The beloved 1993 Ang Lee classic The Wedding Banquet is getting a bold new reimagining, set to debut in theaters on April 18, 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Ahn, this updated take blends heartfelt storytelling with modern LGBTQ+ themes, and boasts a standout cast that includes Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung.
This new version flips the script with a fresh twist: it centers on two queer couples who are longtime friends—Angela and Lee (Tran and Gladstone), and Min and Chris (Gi-chan and Yang). Angela and Lee are pursuing IVF treatment to start a family but face financial barriers. Meanwhile, Min, a wealthy Korean student facing visa expiration, offers to cover the IVF costs if Chris agrees to a marriage of convenience for a green card. When Chris turns him down, Min proposes the plan to Angela instead—setting off a chain of surprises when Min’s traditional grandmother arrives from Korea to plan an elaborate wedding banquet.
The film delicately balances themes of love, identity, immigration, and chosen family, all while serving up a healthy dose of comedy and heart. “It’s been 32 years since the original came out. A lot has changed in queer life,” said Bowen Yang, reflecting on the film’s cultural relevance today.
Kelly Marie Tran also shared how the film impacted her personally, revealing it helped her embrace her own queer identity. “I’ve never truly felt this accepted before,” she said in a recent interview, calling the experience on set one filled with joy and affirmation.
Early reviews have been glowing. Mashable described it as “a hilarious and heartfelt queer rom-com remake,” praising both the performances and its ability to balance cultural expectations with modern queer experiences. The film captures the emotional complexity of navigating tradition and authenticity in today’s world.
If you haven’t already, check out the official trailer below for a glimpse of what’s in store:
The Wedding Banquet opens nationwide on April 18, 2025, promising a powerful, funny, and refreshingly modern story that celebrates love in all its forms.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 remake updates Ang Lee’s classic film with a diverse cast including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran.
- Director Andrew Ahn balances comedy and heart in this story about a marriage of convenience that becomes complicated by family expectations.
- The film explores themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ relationships through a contemporary lens.
Background of The Wedding Banquet
A new adaptation of Ang Lee’s classic romantic comedy “The Wedding Banquet” is set to be released on April 18. Directed by Andrew Ahn and featuring a cast that includes Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran, the film follows a gay man and his lesbian friend who enter a green-card marriage. Things take a turn when his grandmother plans a traditional Korean wedding banquet. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, receiving positive reviews for its mix of humor and emotional depth. This modern remake aims to bring cultural authenticity and LGBTQ+ representation while honoring the original film.
The Wedding Banquet’s journey from its 1993 origins to the 2025 remake represents a significant evolution in how LGBTQ+ stories are told in mainstream cinema. This reimagining builds upon Ang Lee’s groundbreaking work while reflecting contemporary perspectives on identity and cultural expectations.
Original 1993 Film by Ang Lee
Ang Lee’s original “The Wedding Banquet” premiered in 1993 and quickly became a landmark film in LGBTQ+ cinema. The story centered on Wai-Tung, a Taiwanese immigrant living in New York with his American boyfriend, who agrees to a marriage of convenience with a Chinese woman to satisfy his parents’ expectations.
The film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. It was part of Lee’s “Father Knows Best” trilogy, alongside “Pushing Hands” and “Eat Drink Man Woman.”
Lee’s sensitive direction balanced comedy with poignant cultural observations. The film was revolutionary for its time, presenting a compassionate portrayal of gay characters when such representation was still rare in mainstream cinema.
Cultural and Social Impact
The original “Wedding Banquet” arrived at a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ representation. It broke new ground by presenting a gay protagonist in a culturally specific context, exploring the intersection of sexuality and cultural identity.
The film resonated with audiences worldwide for its universal themes of family acceptance, cultural obligations, and personal authenticity. It helped open doors for more nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in Asian cinema and beyond.
Many viewers and critics praised Lee’s approach to depicting the cultural conflicts faced by immigrants caught between traditional family values and personal freedom. The film’s exploration of the challenges faced by interracial and same-sex couples provided representation that was largely absent from screens in the early 1990s.
