Korean superstar Park Seo-joon is set to make his Hollywood debut in the upcoming MCU film The Marvels where he will play the role of Prince Yan, Carol Danvers' husband and ally who serves as the prince of planet Aladna.
There has been a lot of excitement and curiosity regarding Park's casting in the film given his current popularity in Asia thanks to his leading roles in beloved K-drama shows. Some fans have also wondered how he got cast in the highly-anticipated MCU film in the first place.
Now, the director has finally revealed the reasons behind Park's inspired casting in the MCU film and, as it turns out, she is also a K-drama fan.
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Director Nia DaCosta Casts Park Seo-joon in The Marvels Thanks to Itaewon Class
In an interview with the Korean film magazine Cine21 (via SBS Star), director Nia DaCosta revealed that she is a K-drama fan and cited Park's performance in Itaewon Class as the reason why she wanted to cast him in The Marvels.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was recommended Itaewon Class by some of my friends who told me that I would like the show. I love K-dramas. It's been years since I've been into them. It all started in my teenage years. My favorites were On Air, Soulmate and My Lovely Sam Soon," she said.
"So, one day, I binge-watched Itaewon Class to return to those days. And Seo-joon's acting in the drama really impressed me. Then, I got to watch some of his other works afterward, and I eventually remembered him."
DaCosta added, "When I was offered to direct The Marvels, I thought hard on who to choose for the role of Prince Yan. Then, suddenly, Park Seo-joon came to my mind."
It is certainly an interesting story to hear since also shows how K-drama shows have also permutated into the Western audience and it led to instances where actors such as Park were being cast in major Hollywood projects such as an MCU movie.
Park is now the second Korean actor to have a major role in an MCU movie following Ma Dong-seok, who played Gilgamesh in Eternals.
Whether his screen time is limited or not, is still exciting for both MCU and K-drama fans to see him show up for some action in the film and there's also no doubt that his major star presence can catapult a lot of audience around Asia.
The Marvels is set to arrive in theaters this Friday, November 10.
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