‘Pretty Little Liars' Alum Janel Parrish to Star in Coming-of-Age Drama ‘Bound For Glory' From Michael Naizu (Exclusive)
Parrish, known for playing villain Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars and the To All the Boys I've Loved Before films, is reuniting with actor-filmmaker Michael Naizu (Hacks, My Secret Agent Husband) for the feature, who stars alongside the actress. He also co-directs the film with his brother, John Wilcox. Parrish and Naizu previously worked together on the 2021 rom-com, Christmas Is Canceled.
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The film, which is inspired by Naizu's background as a Chinese American navigating Hollywood, follows 'a mixed-race, working-class couple in crisis, interweaving themes of identity, codependency and generational expectation,' according to the synopsis.
'So happy to be working with Michael Naizu again, this time to tell his beautiful and compelling story,' Parrish said. 'It means so much to collaborate with AAPI storytellers and help bring narratives to life that reflect who we are and why representation matters.'
Bound For Glory was adapted into a feature film from the 2020 short film of the same name, which was made during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a finalist in the Gold House AAPI Renaissance Rally. Luber Roklin Entertainment is behind the project. Derik Young serves as a producer, and Charlie Waddell and Sean Casey are executive producers.
'This is a story I've been trying to tell my whole life. It's deeply personal, rooted in my experience navigating identity and purpose in an industry that is extremely competitive and volatile. To now be making this film with my brother John, my childhood best friend Derik, and Janel Parrish — someone I've admired for years — it feels like everything is coming full circle,' Naizu said. 'To have Bound For Glory backed by a trailblazing organization like Gold House is incredibly meaningful. I honestly can't wait to get cameras up and bring this story to life.'
Production is slated to begin this fall in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.
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