Relevance of Remaking Classic Films
The 2025 remake directed by Andrew Ahn represents how classic narratives can be refreshed for new generations. Ahn’s personal connection to the material adds authenticity – he has spoken about wondering if he would ever experience a wedding ceremony like his brother’s.
Remaking “The Wedding Banquet” allows filmmakers to address how conversations around LGBTQ+ issues have evolved in the three decades since the original. Today’s audiences expect more nuanced and diverse representation of queer experiences.
The remake features an impressive cast including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran – reflecting Hollywood’s increased commitment to authentic casting. The updated storyline involves a green-card marriage between a gay man and his lesbian friend, with complications arising when his grandmother arranges a traditional Korean wedding ceremony.
2025 Remake Overview
The highly anticipated 2025 remake of “The Wedding Banquet” brings fresh talent and modern perspectives to Ang Lee’s beloved 1993 romantic comedy, while maintaining the heart and humor of the original story.
Director Andrew Ahn’s Vision
Andrew Ahn, known for his previous works including “Fire Island” and “Spa Night,” steps into new territory with his adaptation of “The Wedding Banquet.” Critics note that this project represents Ahn’s career-best work, as he skillfully balances honoring the original film while creating something distinctively his own.
The director collaborated with James Schamus, who co-wrote the 1993 version, ensuring a connection to the original film’s spirit. This partnership allowed them to maintain the core premise while updating the story for contemporary audiences.
Ahn’s vision for the remake focuses on authentic representation and emotional honesty. His direction brings out nuanced performances from the cast, particularly in the comedy sequences that also carry deeper emotional weight.
Synopsis of Reimagined Story
The 2025 version follows a similar premise to the original but with updated characters and situations. The film centers on a gay man (Bowen Yang) who enters into a marriage of convenience with a woman (Kelly Marie Tran) to appease his traditional parents.
Complications arise when family members arrive for an elaborate wedding celebration, creating both hilarious situations and heartfelt moments. The story explores cultural expectations, personal identity, and the complexities of family relationships.
The remake earned a remarkable 95% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its Sundance Film Festival premiere. Critics particularly praised the film’s ability to balance laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth.
New and Familiar Themes
The 2025 remake preserves the original’s exploration of cultural identity, family expectations, and LGBTQ+ experiences, while reflecting contemporary perspectives. The film addresses how these issues have evolved in the three decades since the original release.
New themes emerge through the diverse cast. Lily Gladstone brings her acclaimed talent to a role that expands the film’s examination of intersecting identities. Han Gi-chan and Joan Chen deliver performances that bridge generational and cultural divides.
The romantic comedy elements remain central, with Yang’s comedic timing driving many scenes. However, the film doesn’t shy away from more serious moments that reveal the emotional stakes for all characters involved.
The updated version also examines how technology, social media, and changing attitudes toward LGBTQ+ relationships influence the characters’ decisions and interactions, adding new layers to the classic story.
Cast and Characters
The 2025 remake of “The Wedding Banquet” features a talented ensemble of acclaimed actors bringing fresh energy to this reimagined romantic comedy. The film’s casting combines established stars with rising talents to create authentic chemistry in this complex story of marriage, family, and cultural expectations.
Main Ensemble Cast
Bowen Yang leads the cast as Min, a gay man who agrees to a green-card marriage with his lesbian friend. Yang, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in films like “Fire Island,” brings his distinctive comedic timing to this complex role.
Lily Gladstone stars as Min’s lesbian friend who agrees to the marriage arrangement in exchange for in vitro fertilization treatments. Gladstone, who gained widespread recognition for her recent dramatic performances, demonstrates her versatility in this comedic role.
Kelly Marie Tran plays a significant role as part of one of the film’s central couples. Tran’s previous work in major franchise films and indie projects has established her as a versatile performer capable of balancing humor with emotional depth.
Han Gi-Chan rounds out the main quartet as the fourth member of the film’s central couples dynamic. The Korean actor brings international appeal to this cross-cultural story.
Supporting Roles and Performances
Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-jung appears as Min’s grandmother, who surprises the couple with plans for a traditional Korean wedding banquet. Youn’s acclaimed acting skills add gravitas to this pivotal role that drives much of the film’s cultural conflict.
