Adele Lim’s raunchy R-rated comedy “Joy Ride” premiered on Monday night, with an enthusiastic introduction from the star.
The film stars Ashley Park (“Emily in Paris”), Sherry Cola (“Good Trouble”), Stephanie Hsu (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and newcomer Sabrina Wu as four friends who embark on a wild trip through Asia filled with personal and sexual discovery.
Lim, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao were inspired to write a story about modern Asian American women who defied previous on-screen stereotypes. “We did it not knowing if anyone who wanted to make it, thank you Point Grey!” Lim said in front of a packed house at the Regency Theater in Westwood. “We wrote it full of joy not sure if anyone wanted to pay for it; thank you Lionsgate!”
Hollywood’s Asian community and its supporters turned out for the premiere. Check out all the “Joy Ride” red carpet and afterparty photos below. “Joy Ride” opens in theaters nationwide on July 7.
Ashley Park glowed in this yellow gown at the LA premiere of “Joy Ride.” Park plays Audrey Sullivan, an Asian adoptee in search of her identity.
Comedian Sherry Cola plays Lolo, Audrey’s childhood friend and erotic artist.
Stephanie Hsu plays Kat, Audrey’s college roommate who moved to China to pursue an acting career.
Newcomer Sabrina Wu plays Lolo’s nonbinary cousin Deadeye. Wu also identifies as nonbinary in real life.
David Denman plays Joe, Audrey’s adoptive father.
Annie Mumulo plays Joe, Audrey’s adoptive mother.
“Joy Ride” marks Adele Lim’s feature directorial debut. Lim, who hails from Malaysia, was the writer of “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
Seth Rogen’s Point Grey served as the film’s production company.
Former NBA star Baron Davis plays himself.
“Crazy Rich Asians” alum Chris Pang plays Kenny, a pro basketball player and Baron’s teammate.
Daniel Dae Kim looked very dapper on the red carpet.
Randall Park showed up to support the comedy. The “Fresh Off the Boat” alum is making his directorial debut with “Shortcomings” this summer.
Justin H. Min plays the lead in Park’s “Shortcomings,” an adaptation of the comic book of the same name. He’s best known for starring in Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy.”
Ally Maki, who plays Min’s girlfriend in “Shortcomings,” also turned up in a fun printed jumpsuit for the “Joy Ride” premiere.
Lifestyle influencer Cameron Lee showing off his personal style.
Isla Rose Hall plays a young Audrey in the film.
Pop star Amber Liu arguably has the biggest following of any of the attendees, boasting 5.5 million followers on Instagram.
“Warrior” star Chen Tang made a statement in this lavender suit. Season 3 of the action drama premieres on June 29.
Kevin Kreider from “Bling Empire” fame opted for a more casual look.
Krieder’s off/on-again girlfriend Devon Diep, who was introduced on the Netflix reality show, accompanied her boyfriend. The show was not renewed for a fourth season.
Speaking of Netflix, you may recognize Timothy Granaderos as Montgomery from “13 Reasons Why.” The actor is half-Filipino.
“Dave” star Christine Ko and Emmy winning comedy writer Alan Yang arrived together.
It’s been 30 years since Lauren Tom and the cast of “The Joy Luck Club” broke barriers as the second Asian-led feature film (after 1961’s “Flower Drum Song”). You also probably know her as Julie, Ross’s girlfriend from the early seasons of “Friends.”
You’ll next see Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto (“The Good Place”) in the “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte.”
Canada was well-represented, with Chinese-Canadian actor Hayden Szeto (“The Good Place”) in the house as well.
You may recognize Ken Kirby from his stint on “Dynasty.” The hapa actor also hails from Canada.
You may have seen Anjali Bhimani’s face on “Ms. Marvel” as Aunt Ruby, but gamers know her as the voice of Symmetra in the video game “Overwatch.”
Speaking of CW shows, Shannon Dang and Eddie Liu from “Kung Fu” posed together on the red carpet. Sadly, the network canceled the action drama in May.
Adele Lim, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao relax with the cast during the afterparty.
Lori Tan Chinn, who plays Lolo’s grandmother in “Joy Ride,” jokes around with Oscar-winning duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert during the afterparty.
