Movies Where Asian Characters Were Reduced to Sidekick Roles

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For much of film history, Asian characters have often been relegated to supporting roles, existing to help the white main characters succeed. They’re frequently portrayed as skilled technicians or fighters, but their own stories and reasons for acting are rarely developed. This shows a pattern in the film industry where actors from diverse backgrounds are used to fill specific needs in a story, rather than being central to it. Looking at these examples reveals how the focus consistently stays on the white lead, while other characters are pushed to the sidelines.

‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)

The film includes a performance by Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi, the main character’s landlord. He’s depicted with over-the-top makeup and a strong accent, intended as background comic relief. Mr. Yunioshi mainly appears to have clumsy accidents or be the butt of jokes. This portrayal has faced significant criticism for relying on harmful stereotypes and reducing the character to a one-dimensional figure. It stands as a well-known example of how Asian characters were historically reduced to caricatures instead of being treated as complex individuals.

‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ (1984)

Short Round is a young boy who joins the main adventurer on a perilous journey through India. He helps out along the way, offering both practical support and moments of humor as the hero overcomes ancient traps and saves people. Although Short Round is clever and courageous, his story happens because of the hero’s actions. The film primarily follows the explorer’s adventure, and Short Round plays a key supporting role. He’s essential to the team’s success, but he doesn’t have a separate storyline of his own.

‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984)

Long Duk Dong is an exchange student living with the main character’s family. He’s used for comedic effect, largely because he’s unfamiliar with American customs. A gong sound often plays whenever he appears, highlighting his ‘foreignness’ in the typical suburban environment. He doesn’t play a major role in the central love story and mostly exists to provide clumsy, humorous moments. This portrayal is often criticized as a harmful stereotype of Asian characters in films from the 1980s.

‘The Goonies’ (1985)

Data is one of the main group’s tech experts, always building gadgets to help them on their adventures. His inventions frequently rescue the team from tricky situations as they hunt for treasure. While he’s crucial to their success, the story mainly focuses on his skills and his role as a supporting character. The film follows the group’s journey, but primarily explores the personal development of its leaders, leaving Data with limited opportunity for his own character growth. He’s a vital helper, but remains in a supporting role throughout.

‘Big Trouble in Little China’ (1986)

Wang Chi is a highly skilled martial artist on a quest to save his fiancé from an ancient sorcerer. However, the story is told from the point of view of Jack Burton, an American truck driver who often finds himself caught up in the action. Despite being more capable and having a stronger personal connection to the rescue, Wang Chi is relegated to a supporting role, while the narrative focuses on Jack’s humorous experiences. This unusual storytelling choice positions the Asian hero as secondary to his American companion.

‘Lethal Weapon 4’ (1998)

As a critic, I have to say Jet Li’s first American role is… interesting. He plays a key enforcer for a Chinese crime syndicate, and while he’s absolutely menacing and a serious physical threat to our detectives, he barely speaks. The filmmakers really leaned into his martial arts skills, making him a powerful obstacle in the final showdown. Honestly, he’s more about action than character; the story is really driven by the dynamic between the two lead cops, and Li’s character mostly exists as this silent, incredibly skilled force they have to overcome. It’s effective, but you don’t get much insight into why he’s doing what he’s doing.

‘The Matrix Reloaded’ (2003)

Seraph acts as a protector of the Oracle and challenges the hero to prove their strength, demonstrated through a martial arts fight. Beyond this, he doesn’t significantly affect the story’s themes or overall plot. He’s essentially a tool within the digital world, designed to help the hero on their quest and plays a supporting role in the fight against the machines.

‘The Hangover’ (2009)

Mr. Chow is a wild and unpredictable criminal who crosses paths with the group during their Las Vegas adventure. He acts as a secondary villain and is responsible for many of the film’s most hilarious moments. His chaotic behavior creates problems that the friends need to overcome as they search for their missing buddy. Though the character is well-loved, the humor largely comes from a very energetic and unusual performance. Ultimately, Mr. Chow is a recurring, yet somewhat fleeting, presence in the main characters’ lives.

‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’ (2009)

Storm Shadow is a highly skilled ninja assassin working for the opposing side, and he has a history with one of the main characters. He’s defined by his intense rivalry and mastery of traditional weapons. The movie mainly focuses on the American soldiers and their advanced technology, and Storm Shadow appears mostly in action scenes highlighting his physical prowess. While he offers a different style, he’s ultimately a supporting character in the larger conflict.

