Megan Markle Returns to Archewell Podcast, Criticizes Hollywood’s Asian Stereotypes

Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made a comeback on her Archewell podcast on Spotify, addressing the persisting Asian stereotype of the “Dragon Lady” in Hollywood.

In this latest episode, she specifically called out two films, Austin Powers and Kill Bill, for their portrayal of Asian women as overly sexualized or excessively aggressive.

However, it is important to note that Austin Powers is a satirical film, released over 20 years ago, and Kill Bill, featuring Lucy Liu, who has previously spoken out against oversexualization in other projects.

Lucy Liu herself has refuted the criticism surrounding her character, O-Ren Ishii, in Kill Bill.

She emphasized that the film also includes three other female professional killers, portrayed by Uma Thurman, Vivicia A.

Fox, and Daryl Hannah.

Liu questioned why only her character was labeled as a “Dragon Lady,” implying that the distinction might be due to her Asian ethnicity.

This highlights the issue of typecasting and the limited range of roles available to Asian actors in mainstream American cinema.

Markle further expressed her frustration with being confined within the metaphorical box that Asian American and Pacific Islander women find themselves in.

She emphasized the need to break free from stereotypes and not be limited to playing only typically Asian roles.

Markle's statements shed light on the challenges faced by AAPI women in the entertainment industry.

However, Markle's criticism of Hollywood's stereotypes has not been received well by some.

Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed director of Kill Bill, is among those who have been targeted.

This move has been seen as a significant misstep on Markle's part, as Tarantino holds great influence in the industry and has a circle of A-list friends.

Markle, on the other hand, has created grievances with several A-list individuals, possibly hindering her prospects in Hollywood.

It is worth noting that Hollywood is a close-knit community where loyalty plays a crucial role.

Markle's assumption that people will gravitate towards her due to her marriage to Prince Harry and her royal title might not hold true.

The entertainment industry values dedication and genuine relationships, which cannot be forged solely based on status or connections.

In addition, Markle's background in acting has also come under scrutiny.

Tom Bauer, in his book Revenge, mentions that Markle's drama professor at Northwestern University believed she had the potential to excel in the field with proper theater training.

However, Markle declined the offer, believing she was already a talented actress deserving of significant recognition.

When her expectations were not met, she allegedly began searching for a wealthy partner, eventually marrying Prince Harry.

Despite their aspirations to establish themselves in Hollywood, recent claims suggest that Megan Markle and Prince Harry may be facing challenges in the industry.

Commentator Cara Kennedy asserts that charisma, dedication, and charm are essential to becoming a power couple in Hollywood.

However, Kennedy argues that the couple lacks these qualities and is gradually being excluded from the industry, one red carpet event at a time.

Perez Hilton, a prominent US blogger, even stated that they are merely celebrities and do not hold any special status in Hollywood.

The blending of monarchy and celebrity has proven to be problematic for Markle and Harry, as the two worlds overlap but are not entirely compatible.

Their attempts to straddle both domains have resulted in a sense of alienation from both the British royal family and the entertainment industry.

As a result, they find themselves increasingly unwelcome in either realm.

Megan Markle's return to her podcast has sparked important discussions about Hollywood's portrayal of Asian stereotypes.

While her critique has garnered attention, it remains to be seen how her statements and actions will impact her future in the industry.