8 shows and movies we’re excited about in May
Start your AANHPI heritage month off right with these AAPI and API-led trailers.
Lee Jung-jae in "The Acolyte"
Disney+
Words by Daniel Anderson
With AANHPI heritage month upon us, JoySauce has rounded up some AA+PI- and API-led trailers to look forward to. The best part is half the list includes titles releasing this month. What better way to celebrate May?
Super Rich
Beginning our list is a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of South Korea’s elite. Titled as such, this Netflix series delves into the lives of five affluent individuals based in Seoul. Among them is David Yong, a Singaporean magnate who notably poured over $10 million into FIFTY FIFTY’s original K-pop label ATTRAKT. Additionally, fashion influencer Yoo Hee-ra, dubbed Korea’s Paris Hilton, graces the screen, often pictured on Instagram alongside luminaries such as Anna Wintour, Giorgio Armani, Helen Mirren, and Fan Bingbing. The show is hosted by a trio of Korean stars: comedian Cho Sae-ho, GOT7’s BamBam, and OH MY GIRL member Mimi.
Super Rich premiered on Netflix this week.
Uncle Samsik
This Disney+ K-drama focuses on the deep bond between ambitious visionary Kim San (Byun Yo-han), an alumnus of the Korean military academy, and the mysterious Uncle Samsik, portrayed by Parasite star Song Kang-ho. Collaborating to achieve their lofty and covetous aspirations against the backdrop of South Korea's tumultuous 1960s, the duo embarks on a journey fraught with intrigue. It is scripted and directed by Shin Yeon-shick, renowned for his 2023 cinematic masterpiece Cobweb, also featuring Song in a leading role.
Uncle Samsik premieres on Disney+ and Hulu on May 15.
The 8 Show
Adapted from the Korean webtoon Money Game, this Netflix scripted thriller plunges eight characters into a harrowing reality show scenario. Stranded in a desolate building for 100 days, they must navigate treacherous challenges to claim a staggering prize of 44.8 billion won (equivalent to over $32 million USD). In this cutthroat game, survival hinges on cunning strategy as resources such as food and water come at an exorbitant cost, priced at a thousandfold markup. Identified solely by numerical designations 1-8, each character grapples with moral dilemmas and alliances in their quest for victory. The ensemble cast features acclaimed talents including Ryu Jun-yeol, Park Jeong-min, Moon Jeong-hee and Bae Sung-woo.
The 8 Show premieres on Netflix on May 17
ATLAS
In this sci-fi adventure, Jennifer Lopez takes on the role of Agent Atlas Shepherd, a skilled data analyst entrusted with the mission of tracking down nefarious AI entity, Harlan (Simu Liu). However, when the mission veers off course, Atlas finds herself compelled to forge an unlikely alliance with an AI companion while racing against time to protect humanity from impending peril. Alongside Lopez and Liu, the star-studded cast includes Sterling K. Brown, Gregory James Cohan, Abraham Popoola, Lana Parrilla, and Mark Strong.
ATLAS premieres on Netflix on May 24.
The Acolyte
This new trailer made its debut fittingly on Star Wars Day, May 4th. The Acolyte unfolds towards the twilight of the High Republic era, approximately a century preceding the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Renowned Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae steps into the role of Sol, a revered Jedi Master. He is on a mission, probing mysterious crimes, while reuniting with his former Padawan, Mae (portrayed by Amandla Stenberg), who finds herself ensnared in a downward spiral towards darkness. Lee's participation marks his inaugural venture into American productions, with the actor diligently mastering English for the portrayal. Joining the ensemble are stellar talents including Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Amy Tsang.
The Acolyte premieres on Disney+ on June 4.
The Boys
This gruesome and raunchy comic adaptation returns for its fourth season on Amazon Prime Video. Karl Urban’s Billy Butcher is all revved up to release a biological virus designed to kill super powered individuals. Meanwhile, Homelander’s ego births political aspirations, reflecting our own chaotic political climate. The Boys cast is back together with Karen Fukuhara, Jack Quaid, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Antony Starr and Erin Moriarty returning. Susan Heyward and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are newcomers.
The Boys premieres on Amazon Prime Video on June 13.
Twisters
This trailer first dropped during the Super Bowl. Minari director Lee Isaac Chung brings his take on a standalone indirect sequel to the 1996 classic following a group of rookie storm chasers. Twisters’ cast includes Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, David Corenswet, Maura Tierney, Nik Dodani, and Kiernan Shipka.
Twisters premieres in theaters on July 19.
Deadpool and Wolverine
Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool will make his grand entrance in the official Marvel Cinematic Universe with this summer blockbuster. Thanks to some multiverse shenanigans, Deadpool gets dragged into the MCU canon by the Time Variants Authority, who first appeared in the Disney+ series Loki. Wade Wilson must team up with some variant of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to save the universe. Deadpool’s friends like Shatterstar (Lewis Tan), Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna), and Dopinder (Karan Soni) can all be spotted in the trailer too.
Deadpool and Wolverine premieres in theaters on July 26.
Published on May 9, 2024
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.