‘The Green Hornet’ (2011)

Kato is a highly skilled mechanic and martial artist responsible for creating the gadgets used by the main hero. He handles most of the fighting and strategy, while the hero provides financial backing and recognition. Despite being clearly more capable, Kato is consistently treated as a sidekick. The story focuses on the hero’s development and humorous adventures, often overshadowing Kato, who remains a crucial, yet unappreciated, partner.

‘Pitch Perfect’ (2012)

Okay, so there’s this character, Lilly, in the movie – she’s part of the college a cappella group. The thing about Lilly is she barely whispers, which is played for a quick laugh now and then, and she occasionally throws out these really odd lines. Honestly, she’s more of a running gag than a fully fleshed-out character. The movie really centers on the main singers and their journeys; Lilly and the other supporting members are mostly there to fill things out and add some color to the background. She doesn’t really have her own story arc or affect the competition’s outcome – she’s just…quirky.

‘The Wolverine’ (2013)

Yukio is a bodyguard with the power to see when others will die. She joins the main character on a journey to Japan, helping him unravel a treacherous family plot. Though a skilled swordswoman, her primary role is to protect and advise him. The story focuses on the hero’s emotional journey as he confronts his past and eternal life, while Yukio remains a steadfast, though somewhat mysterious, companion.

‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)

As a huge cinema fan, I always find it fascinating when a new character is introduced with a really cool ability. Blink, in this film, is one of those. She’s a mutant who can create portals, and she shows up during all the big action sequences – this future world is seriously intense! She’s not given a lot of dialogue or a detailed backstory, honestly. It feels like her main role is to demonstrate this incredible power and help the main heroes survive the robot attacks. She’s definitely a valuable part of the team, but the story really stays focused on the established leaders and their journeys.

‘The Martian’ (2015)

Bruce Ng leads the team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, focusing on building the rocket needed for a rescue mission. He’s the technical expert and provides the leadership to overcome the logistical challenges. Although his work is crucial to the astronaut’s survival, he operates from mission control and doesn’t participate directly on Mars. The movie centers on the astronaut’s fight for survival and the choices made by NASA’s leaders, with Bruce Ng being one of many scientists supporting the main character.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

Katana is a highly trained warrior who joins the team to protect their leader. She wields a powerful sword with a dark history and briefly grieves the loss of her husband. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t explore her past or give her much opportunity to grow as a character. She largely remains a quiet, formidable presence on the sidelines, while the villains receive most of the focus and screen time.

‘Doctor Strange’ (2016)

Wong is a skilled magic user who protects an ancient library and helps the main character learn magic. He explains important details and adds some humor as the hero develops their powers. Mostly, he supports the hero and defends the magical places they visit from danger. Though powerful and wise, Wong’s story focuses on assisting the hero’s journey, and he remains a steadfast ally throughout, helping them become a powerful sorcerer.

‘The Great Wall’ (2016)

The movie centers around a huge Chinese army, built over generations to protect the world from legendary creatures. However, the story follows a European mercenary, played by Matt Damon, who unexpectedly becomes crucial to their defense. He ends up teaching the Chinese soldiers new strategies, and they largely function as support for him as he becomes the hero. The film uses their rich culture and strong military skills to emphasize how extraordinary the main character is.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

Ned Leeds is the main character’s best friend and eventually learns his secret identity. He becomes the team’s tech support, working from a computer during missions. Ned adds humor and a sense of normalcy to the story, and while he’s a dependable ally, he mainly responds to what the hero needs. The story itself centers on the hero’s journey of personal growth and the challenges of being a superhero.

‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ (2017)

Rose Tico is a member of the Resistance who goes on a covert mission to a casino planet with a former stormtrooper. She offers a heartfelt look at the impact of war and what the conflict is really about. Although she’s featured prominently, her storyline doesn’t directly solve the main problem of the film, which focuses on the Jedi’s history and the battle between the hero and villain. Rose mainly acts as a source of encouragement for the other characters.