Joan Chen joins the supporting cast, bringing her considerable talent and screen presence to the ensemble. Chen’s involvement creates a notable connection to Asian cinema history, as she has been a prominent figure in both American and Asian films for decades.
The supporting cast enhances the film’s exploration of cultural differences and family expectations. The ensemble creates a realistic portrayal of the complexities involved in navigating cultural traditions while staying true to one’s identity.
Director Andrew Ahn has assembled this diverse cast to bring authenticity to this remake of Ang Lee’s beloved 1993 film, updating the story for contemporary audiences.
Production Insights
The reimagining of “The Wedding Banquet” brought together a talented team of filmmakers and actors in a production that blended cultural authenticity with modern storytelling techniques. Director Andrew Ahn’s personal connection to the material influenced many creative decisions throughout the filming process.
Principal Photography
Principal photography for “The Wedding Banquet” began in July 2024 and wrapped in September 2024. The 45-day shooting schedule was divided between locations in the Pacific Northwest.
Director Andrew Ahn worked closely with cinematographer Ki Jin Kim to create a visual style that honored Ang Lee’s original film while establishing its own distinct identity. The production team used natural lighting whenever possible to create an intimate atmosphere for the character-driven story.
Cast members Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone developed their on-screen chemistry through extensive rehearsals before filming began. This preparation proved valuable during the tight shooting schedule.
Filming Locations
“The Wedding Banquet” was primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional scenes shot in Seattle, Washington. The production utilized Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods to create authentic settings for both Korean and American cultural elements in the story.
The wedding banquet scenes that give the film its title were shot at the historic Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s International District. This location provided a genuine cultural backdrop for the pivotal sequences.
Several intimate scenes between Yang and Han Gi-chan’s characters were filmed in a rented apartment in Vancouver’s West End, a neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ community. The production design team carefully crafted these spaces to reflect the characters’ personalities.
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Andrew Ahn invited several consultants from Korean American and LGBTQ+ communities to ensure cultural authenticity throughout production. This collaborative approach extended to costume design, set decoration, and dialogue coaching.
The film’s wedding banquet sequence required three days of filming and over 100 extras. Many cast members prepared for these scenes by learning traditional Korean customs from cultural advisors on set.
James Schamus, who co-wrote the screenplay, visited the set frequently and made script adjustments based on the actors’ performances. This flexibility allowed for organic character development during filming.
Veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung, who plays the grandmother, provided mentorship to younger cast members between takes. Her presence brought a sense of continuity between Asian cinema’s past and present generations.
Cinematic Elements
Andrew Ahn’s remake of “The Wedding Banquet” stands out through its thoughtful visual storytelling and modern cinematic approach. The film balances homage to Ang Lee’s original with fresh perspectives that speak to today’s audiences.
Screenplay and Adaptation
James Schamus, who co-wrote the 1993 original, returns to collaborate with director Andrew Ahn on this reimagined screenplay. Their adaptation maintains the core premise of a green-card marriage between a gay man and a lesbian friend, but updates the narrative for contemporary relevance.
The screenplay injects fresh cultural elements by centering on Korean-American experiences. Bowen Yang’s character faces familiar familial pressures but within a modern context that explores intersectional identities.
Dialog particularly shines with naturalistic exchanges that blend humor with poignant moments. The writers skillfully navigate complex themes including immigration, LGBTQ+ relationships, and cultural expectations without becoming preachy.
Several critics have praised how the screenplay honors the original while creating something distinctly new. The adaptation expands certain character arcs, particularly for Lily Gladstone’s role, giving her character greater depth and agency.
Cinematography and Set Design
The film’s visual language employs warm, intimate framing that draws viewers into the characters’ personal spaces. Cinematographer Ante Cheng creates a distinct visual contrast between the protagonists’ authentic private lives and their public performances.
Set design plays a crucial role in storytelling, with the wedding banquet scenes showcasing elaborate Korean traditions through vibrant colors and meticulous attention to cultural details. The characters’ living spaces reveal their personalities through thoughtful visual cues.
New York City serves as more than backdrop, becoming a character itself. The film captures both glossy Manhattan scenes and the lived-in neighborhoods that reflect the characters’ actual lives.
