Chang Can Dunk
| Chang Can Dunk | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jingyi Shao |
| Written by | Jingyi Shao |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | Bloom Li Dexter Darden |
| Cinematography | Ross Riege |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Disney+ |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Chang Can Dunk is an upcoming American sports-drama film written and directed by Jingyi Shao,[1][2] centered around an underdog coming-of-age story, involving high school basketball and the titular character's determination to overcome expectations.
Principal photography began in September 2021.
Synopsis
16-year-old Asian-American, Chang, is an unpopular high schooler at Cresthill High School who loves basketball, but is always underestimated. Though his peers treat him as though he is insignificant, he becomes obsessed with learning how to slam dunk. In doing so, Chang is determined to best the high school's all-star named Matt, all while hopefully winning the adoration of his romantic interest, Kristy.
Cast
- Bloom Li as Chang
- Ben Wang as Bo, Chang's best friend
- Dexter Darden as DeAndre, a former pro-basketball player and two-time Estonia League MVP
- Chase Liefeld as Matt
- Eric Anthony Lopez as Syd[3]
- Nile Bullock as Owen
- Zoe Renee as Kristy
- Mardy Ma as Chen
- Angel Oquendo as Coach
Production
Announced as in development in 2019 with a script by Jingyi Shao,[2] the movie was ultimately placed on hold and deemed a 2020 The Black List-ed movie, which includes screenplays that would not be released in theaters during this calendar year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] By September 2021, it was announced that Shao will also serve as director on the project, while Bloom Li was cast in the titular role. Chase Liefeld joined the cast later that month.[4] Rishi Rajani, Brad Weston and Negin Salmasi serve as producers. On November 4, 2021, it was reported that Dexter Darden and Ben joined the cast.[5]
Filming
Initially announced to begin production in October 2021,[6] principal photography commenced ahead of schedule in September of the same year. Scenes were filmed October 22–23, 2021 at Frank Scott Bunnell High School in Stratford, Connecticut.[6][7] Filming also took place for a month and a half at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut.[8] By December 2, 2021, filming had wrapped up.[9] In December 2021, Zoe Renee and Mardy Ma were revealed as part of the cast.[9]
Release
Chang Can Dunk is intended to be released exclusively as a Disney+ original film in 2023.[9]
References
- ^ a b Desta, Yohana (December 14, 2020). "The Black List 2020: Scripts About Cannibals, Billionaires, and Tabloid Faves Make the Cut". Vanity Fair. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
- ^ a b "Film and TV Projects Going Into Production - Chang Can Dunk". Variety Insight. Archived from the original on March 28, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
- ^ ignored. "Eric Anthony Lopez Inks Joint Deal With Robert Stein & Natasha Matallana (EXCLUSIVE)". Retrieved June 10, 2022.
- ^ Palmer, Roger (September 30, 2021). "Chase Liefeld Joins Disney+ Original Film "Chang Can Dunk"". What's On Disney Plus. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ Palmer, Roger (November 4, 2021). "Dexter Darden & Ben Wan Join Disney+ Original Film "Chang Can Dunk"". What's On Disney Plus. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ a b Fry, Ethan (September 17, 2021). "Stratford marching band show to serve as Disney movie backdrop". CT Post. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Palmer, Roger (September 23, 2021). ""'Chang Can Dunk' in Development for Disney+"". What's On Disney Plus. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Laguarda, Ignacio (January 31, 2022). "Disney movie shoot turns Stamford's Westhill into Cresthill High School for 'Chang Can Dunk'". StamfordAdvocate. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) Tweeted: That's game! 🏀 Production has wrapped on Chang Can Dunk, an Original Movie starring Bloom Li, Ben Wang, Dexter Darden, Chase Liefeld, Zoe Renee, and Mardy Ma, coming to @DisneyPlus in 2023". Twitter. December 2, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2022.