Parting Shot
Ross Butler
WHILE TEEN DRAMAS HAVE BEEN A MAINSTAY OF HOLLYWOOD FOR generations, the latest entries are challenging familiar formulas. “I grew up in the nineties and teen dramas back then were completely different than teen dramas now,” says Ross Butler, who knows a thing or two about teen-driven content. He’s starred in massive TV hits like Riverdale, 13 Reasons Why and the To All the Boys movies. “What people in middle America see represents culture for the rest of the world; it’s what international people see as America.” That exposure helps break down stereotypes. “All the white girls in middle America see that Asian guys can be seen as attractive.” Continuing to challenge perceptions, Butler will be part of the mostly Asian American cast of Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney+, premiering March 5). “Disney really does take it to the forefront. They put their foot forward and really try and make a difference.” The impact of the roles Butler has taken on, he says, has inspired him “to take a stand creatively” and to “choose things that I think will have an impact or will lead culture.”
What makes To All The Boys stand out from other teen film franchises?
It’s one of the only rom-com trilogies I’ve ever heard of, so you can really take your time with these characters over a long arc, see them mature.
What are older audiences missing out on in new teen dramas?
I think they’re missing out on a lot because we’re kind of guiding the next generation. It’s cathartic for adults to watch because they probably felt the same things, but there wasn’t anything out there that reflected how they felt.
Do you see changes in the types of roles being offered to Asian American actors?
When I first moved to L.A., there was nothing. Every role I had was written Asian, a new stereotype. Fast forward six, seven years and the landscape has changed. Hollywood is finally picking up on the idea that the next generation knows these stereotypes are antiquated.
What was it like working on Raya and the Last Dragon, one of the first big animated films with an almost all-asian American cast?
It felt good to be embraced by the Asian community again. I feel like Asian Americans finally have a platform where we can express ourselves and show that we have interesting stories that aren’t just stereotypes. To be a part of that is an honor.
“I feel like Asian Americans finally have a platform where we can express ourselves.”