The visual style shifts subtly throughout the film, beginning with more structured compositions that gradually become more free-flowing as the characters’ carefully constructed plans unravel.
Soundtrack and Scoring
The film features an eclectic soundtrack that blends traditional Korean music with contemporary American sounds, reflecting the cultural duality at the heart of the story. Original scoring by composer Roger Neill provides emotional undertones without overwhelming scenes.
Key emotional moments are enhanced by strategically placed silence rather than musical cues, allowing the actors’ performances to carry the weight. This restraint demonstrates the filmmakers’ confidence in their storytelling.
Several standout musical moments include a karaoke scene where characters reveal their true feelings through song choices, and traditional Korean wedding music that creates both authenticity and dramatic tension during the banquet sequence.
The soundtrack includes contributions from Korean American artists, adding another layer of cultural authenticity to the production. These musical choices help bridge generational and cultural divides portrayed in the film.
Cultural Representation
The Wedding Banquet remake offers rich cultural representation across multiple dimensions, exploring intersections of identity, family traditions, and changing social landscapes. The film weaves together Korean cultural elements with American influences to create an authentic portrayal of intercultural relationships.
Korean Cultural Depictions
The film presents Korean wedding traditions with careful attention to detail. Traditional elements like pyebaek ceremonies, where the bride formally meets her in-laws, are portrayed alongside contemporary adaptations that reflect changing customs among Korean Americans.
The wedding banquet itself becomes a centerpiece of cultural expression, featuring authentic Korean cuisine including customary dishes like galbi (marinated short ribs) and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). Director Andrew Ahn incorporates subtle visual cues through traditional dress, with some characters wearing modernized hanbok alongside Western attire.
Family dynamics are portrayed with nuance, showing how Korean concepts of filial piety clash with and eventually adapt to the characters’ American identities. The film avoids stereotypical depictions, instead presenting Korean culture as dynamic and evolving.
Korean-American Experiences
Kelly Marie Tran’s character navigates the complexities of being Korean-American with remarkable authenticity. Her performance highlights the tensions between honoring family traditions while pursuing personal happiness and identity.
The film explores code-switching—how Korean-American characters adjust their language, behavior, and cultural expressions depending on their environment. This creates moments of both comedy and poignant reflection.
Intergenerational differences receive thoughtful treatment. Older family members hold traditional expectations about marriage and family, while younger Korean-Americans balance respect for these values with their own evolving identities.
The screenplay acknowledges specific Korean-American experiences, such as:
- Community pressure to maintain cultural connections
- The search for belonging between two cultures
- Finding solidarity within Korean-American LGBTQ+ spaces
Intercultural Relations
The relationship between Bowen Yang’s and Lily Gladstone’s characters serves as the film’s central exploration of intercultural connection. Their dynamic illustrates how cultural differences can both challenge and enrich romantic relationships.
Family reactions to intercultural coupling are portrayed with complexity rather than relying on tired tropes. Initial resistance gives way to genuine attempts at understanding, though not without realistic struggles along the way.
Language barriers become both sources of humor and profound moments of connection. The film employs untranslated Korean dialogue in key scenes, allowing viewers to experience the authentic communication challenges faced by intercultural couples.
The wedding planning process highlights differing cultural expectations about ceremonies, family roles, and celebrations. These differences aren’t presented as simple obstacles but as opportunities for growth and mutual respect between cultures.
Themes and Symbolism
The Wedding Banquet explores profound themes of cultural identity, familial expectations, and queer love through both subtle and overt symbolism. The remake adapts Ang Lee’s classic while reflecting contemporary LGBTQ+ experiences.
Love and Commitment
At its core, The Wedding Banquet examines the multifaceted nature of love and commitment. Bowen Yang’s character navigates the complexities of maintaining authentic relationships while managing familial expectations.
The film portrays commitment not just as romantic devotion but as loyalty to one’s identity and heritage. Through humorous scenarios, it illustrates how love transcends traditional boundaries.
