Following the announced renewal of ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, actress Constance Wu took to twitter to share her frustration that the sitcom would be returning. Her hasty response caused quite a stir, and even had fans wondering if the actress’ character would be recast. ABC has confirmed that is not the case.
Constance Wu Fresh Off the Boat
What’s happening:
- TV Line writes that as of Tuesday morning, ABC has officially responded to the drama surrounding a handful of tweets and comments from Fresh Off the Boat actress, Constance Wu.
- ABC says they have no plans to recast the character of Jessica Huang for someone other than Wu.
- ABC’s Karey Burke responded to the rumors via a conference call.
What they’re saying:
- Karey Burke, president of entertainment at ABC: “There’s been no thoughts of recasting Constance. We love what she does on the show, and we love the show. I did know that she had another opportunity that, had Fresh Off the Boat not gone forward, she would have pursued. But we never really considered not bringing the show back. It’s just too strong for us.”
- Karey Burke: “[I’m] going to choose to believe Constance’s most recent communications about the show. The cast and crew is happy to have her back, and we’re thrilled to have her on the show.”
Catch up quick:
- On Friday afternoon, ABC announced the renewed and cancelled status of several of their shows for the 2019/2020 television season.
- After the network officially renewed Fresh Off the Boat, Wu responded on twitter saying,“So upset right now that I’m literally crying. Ugh. [expletive].”
- A fan then congratulated her on the renewal saying it was “great news.” Wu responded, “No, it’s not.”
- Additionally, she commented on the show’s Instagram post, “Dislike.”
- Later that evening, Wu apologized and said her tweets were “ill-timed” and that she was actually “so grateful” for the new season pickup.
- On Saturday, she posted an explanation that the renewal meant she’d have to forego another project.
What’s she’s saying:
- Constance Wu: “I love [Fresh Off the Boat]. I was temporarily upset yesterday not because I hate the show but because its renewal meant I had to give up another project that I was really passionate about. So my dismayed social media replies were more about that other project and not about FOTB. But I understand how that could feel interconnected and could get muddled. So here is me unmuddling it with my truth: FOTB is a great show that I’m proud of and that I enjoy. I’ve gotten to fully explore my character and I know her like the back of my hand.”
- Wu on being grateful: “I know it’s a huge privilege that I even have options — options that FOTB has afforded me. People can hold conflicting feelings in their hearts — that conflict is a part of being human. So I can both love the show/cast/crew but at the same time be disappointed that I lost that other unrelated job.”