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| Ang Lee Taps Fala Chen for 'Old Gold Mountain' — Oscar Watch Begins |
From TVB leading lady to Hollywood hopeful, Fala Chen’s glow-up continues with her latest role in Ang Lee’s Oscar-chasing new film.
Looks like Fala Chen is gearing up for her next big screen adventure — and this time, she’s teaming up with none other than Ang Lee. Yep, the Oscar-winning director is back with a new film titled Old Gold Mountain, and Fala has reportedly been cast in a key role.
Word on the street is that this project could be Ang Lee’s latest shot at Oscar gold, and Fala’s involvement has already got fans buzzing. Adapted from C. Pam Zhang’s award-winning novel How Much of These Hills Is Gold, the film tells the haunting tale of two Chinese-American siblings navigating the brutal American West during the gold rush era.
Fala Chen is said to be playing the mother of the two central characters — a role that might not dominate screen time, but holds massive weight in the emotional arc of the story.
From Hong Kong Fame to Hollywood Hustle
Fala Chen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After rising to fame with TVB dramas in the 2000s, she made a bold move in 2013 by leaving the Hong Kong scene and heading to the US to study drama. She earned her MFA from Juilliard — yeah, that Juilliard — and slowly but surely, built a new career from scratch.
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While some might remember her from roles in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, she’s also dipped her toes into the indie scene with The Ballad of a Small Player. She’s been quietly stacking up credits, proving she’s not just a pretty face but a proper actor with range and guts.
“Old Gold Mountain”: Ang Lee’s Return to Form?
Ang Lee, who’s known for Life of Pi, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Brokeback Mountain, had reportedly been working on a Bruce Lee biopic — but shelved it due to budgeting issues. Instead, he’s turned his attention to Old Gold Mountain, which is set to begin filming this August. It’s a bold, sweeping historical drama rooted in identity, grief, and survival — classic Ang Lee territory.
Insiders say the film will be heavy on visual storytelling and emotional complexity. Fala’s role might not be the main one, but it’s a pivotal character. Think quiet strength and deep sacrifice. In other words — award bait.
Michelle Yeoh 2.0?
Naturally, comparisons to Michelle Yeoh have already started flying. Both actresses hail from the Hong Kong scene, both transitioned to international fame later in life, and both are now associated with prestige projects that scream “Oscar potential.” The internet’s already calling Fala the “next Michelle Yeoh” — no pressure, eh?
But Fala Chen’s not exactly new to juggling ambition with personal life. Married to a French businessman and a proud mum of two, she splits her time between the US and family duties. In past interviews, she’s been honest about the challenges of balancing work and motherhood — especially with a young son at home — but has never let that stop her from chasing projects that matter.
What’s Next?
If Old Gold Mountain delivers the way everyone hopes it will, this could be a defining moment in Fala Chen’s career. Not just another role, but the role that cements her as a serious force in Hollywood. She’s already got the talent, the backstory, and the determination — now she’s got Ang Lee in her corner too.
So, whether you’ve followed her since her Heart of Greed days or just clocked her in the MCU, it’s time to keep your eyes on Fala Chen. She’s not just playing the game — she’s rewriting the rules.