Janel Parrish, Michael Naizu Join Forces For Romance Drama Bound For Glory
Janel Parrish and Michael Naizu star in Bound For Glory, an indie romance drama about identity and generational expectations in a mixed-race relationship.
Actors Janel Parrish and Michael Naizu are set to lead Bound For Glory, an upcoming indie romance drama that explores identity, generational expectations, and emotional conflict within a mixed-race relationship. The film reunites the duo after their 2021 collaboration in Christmas Is Canceled.
Directed by Michael Naizu alongside his brother John Wilcox, the film draws heavily from Naizu's real-life experiences as a Chinese American navigating the often unpredictable entertainment industry. According to the official synopsis, the story centres on a working-class, mixed-race couple grappling with crisis, codependency, and the pressure of familial and societal expectations.
Production is scheduled to begin this fall across locations in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. The project also has the support of Gold House, a nonprofit collective that promotes Asian Pacific creatives and leaders in various industries.
Speaking about her involvement, Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish expressed her excitement about working with Naizu again. 'So happy to be working with Michael Naizu again, this time to tell his beautiful and compelling story," she 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."
Naizu, who is not only starring in but also co-directing the film, shared the personal nature of the story. '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," he said.
He also noted the emotional value of working with those close to him on this project. '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."
He concluded, '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."
First Published:
July 20, 2025, 15:48 IST
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