Yang and Han Gi-chan’s chemistry provides an authentic portrayal of queer love that feels genuine rather than performative. Their relationship stands in contrast to the arranged marriage scenario, highlighting the tension between societal obligations and personal desires.
The remake acknowledges how the landscape for LGBTQ+ relationships has evolved since the original film while still recognizing ongoing challenges.
Identity and Family
Cultural and sexual identity intersect powerfully throughout the narrative. Yang’s character struggles with reconciling his Taiwanese heritage with his American identity and sexuality.
Lily Gladstone’s character serves as a bridge between worlds, representing how chosen family can complement biological connections. The film examines how family expectations shape identity while showing the psychological cost of living inauthentically.
Joan Chen and Youn Yuh-jung portray parental figures whose traditional values gradually evolve, reflecting generational gaps in understanding queer relationships. Their performances capture the nuanced emotions of parents confronting unexpected realities.
Family dinners serve as battlegrounds where identity is contested, negotiated, and ultimately respected. These scenes blend humor with poignant revelations.
Symbolic Exchanges in The Narrative
Wedding ceremonies function as the film’s central symbolic framework, representing both constraint and liberation. The banquet itself embodies cultural tradition while simultaneously becoming a space for subversion.
Food appears consistently as a symbol of cultural heritage and connection. Sharing meals becomes a metaphor for sharing one’s true self with others. Director Andrew Ahn uses traditional Taiwanese dishes to highlight moments of cultural transmission and evolution.
Gift exchanges throughout the film represent more than material transactions. They embody emotional negotiations between characters who struggle to express their feelings directly.
The apartment shared by Yang and Han’s characters transforms throughout the narrative, its changing decoration reflecting their evolving relationship and identity. This visual symbolism subtly reinforces the film’s themes without heavy-handed exposition.
Critical Reception
The Wedding Banquet has received widespread acclaim since its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, with critics praising its fresh take on Ang Lee’s classic film while maintaining the emotional core that made the original a success.
Film Critics and Reviews
Critics have particularly highlighted Bowen Yang’s performance as Min, with many noting his ability to balance comedy with emotional depth. IndieWire called the film “a queer-marriage comedy of errors” that succeeds through its stellar cast chemistry. Yang’s comedic timing, developed through his work on Saturday Night Live, shines throughout the film.
Lily Gladstone has also received significant praise for bringing “humor and heart” to her role, according to Yahoo’s Sundance coverage. Her performance as Min’s lesbian friend continues her impressive streak following her recent Oscar nomination.
Director Andrew Ahn has been commended for his sensitive direction and for co-writing a script that feels both timely and timeless. Several critics noted that the film tackles complex themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and sexuality with nuance and respect.
Audience Response
Early audience reactions from Sundance screenings have been overwhelmingly positive. The film received multiple standing ovations during its festival run, with viewers particularly responding to the authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and the genuine emotional core.
Many audience members have praised the film’s humor, which manages to be laugh-out-loud funny without resorting to stereotypes or mean-spirited jokes. The comedic moments flow naturally from the characters’ personalities and situations.
Social media buzz has been building steadily since the Sundance premiere. Several scenes featuring Yang and Kelly Marie Tran have become popular discussion points online, with viewers appreciating their on-screen chemistry.
The film’s exploration of cultural expectations within Asian-American families has resonated strongly with many viewers who see their own experiences reflected on screen.
Comparison to the Original
While honoring Ang Lee’s 1993 classic, the 2025 remake successfully updates the story for contemporary audiences. Critics note that the new version maintains the original premise but, as one reviewer stated, “makes the story entirely his own.”
The screenplay, co-written by James Schamus (who worked on the original) and Andrew Ahn, has been praised for thoughtfully incorporating modern perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues while preserving the emotional authenticity of the original film.
Some critics have favorably compared Yang’s performance to Winston Chao’s in the original, noting that both bring vulnerability to their roles. The addition of Korean wedding traditions (versus the Taiwanese customs in the original) has been cited as a meaningful cultural update.
The film’s visual style has also evolved, with many reviewers noting the vibrant cinematography and more contemporary pacing compared to the 1993 version, while still maintaining the intimate family dynamics that made Lee’s film so beloved.