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ (2016)

As a huge fan of ‘Rogue One,’ I always loved Chirrut and Baze! They’re these awesome warriors who team up with the rebels to steal the plans for the Death Star. Chirrut is this incredibly spiritual, blind monk who’s totally connected to the Force, and Baze is his bodyguard – a tough, sarcastic soldier with a powerful blaster. They were vital in that final battle on the tropical planet, providing some serious firepower. Honestly, though, as much as I enjoyed them, I always wished they’d gotten a bit more screen time to really flesh out their stories. They felt a little like specialized soldiers whose main purpose was to bravely sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the mission.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (2017)

The movie centers around a technologically enhanced soldier who heads a team trying to track down a shadowy hacker. Though the story takes place in a futuristic city modeled after Hong Kong, the main character is played by a white actress. The Asian characters on the team, such as Togusa and Ishikawa, are given small roles with limited speaking lines. They mostly appear in the background during action scenes and aren’t involved in the deeper emotional or thematic aspects of the plot, which primarily explores the protagonist’s struggle with identity.

‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ (2018)

Shao Liwen is a successful entrepreneur who creates a network of automated drones to combat massive monsters threatening the world. Though she first comes across as a stern and pragmatic leader, she ultimately assists the heroes in their final battle. She’s the one who provides the crucial technology and funding for the defense effort. However, the story primarily focuses on the young pilots and their personal journeys, with Shao Liwen remaining a key supporting character who empowers them to win.

‘Deadpool 2’ (2018)

Yukio is a young mutant and the girlfriend of one of the heroes. She’s introduced with a bright, upbeat greeting, but mostly appears in the background throughout the story. While she’s in several scenes, she doesn’t have much dialogue or play a big role in the action. She provides a bit of lightheartedness to the film’s darker tone, and her character is mainly defined by her relationship and cheerful personality, rather than her own abilities or ambitions. She’s a smaller part of the larger group of characters.

‘Extraction’ (2020)

Saju is a highly trained ex-soldier hired to rescue the son of a drug lord. He’s an incredibly skilled fighter who initially fights the main character, but they quickly team up. Though he’s driven by a desire to protect his own family, Saju primarily serves as a powerful ally. The story centers on the redemption of the Australian mercenary in charge, and Saju plays a key supporting role in the climactic escape.

‘Mortal Kombat’ (2021)

Liu Kang and Kung Lao are famous warriors who train the film’s main character, getting them ready for a dangerous competition. They explain the long-running conflict and how magic works in this world. Though they’re well-known characters, their role in the movie is to guide the new hero. The story focuses more on discovering the hero’s own powers than on the backstories of other fighters. In the beginning of the conflict, Liu Kang and Kung Lao primarily work to keep the hero safe.

‘Bullet Train’ (2022)

The Elder and The Prince are both driven by a desire for revenge, stemming from a shared history with a criminal group. They’re more serious and old-fashioned compared to the other, more lighthearted assassins on the train. Though their reasons for fighting are personal, they’re part of a diverse group of international characters. The Elder contributes valuable knowledge and fighting skills in the final battle, but the story focuses on the bigger picture rather than just their individual journeys.

‘Jurassic World Dominion’ (2022)

Dr. Henry Wu is back as the scientist who created the dinosaurs. This time, he’s trying to make up for his past actions and help solve a worldwide environmental problem. Although his knowledge is crucial to stopping the danger, he only appears in a few scenes. The movie mainly follows the original characters as they team up with new heroes. Dr. Wu remains a supporting character, providing the scientific explanation needed to resolve the crisis.

‘Thor’ (2011)

Hogun is one of Thor’s closest allies, a member of the Warriors Three, and a steadfast friend during Thor’s time on Earth. Originally from another world, he’s a serious warrior who fights with a mace against mythical enemies. Though a key part of Thor’s support system, Hogun doesn’t have many lines in the film. The story mainly centers on family issues and the development of the main character, leaving Hogun as a strong, but often silent, fighter in battle scenes.

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015)

Okay, so Dr. Helen Cho is this brilliant geneticist who pops up and really helps the heroes with her incredible tech. She’s actually the one who creates a brand new member of the team – pretty important, right? But honestly, while her work is crucial to the story moving forward, she doesn’t get a ton of screen time. The movie really focuses on the main heroes we already know and their big battle with the villain. Think of Dr. Cho as the expert who provides the key piece of the puzzle – she’s essential, but the story belongs to the established characters.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Lau is Gotham City’s accountant for several criminal organizations. When he tries to escape to Hong Kong to avoid being caught, the hero tracks him down in a risky operation. Lau primarily exists to demonstrate how far the hero’s influence extends and how desperate the criminals are. He doesn’t have his own motivations and is mostly either held captive or being pursued. Ultimately, he’s a tool to advance the hero’s legal and strategic objectives.

