From Park Seo-joon to Steven Yeun and Ke Huy Quan, all the Asian stars in Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV shows

Park Seo-joon and Ke Huy Quan are just the latest actors of Asian descent to appear in Marvel films and television shows, a trend that looks set to run and run

Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano was the first to star in the MCU, in Thor. Fan Bingbing had a China-only cameo, while Michelle Yeoh has appeared twice

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South Korean actor Park Seo-Joon in a still from “The Marvels”. Park is the latest in a long line of actors and actresses of Asian descent to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Photo: YouTube/@Marvel

Published: 4:15am, 27 Apr 2023Updated: 5:24am, 27 Apr 2023

Earlier this month, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) were treated to the new trailer for Nia DaCosta’s coming superhero spectacular, The Marvels.

The 33rd entry in the juggernaut franchise serves as a direct sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, as well as a continuation of the 2022 Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. In addition to teasing the further adventures of heroines played by Brie Larson and Iman Vellani, the trailer also includes our first glimpse of South Korean star Park Seo-joon in action.

Best known for his roles in films Midnight Runners, The Divine Fury and Academy Award winner Parasite, as well as the popular Netflix series Itaewon Class, the 34-year-old will be joining the MCU in a yet-to-be-confirmed role.

Rumours suggest that he is playing Prince Yan of the planet Aladna, a rather obscure character from the comics who is briefly betrothed to Captain Marvel herself, Carol Danvers.

Park is the latest in a procession of Asian performers to have appeared in the series of films based on the comic books, a trend that looks set to run and run.

Korean-American actor Steven Yeun, who secured an Oscar nomination in 2021 for his performance in the drama Minari, is reported to be joining the cast of Thunderbolts, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2024.