In our hilarious and engaging conversation with Sherry Cola and Leah Lewis, stars of The Tiger’s Apprentice, the duo shared insights into their connection with their Chinese and Western Zodiac signs, their characters in the film, and their unique culinary preferences, particularly when it comes to dim sum.
Zodiac Signs: A Blend of East and West
Both Cola and Lewis expressed a deep connection to their Zodiac signs, highlighting the blend of traits they see in themselves from both their Chinese and Western signs.
“But I also just think that with the zodiacs in general, it just kind of shows how dynamic people are in general. Because if I connect so deeply with the Western one and the Chinese one too, I’m like, what does it really say about me? Lots of variety going on.”
-Sherry Cola, Naomi (Monkey) in The Tiger’s Apprentice–
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This reflection on the duality of their Zodiac signs offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of their personalities, which they bring to their roles in The Tiger’s Apprentice.
Infusing Personal Traits into Characters
When asked about how their personal traits influenced their characters, Lewis shared her approach to embodying her character, Rav, highlighting the similarities between her own life experiences and her character’s journey.
“I think similarly like my character, Rav, who is a really cool, grounded, edgy character that kind of seeks pride in being an outsider… I do feel similar to her, though, where those qualities that have felt kind of strange or weird or funny, I’ve tried to kind of wear them as, you know, like a heart on my sleeve and really be proud of that.”
-Leah Lewis, Räv in The Tiger’s Apprentice-
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Cola, on the other hand, drew parallels between her character, Naomi, and her own life, emphasizing the crossover in their qualities.
“Naomi, the monkey and Sherry, the cola. There’s a lot of crossovers because, you know, I’m quick on my feet. I’m coming through for my friends when they need it… Naomi is just a good time.”
-Sherry Cola, Naomi (Monkey) in The Tiger’s Apprentice–
A Culinary Olympic Sport: Eating Chicken Feet
The conversation took a humorous turn when discussing their favorite dim sum items, with both actors sharing their love for chicken feet, albeit with a wish for a more convenient eating process.
“I love chicken feet… But I wish it was like already kind of cut off for you… I’m not a huge fan of the bone, like doing it myself.”
–Leah Lewis, Räv in The Tiger’s Apprentice-
Sherry Cola humorously added, emphasizing the skill involved in eating chicken feet:
“No, eating chicken feet is an Olympic sport… Every muscle in the mouth is working overtime. Every muscle in the mouth is working overtime. You know what I’m saying? I’m crossing the finish line. Gold medal with the way I clean the chicken feet. Girl, let me put these bones in a chicken museum.
You know what I’m saying? That is my reputation.”
-Sherry Cola, Naomi (Monkey) in The Tiger’s Apprentice–
This lighthearted exchange not only showcased their camaraderie but also their ability to find joy and humor in the simple things, much like their characters in The Tiger’s Apprentice.
Now Streaming
Sherry Cola and Leah Lewis’s discussion reveals much about their connection to their roles in The Tiger’s Apprentice and how their personal identities and preferences seep into their performances. Their conversation underscores the importance of cultural representation, personal authenticity, and the universal relatability of their characters’ journeys. As ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ makes its way to audiences, it’s clear that the film benefits immensely from the depth and diversity that these talented actors bring to the table.
The Tiger’s Apprentice is now streaming exclusively on Paramount+ on February 2, 2024
About The Tiger’s Apprentice
Release Date: February 2, 204
Based on the novel The Tiger’s Apprentice, by Laurence Yep
Director: Raman Hui
Co-Director: Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun
Screenplay: David Magee and Christopher Yost
Music: Steve Jablonsky
Executive Producers: Maryann Garger, Kane Lee, Carlos Baena
Producers: Jane Startz, Sandra Rabins, Bob Persichetti
Production: Paramount Animation
Distribution: Paramount+
Cast: Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Leah Lewis, Kheng Hua Tan, Sherry Cola, Deborah S. Craig, Jo Koy, Greta Lee, Diana Lee Inosanto, Patrick Gallagher, Poppy Liu
Synopsis
Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name by Laurence Yep, THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE follows Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee (Soo Hoo), whose life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians. With guidance from a mythical tiger named Hu (Golding), Tom trains to take on Loo (Yeoh), a force that is as powerful as a Guardian but with evil intentions to use magic to destroy humanity. To have a fighting chance against Loo, Tom must reunite all twelve Zodiac animal warriors and master his own newly discovered powers.
Have you watched The Tiger’s Apprentice? Which Zodiac set do you most align with? What’s your go-to dim sum order? Let us know what you think on Discord!
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