Social and Legal Contexts
The remake of “The Wedding Banquet” arrives in a vastly different social landscape than its 1993 predecessor, reflecting significant changes in both LGBTQ+ rights and immigration policies across three decades.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Cinema
The original “The Wedding Banquet” emerged during a time when LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema was limited and often problematic. The 2025 reimagining acknowledges the evolution of queer cinema since 1993.
While Ang Lee’s film was groundbreaking for its time, the new version directed by Andrew Ahn exists in an era where marriage equality is established law in the United States. This legal shift fundamentally changes the stakes of the narrative.
Bowen Yang’s casting represents the growing prominence of openly LGBTQ+ performers in leading roles. The film doesn’t treat queerness as a shocking revelation but rather as an integral aspect of complex characters.
The remake maintains the comedy of manners approach but updates the cultural tensions to reflect contemporary LGBTQ+ experiences. Critics have noted how the film acknowledges progress while still highlighting ongoing challenges.
Green-Card Marriage Narratives
The central plot device—a marriage of convenience for immigration purposes—takes on new dimensions in the 2025 version. Green-card marriages remain a controversial topic in immigration policy, though contexts have shifted.
Kelly Marie Tran’s character navigates a complex immigration system that has undergone numerous changes since the original film. The remake explores how immigration status intersects with questions of cultural identity and belonging.
The film carefully balances comedy with thoughtful examination of the real consequences of immigration fraud. While treating the premise as the foundation for comedy, it doesn’t trivialize the legal and emotional stakes.
Modern anti-immigration sentiment provides a more threatening backdrop than in the original film. Characters must navigate not just family expectations but also increased scrutiny from immigration authorities.
The film demonstrates how green-card marriage narratives in cinema have evolved from simple plot devices to nuanced explorations of immigration policy and its human impact.
Marketing and Distribution
The Wedding Banquet’s marketing campaign started gaining momentum in February 2025 after its successful Sundance premiere. Bleecker Street, the film’s distributor, has implemented a multi-channel approach focusing on both traditional media and digital platforms to reach diverse audiences.
Promotional Activities
Bleecker Street launched the official trailer on Valentine’s Day 2025, strategically positioning the film as both a romantic comedy and a culturally significant remake. The trailer garnered over 5 million views in its first week across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
The marketing team has leveraged the star power of Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran through targeted press junkets and talk show appearances. Yang’s Saturday Night Live platform has provided additional promotional opportunities, including a themed sketch that referenced the film.
A unique aspect of the campaign involves highlighting the film’s connections to Ang Lee’s original 1993 version, appealing to cinephiles and creating cross-generational interest. Digital billboards in major urban centers feature QR codes linking to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Global Distribution Strategies
Bleecker Street secured theatrical distribution across North America with an April 18, 2025 release date. The distribution strategy includes a gradual rollout, beginning with major metropolitan areas before expanding to smaller markets.
International distribution rights have been sold in over 40 territories, with particular focus on Asian markets where the original film maintains cultural relevance. The film will receive theatrical releases in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan in May 2025.
Netflix has acquired streaming rights for the film following its theatrical window, planning to add it to their platform in August 2025. This hybrid release strategy balances traditional theatrical exhibition with the growing importance of streaming platforms.
Special event screenings are planned in LGBTQ+ film festivals worldwide, acknowledging the film’s themes and building word-of-mouth momentum. Bleecker Street has also partnered with several LGBTQ+ organizations to host charity premieres in select cities.
Further Viewing
If you enjoyed “The Wedding Banquet,” there are several related films and projects featuring the same creative talents that explore similar themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ experiences.
Related Works by Cast and Crew
Director Andrew Ahn previously helmed Spa Night (2016), a tender coming-of-age drama about a Korean-American teenager, and Driveways (2019), featuring Hong Chau in a poignant story about unlikely friendship.
Bowen Yang gained fame on Saturday Night Live and starred in Fire Island (2022), a queer romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
Lily Gladstone delivered a breakthrough performance in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and appeared in Kelly Reichardt’s intimate dramas including “Certain Women.”
Kelly Marie Tran voiced the lead in Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” and currently stars in Hulu’s mystery series Under the Bridge (2024). She’s also set to appear in Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked, slated for release in November 2025.
