Last week, Marvel's latest TV show Iron Fist was released on Netflix.
Prior to the show's release, early reviews said the show was racist, boring, and failed to live up to the hype surrounding the show.
My spoiler-free IRON FIST review is up! This show was worse than I expected. Boring, racist, AND the action sucks.… https://t.co/EJcjGPzs05
Now the show has been released, many fans have also expressed their disappointment in the show. One consistent highlight, however, has been the character of Zhou Cheng, played by Lewis Tan.
Zhou Cheng speaks for us all. #IronFist
Watching #IronFistِ and waiting for @TheLewisTan to show up like
Last year, Tan, a trained martial artist, revealed that he had been considered for the role of Danny Rand, the lead in the show.
I would have loved to of played Danny but I gave #Marvel everything I have for Zhou. I can't wait for you guys to see the show. #IronFist
The part ultimately went to Finn Jones, but Tan used the opportunity to advocate for more Asian actors in TV and film.
There's a lot of work to be done to see more ethnic actors as the heroes in major Films/TV but the wall is coming down. We all have a voice
Over the weekend, people have been tweeting Tan to say how much they enjoyed his appearance in the show.
Part two update that should surprise no one: @TheLewisTan is delightful onscreen.
@TheLewisTan i just watched iron fist for all the scenes you're in and just..pls never stop acting
6. Lewis Tan showed more presence and charisma (and lol talent) in them 8 minutes in episode 8 than Earth 2 Oliver… https://t.co/YfFktDmKq9
Tan has been has appreciated the praise.
Like, really appreciated it.
👀
Well is he wrong?
UPDATE: Speaking to BuzzFeed News, Tan said the response he's had to his role has been hugely inspiring.
"It was frustrating losing the role of Danny, as an actor you learn to deal with this often but this one hurt more because it was a long process and it felt like a loss for an huge opportunity of representation for Asian Americans," he said, "So playing Zhou and hearing the fans go crazy about the work I did is of course inspiring and makes me grateful."
"All we can do as Asian American actors or under represented actors of color is do our best work possible and stand out until we are playing leads, not on the sides," Tan said.
Anybody need a drink? Cheers! 👊 #ZhouCheng #LewisTan @MarvelIronFist