Daniel Dae Kim, known for his work in The Good Doctor and Joy Ride (and most recently as Firelord Ozai on Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation) spoke about his evolving career and cultural connections during an interview at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As a juror at the international event, Kim expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to witness diverse talent from the region and reflected on his role in fostering global collaborations.
In a conversation with Deadline Studio, Kim recounted how his role in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has introduced him to a younger audience. "It’s been exciting to connect with a new generation of fans," he shared. The series has bolstered his already significant appeal, granting him what he humorously referred to as a newfound "cool" factor.
Serving on the festival jury for the second time in his career, Kim acknowledged the responsibility and effort required. "I know the amount of work it entails and how seriously one needs to take that work," the 56-year-old actor remarked. While he refrained from revealing details about the jury’s decisions, which are chaired by filmmaker Spike Lee, Kim praised the collaborative dynamic of the group. "We’re all very open — very opinionated — but also very collaborative. Talking about the films has been easy," he noted.
Visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time, Kim expressed admiration for the talent emerging from the region. "Living in America and working extensively in Asia, I’m familiar with great filmmakers from those areas. But being exposed to the talent here is a new and rewarding experience," he said. Kim emphasized the increasing interconnectedness of the entertainment world.
"The world is getting smaller. There are more opportunities for co-productions between America and other countries. But honestly, it doesn’t even need to be a co-production. If a filmmaker, actor, or writer from another country has great work, I’m open to it."Daniel Dae Kim
As part of his commitment to global storytelling, Kim recently completed work on Butterfly, a spy thriller produced by his company, 3AD, for Amazon. Slated for release on December 12, 2024, the series features a Korean crew and a cast blending American and Korean talent. "It’s an honor to be part of projects that bring diverse voices together," Kim said, reflecting on his dedication to building a bridge between cultures.
Kim’s career continues to portray his belief in the power of international collaboration and storytelling. As a fan, this just proves to me that meaningful connections in entertainment can transcend borders.
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