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Season 1 of “Gremlins: Secrets of Mogwai” is now available for streaming. Image courtesy of Max.
NEW YORK, June 25 (UPI) — Screen icons Ming-Na Wen and BD Wong highlight the significance of family and safeguarding the vulnerable in their animated series, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.
“The story’s core revolves around the family dynamic, love, and connection,” said Wen during a recent Zoom interview. “These elements allow the audience to relate to and empathize with the characters.”
“This show is delightful, entertaining, intergenerational, culturally resonant, and inclusive. These aspects are positive and important to me,” added Wong.
“The focus on family and relationships as the core of the show sets positive examples for families of all backgrounds and nationalities. That’s always a good thing for me. If I can have that along with everything else, I am truly happy,” expressed Wong.
Wong, known for his roles in Jurassic Park and The Mandalorian, and Wen, recognized for her work in Mulan and The Mandalorian, portray the couple Hon and Fong Wing in Mogwai. They have collaborated on various projects in the past, establishing a strong rapport.
“Even when we aren’t physically in the same room, I can hear his voice,” Wen mentioned regarding her co-star with whom she doesn’t always get to record lines together.
Wong added, “We understand each other’s rhythms. There are many instances where they would say, ‘As you see in the script, Ming says this…’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, I know how that will be. I understand.’ And then we bounce off each other. It comes from years of understanding someone’s energy.”
Mogwai, set in 1920s China, is a prequel to the 1984 live-action horror-comedy, Gremlins, and is now streaming on Max. It follows the adventures of the lovable magical creature Gizmo (voiced by AJ LoCascio) and the Wing family (Wen, Wong, James Hong, and Izaac Wang) who adopt him.
“Tze Chun, the writer, director, and producer, did extensive research and created a fully developed, respectful, and culturally authentic mythology,” acknowledged Wong.
Wang voices young Sam, who will later become Mr. Wing, the enigmatic shop owner in the original Gremlins films. In Mogwai, Sam carries the responsibility of protecting Gizmo from the nefarious Riley Greene (portrayed by Matthew Rhys) who desires the creature for his own gain. When Gizmo gets wet, he spawns more Mogwai, which transform into dangerous monsters if fed after midnight.
Both Wen and Wong, who are parents in real life, portray characters who are fiercely protective of their son Sam and his new pet.
“As parents, we never want to see our children hurt, emotionally or physically,” emphasized Wen. “If that happens, my instinct kicks in, and I will fight, protect, and do everything I can. Our personal experiences allow us to bring that instinct into our characters.”
Wen also mentioned that these protective feelings extend to her character’s elderly father, played by James Hong, in the show.
“It’s interesting how we become parents to our parents,” reflected Wen.
“Don’t get into trouble! Don’t do this! Don’t do that! She parents Grandpa, just as I rely on my husband for support and encouragement,” added Wen, referring to her character’s relationship with her on-screen partner, Hon, and drawing parallels to her own life.
Hong, who recently starred in the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once, felt a natural connection to his role as Grandpa.
“I am 94 years old now, so I may have surpassed the Grandpa character!” he humorously stated. “Playing Grandpa was easy. It felt like second nature. All I had to do was talk, and the dialogue was straightforward. It was a lot of fun.”
Grandpa appears younger than Sam in the series, exhibiting mischievousness and a love for adventure initially.
“The audience, especially children, will enjoy Grandpa and his antics. They will wonder why he talks about certain things, and no one believes him,” Hong remarked. “It takes the journey of the show for them to discover that I truly know the secrets of the Mogwai.”
Both Wen and Wong expressed their admiration for the original Gremlins films and their enthusiasm for continuing the franchise with Mogwai.
“I love the combination of humor, darkness, and a little bit of fear. It’s a blend that really captures my interest,” shared Wong.
“Back in my day, there wasn’t much content like that. It was truly refreshing,” he added. “The seemingly innocent exterior pulls you in, and then it takes a dark turn.”
Wen chimed in, “Steven Spielberg is excellent at that, like how Jaws begins as a peaceful beach town and turns horrifically wrong!”
Additionally, it has been announced that Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai has been renewed for a second season.