Movies with Similar Themes
The Farewell (2019) explores Chinese-American cultural tensions through a family reunion built around a deception, echoing themes in “The Wedding Banquet.”
Minari (2020) examines Korean immigrant experiences in America with warmth and authenticity, featuring similar cultural dynamics and intergenerational relationships.
Lulu Wang’s Expats (2024) delves into cultural identity issues through the lens of Americans living in Hong Kong.
For fans of queer Asian stories, Alice Wu’s The Half of It (2020) and Isabel Sandoval’s Lingua Franca (2019) offer thoughtful explorations of identity, belonging, and family expectations.
The original The Wedding Banquet (1993) by Ang Lee is essential viewing to appreciate how the themes have evolved in the 30+ years between productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Audiences curious about “The Wedding Banquet” remake have several common questions about its cast, plot, and release details. The film has generated significant buzz since its Sundance Film Festival premiere.
Who are the main cast members in the 2025 remake of ‘The Wedding Banquet’?
The 2025 remake features an impressive ensemble cast led by Bowen Yang, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and films like Fire Island and Wicked. Yang takes on one of the lead roles in this romantic comedy.
Lily Gladstone, who recently gained acclaim for her work in television miniseries “Under the Bridge,” stars opposite Yang. Her involvement adds significant prestige to the production following her recent Oscar nomination.
Kelly Marie Tran and Han Gi-Chan round out the main quartet of actors in the film. Additional cast members include veteran performers Joan Chen and Youn Yuh-jung, bringing depth and experience to the supporting roles.
How does the plot of the 2025 version of ‘The Wedding Banquet’ differ from the original 1993 film?
The 2025 remake maintains the premise of the original Ang Lee film while updating it for contemporary audiences. It follows a gay man who arranges a green-card marriage with his lesbian friend.
In exchange for the marriage, the woman receives in vitro fertilization treatments. This arrangement forms the core relationship dynamic that drives the film’s narrative.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when the man’s grandmother surprises the couple with a traditional Korean wedding banquet. This cultural element adds complexity to their arrangement and creates much of the film’s comedy and dramatic tension.
What themes are explored in the reimagined ‘The Wedding Banquet’ movie?
The film explores LGBTQ+ relationships and the challenges faced by queer individuals navigating family expectations and cultural traditions. These themes remain central to the story, just as they were in the original film.
Cultural identity plays a significant role, particularly through the Korean wedding traditions featured prominently in the narrative. The film examines the intersection of traditional values with modern relationships.
The remake also touches on friendship, sacrifice, and the evolving definition of family. Critics have noted that director Andrew Ahn’s version maintains the heart of the original while bringing fresh perspectives to these timeless themes.
When is the release date for ‘The Wedding Banquet’ 2025 version?
“The Wedding Banquet” is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025. This spring release date positions it as a potential standout in the early summer movie season.
The film already had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it garnered initial reviews and audience reactions. This festival screening has helped build anticipation for its wider release.
On which platforms is the 2025 ‘The Wedding Banquet’ available for streaming?
As of February 2025, “The Wedding Banquet” has not yet been released in theaters, so streaming information is not currently available. The film will first receive a theatrical run beginning April 18, 2025.
Streaming platform deals are typically announced closer to or after the theatrical release window. Industry standards suggest the film might become available on digital platforms approximately 45-90 days after its theatrical debut.
Fans interested in streaming options should watch for announcements from the film’s distributor in late spring or early summer 2025.
How has the critical reception been for the remake of ‘The Wedding Banquet’?
Early reviews following the Sundance Film Festival premiere have been largely positive. Critics have described it as “a laugh-out-loud comedy that has a big heart” that successfully honors the original while standing on its own.
Bowen Yang’s performance has received particular praise, with reviewers highlighting the film’s balance of humor and emotional depth. The chemistry between the lead actors has been singled out as one of the remake’s strengths.
Director Andrew Ahn, who co-wrote the screenplay with James Schamus (who also co-wrote the original), has been commended for making the story “entirely his own” while respecting the foundation laid by Ang Lee’s 1993 classic.