‘Inception’ (2010)

Saito is a wealthy businessman who enlists a team of experts for a challenging task: planting an idea in someone’s mind through dreams. He funds their journey into multiple dream levels and makes sure they stay on track, though he doesn’t understand the dream technology himself. As the mission becomes more dangerous, Saito needs protection, and he ultimately acts as an observer, watching the team’s skills in action.

‘Pacific Rim’ (2013)

I’m completely captivated by Mako Mori. She’s an incredibly gifted pilot, dedicating years to training so she could fight those massive monsters and honor her family. It’s clear she’s the most capable person for the job, but she still has to wait on a man’s approval – it’s frustrating to watch! While her past is so central to the story, the film often shows her through her connection with her commander. The story keeps jumping between her own powerful journey and the attempts at redemption of her co-pilot. She’s an amazing teammate, no doubt, but I really wish she got to be the central hero more often, driving the action herself.

‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012)

The movie tells several stories across different time periods, including one set in a futuristic Seoul. In this story, a clone named Sonmi-451 is motivated by a revolutionary to begin an uprising. Though central to her part of the film, Sonmi-451 is played by a Korean actress, while her romantic partner is a non-Asian actor in makeup. The movie generally uses the same actors to portray people of different ethnicities, which has drawn criticism. This particular storyline presents the Asian lead character as a symbol within a larger, Western-based philosophical idea.

‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010)

Knives Chau is a high school student who initially dates the main character, but he eventually loses interest in her. Throughout the movie, she tries to win him back or watches as he pursues other relationships. Though she does help in the final fight, her story is mainly about her strong feelings for him. Ultimately, she represents the emotional consequences of the main character’s selfishness and remains a supporting character largely affected by his decisions.

‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ (2008)

The movie follows an ancient Chinese emperor who comes back to life and tries to take over the world using his terracotta army. A Western family of explorers journeys to China to stop him, aided by a mysterious guardian and her daughter. Local Chinese characters offer crucial historical knowledge and martial arts skills, supporting the adventure. Though they know how to defeat the emperor, the Western explorers take the lead, while the Chinese characters guide them through their homeland.

‘Romeo Must Die’ (2000)

Han Sing journeys to America to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death and quickly finds himself caught in the middle of a gang conflict. He’s a highly skilled fighter, easily taking on groups of enemies. However, the film also dedicates a lot of time to the local music scene and the family life of the female lead. The movie is largely being promoted for its romantic storyline and its exploration of different cultures. While Han Sing is a strong and capable hero, the film often shifts focus away from him and his journey.

‘Cradle 2 the Grave’ (2003)

I recently watched this really cool action movie about a Taiwanese intelligence officer named Su. He’s tasked with recovering some stolen diamonds, and along the way, he teams up with a professional thief. It’s a fantastic pairing – Su’s the muscle, incredibly skilled in combat, while the thief knows the city and all the right people. A lot of the film centers on their dynamic, and the tension of the heist itself. What’s interesting about Su is that he’s often a man of few words, letting his actions speak for themselves – he’s basically the strong, silent type, and leans into that classic, efficient Asian agent archetype. He’s the one doing all the really risky stuff, and it’s awesome to watch!

‘War’ (2007)

The movie centers on an FBI agent driven to catch a shadowy assassin who killed his partner. Jet Li plays the assassin as a ruthless and clever professional who controls the criminal world from behind the scenes. We mostly see the story through the agent’s eyes as he investigates the assassin’s crimes. The assassin remains a mystery throughout the film, with his actions speaking louder than any personal development. The shocking twist at the end finally reveals the truth.

‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ (2008)

An American teenager finds himself in ancient China and is helped by two incredible martial arts masters, played by Jackie Chan and Jet Li. They train and protect him as he embarks on a quest to fulfill a prophecy and free the Monkey King. While the film features a talented cast, the story is told through the eyes of this young, unfamiliar hero, and the masters primarily serve to guide him on his journey.

