview has been edited and condensed.

Looking to get your big break? Sign up or log in to Casting Networks and land your next acting role today!

You may also like:

• What’s Your Warm-Up Routine Before You Go On-Set?
• A Quick Guide for Working During the SAG-AFTRA Strike
• On the Verge: Thaddeus O’Sullivan