Key Highlights
- Jing Lusi discusses her role in the second season of “Red Eye” on ITV.
- The show’s success and its importance for Asian representation in British television.
- Lusi’s thoughts on the discrepancy between American and British representation of Asians in media.
- Her experience working alongside Richard Armitage and Martin Compston in “Red Eye.”
The Return of Hana Li: Jing Lusi on Season Two of Red Eye
Jing Lusi, the Chinese-born British actress best known for her role as Amanda “Mandy” Ling in Crazy Rich Asians, is back with a bang. In the second season of ITV’s thriller series “Red Eye,” she takes on the formidable character of Hana Li, a detective sergeant in the Metropolitan Police. Lusi recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her role and the show’s significance for Asian representation.
Season Two: A Pressure-Cooker Environment
In season two, airing New Year’s Day in the U.K., Hana Li must work alongside Martin Compston, who plays Clay Brody. The characters have a history that adds an extra layer of complexity to their dynamic. “Nothing good happens to people in Red Eye,” Lusi tells THR with a laugh, reflecting on the show’s intense and often dangerous scenarios.
Leading the Charge: Representation Matters
Lusi has been vocal about the importance of representation for Asian actors in British television. While Crazy Rich Asians marked a significant milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood, she laments that similar progress hasn’t translated to the U.K. “I hoped it had come,” Lusi muses, “but then I don’t really see that many Asian-led projects.” She believes there’s a need for more diverse and leading roles for Asian actors.
Reflecting on her journey, Lusi notes that being in Red Eye was both creatively satisfying and spiritually rewarding. “To be in there, amongst them and ruling the roost,” she says, “that was definitely really, really fun.” She adds, “As someone who’s played quite a few wives and girlfriends, it’s nice to be able to stand on your own.”
Chemistry and Character Development
Working with Richard Armitage in the first season of Red Eye was an experience Lusi describes as natural. “We got on really well,” she says. However, working with Martin Compston required more preparation since their characters have a history. “We had to do a bit more work prepping for it,” Lusi explains.
Despite the challenges, Lusi finds herself enjoying her role in Red Eye. “It’s just inhabiting that world of being a non-white character but also a woman and also in this government conspiracy.” She adds, “To be in there, amongst them and ruling the roost, that was definitely really, really fun. So refreshing for me.”
Future Projects: Number 10
Beyond Red Eye, Lusi is taking on a new challenge with Steven Moffat’s hotly anticipated British political dramedy “Number 10.” In this show, she will play the chancellor of the exchequer. “It’s a really exciting role,” she says, “and it allows me to play the boss-ass Hana Li that I’m so used to.”
As Lusi continues her career in the entertainment industry, she remains committed to pushing for more diverse and leading roles for Asian actors. “We made such a big deal about Crazy Rich Asians,” she notes, “and then there’s whole countries that are creating content that look like I do.” Her hope is that this trend will continue and lead to more opportunities in the future.
“Nothing good happens to people in Red Eye,” Lusi concludes with a laugh. But for her fans, the show promises an exciting return to the screen as Hana Li takes on another set of challenges.