‘Shanghai Noon’ (2000)

Chon Wang, a member of the Emperor’s guard, journeys to the Wild West to save a princess who’s been taken hostage. Along the way, he meets a witty outlaw who helps him understand Western life. The movie is a funny adventure built around the playful back-and-forth between these two very different characters. Chon Wang brings the action and comedy as he adjusts to a new world, while his outlaw partner provides a contrasting personality – he’s outgoing and a bit of a risk-taker, making them a classic comedic duo.

‘The Last Samurai’ (2003)

The film centers on a cynical American captain who takes a job training the Japanese army in updated combat techniques. He’s then captured by a group of traditional samurai and begins to understand their way of life while living among them. The samurai leader becomes a guide and friend to the captain, even as a conflict unfolds. Told from the American soldier’s perspective, the story highlights the samurai’s fight to preserve their culture, and their influence helps the captain find a path to personal growth.

’21’ (2008)

The movie tells the real-life story of Asian American students from MIT who successfully used card counting to win at blackjack. However, the film replaced the lead actors with white performers, diminishing the roles of the original Asian American team members to minor characters or background appearances. While they offer some help, they aren’t central to the plot or romantic storylines. This casting decision has received considerable criticism as a clear instance of whitewashing in film.

‘The Social Network’ (2010)

Divya Narendra believes the idea for a popular social media site was taken from him. Before any lawsuits began, he and his colleagues hired someone to create their own version of the site. Although Divya is bright and driven, the movie focuses on the legal battle and business consequences, rather than his direct involvement. The film primarily explores the mind and loneliness of the tech founder, portraying Divya as a supporting character offering one viewpoint within the broader legal case.

‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ (2016)

Rain Lao is a skilled pilot with the international defense force, playing a key role in fighting off a new alien invasion. She’s one of a diverse group of young pilots from around the world. While she participates in significant air battles and assists in the climactic mission, the movie focuses more on the returning characters from the first film and the main American heroes. Ultimately, Rain is a capable and valuable member of the overall military force.

‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ (2014)

Su Yueming is a key executive at a tech company creating its own robots designed for protection. During the intense Hong Kong battle, she helps the main character by offering transportation and strategic guidance. She plays a significant role in the movie’s final scenes, which take place in China. Though a strong and smart leader, Su Yueming is a newer character to the series, providing crucial on-the-ground support to the American heroes and their robot partners.

‘Iron Man 3’ (2013)

Dr. Wu, a highly skilled surgeon, appears at the start and finish of the film. He ultimately saves the main character’s life with a crucial operation, but his role is small and he doesn’t have much dialogue. A version of the film released in China gives him more screen time, but in the international release, he remains a minor character.

‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (1997)

Wai Lin is a Chinese spy who teams up with the main British agent while they’re both investigating a powerful media owner. She’s a very capable agent, using both advanced technology and martial arts skills to get the job done. Although she’s as skilled as the hero, her story follows the usual pattern of the series: she’s a temporary partner who helps him stop a worldwide conflict, and her importance lies in supporting the lead spy.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

Severine is a secretive woman working for the story’s villain. She helps the hero by giving him clues to the villain’s whereabouts, and her past connections to the criminal world are hinted at when we first meet her. She acts as a guide, leading the hero to the villain’s hidden island base. However, her role ends soon after she’s served her purpose – connecting the hero with the villain. She’s a fleeting, sad character whose main function is to move the plot forward.

‘Dragonball Evolution’ (2009)

This movie is based on a popular anime and stars a mostly Asian cast. However, the main character, who is central to the story, is played by a white actor. Asian actors play the supporting roles of teachers and friends, including characters like Master Roshi and Chi Chi, who guide and inspire the hero. The film follows the hero’s journey as he learns about his fate and works to save the world, but the characters who reflect the original story’s cultural background are relegated to smaller parts.

‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’ (2006)

Han is a skilled and seasoned racer who takes a newcomer from America under his wing after the newcomer arrives in Japan. He equips him with a car and provides the training needed to compete in the local drift racing world. Though Han is a popular and likable character, his main purpose in this film is to help the protagonist develop. Details about his own life and business are revealed later in the series. Here, he acts as a knowledgeable and encouraging mentor in an unfamiliar environment.

Please share your thoughts on these casting choices in the comments.

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2025-12-30 22:26