Reframing Representation

The Case for More 
Asian and Asian American Narratives in Hollywood

For nearly 100 years, Asian American representation in Hollywood has been limited by exclusion, invisibility, brownface / yellowface casting, and tired stereotypes.
But the last decade ushered in an unprecedented wave of more nuanced representation, and with it, the potential for more Asian and Asian American-led films and TV shows. Still, we’re just at the starting line and Asian Americans—more than other racial groups—link lack of representation to lack of belonging.
“37% of Americans said they couldn’t think of a film with
an Asian American character.”
— TAAF’s 2025 STAATUS Index
Today, Asian Americans are one of the most underrepresented demographics in film and TV.
It's more important than ever to encourage and make stories that center Asians and Asian Americans — whether as heroes, or simply as humans.

Hollywood needs commercial incentives to make any changes—incentives significant enough to overcome skepticism, inertia and risk-aversion.

Here are a few we identified:

  • Asian Americans are growing in numbers, and over-index in box office sales.
  • Asian Americans are hyper-engaged with media and over-index in streaming time.
  • Asian American Intellectual Property (IP) is burgeoning.
  • Asians & Asian Americans are increasingly winning awards and winning over critics in the U.S.
“Change happens when there’s a market signal loud enough to override fear of failure.”
— A senior level studio executive
Today’s audiences increasingly demand specificity and authenticity.

These commercial incentives also pave the way for creative opportunities. Outdated tropes, stereotypical storylines, and long standing invisibility create opportunities for boundary-pushing creators—people with a unique lens and point of view, not just a checkbox identity.

‍Specifically, this moment provides opportunities to:

  • Create new cultural icons
  • Subvert tropes and expand archetypes
  • Expand the definition of Asian American
  • Reclaim genres and redefine heroes

Successful Asian American films and TV shows from the last decade including Beef, Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Fresh Off the Boat, Never Have I Ever and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before provide important lessons about content development, packaging and casting, pitching and selling, distribution and marketing, and widespread audience appeal. We invite you to dive in and draw inspiration!

“A cultural vacuum is a powerful thing — it invites invention. If Bruce Lee defined one era, then who defines this one? We have the chance to cast the faces of a generation—not just for Asian America, but for America.”
— A senior level female studio executive
Whether you’re an emerging storyteller or an industry veteran, discover the commercial opportunities and strategic incentives for investing in diverse storytelling with our entertainment business case study.
Emerging StorytellERS
Gain insights to strengthen your storytelling and pitches and understand market opportunities.
Download Report
Industry VeteranS
Access data-driven strategies to diversify your projects and unlock new audience segments.
Download Report
Dig deeper‍
Together, let's honor our roots and show the world who we are — fully, powerfully, and proudly Asian+American.
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TAAF is a non-partisan 501(c)3 non-profit recognized by the IRS. Your contribution to TAAF is tax-deductible for Federal tax purposes, to the extent provided by applicable Federal tax laws.
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