Brandon Soo Hoo

Brandon Soo Hoo takes the spotlight in his highly anticipated animated film, “The Tiger's Apprentice,” streaming on Paramount+ with an impressive voice cast, including acclaimed actors like Michelle Yeoh, Sandra Oh, Lucy Liu, Henry Golding, and Sherry Cola. Additionally, he stars in the 3D animated series “Merch Cadets,” currently streaming on Netflix. Beyond his work in the animated realm, the seven-time Young Artist Award winner and nominee has starred in the cult classic “Tropic Thunder.” He is Paramount's “GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra” and Scott Orson Card's sci-fi fantasy “Ender's Game.” The actor has also left his mark on popular television series, including “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Teen Wolf,”, “PENi5,” and “Workaholics.”

Beyond his work in television and film, he is a master martial artist, trained in various forms of Kung Fu such as Wing Chu, Wushu and Southern Fist. Holding a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and versed in Muay Thai and Capoeira, he is also skilled in weaponry, showcasing skills with nunchaku, bo staff, and the sword. With over 1.4 million followers on social media, he shares his passion for martial arts through comedic video content and defense tutorials.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, the 28-year-old actor takes pride in his Chinese heritage. Having traveled extensively across Asia, Soo Hoo is on a personal mission to foster more film projects in the Orient and support aspiring Asian actors in the United States.

Left:
Suit by The Last Follies Closet
Jewelry by RARE-ROMANCE
Shoes by Kenneth Cole at RARE-ROMANCE
Right:
Black Suit by KidSuper
Shirt by Grayscale
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Earrings by RARE-ROMANCE
Bracelet by RARE-ROMANCE

Your acting career began at a young age with your debut in “Tropic Thunder.” Take us back to that moment and share what inspired you to pursue acting at such a young age.
I didn’t realize this when I was younger, but the SooHoo’s have a long history of being involved in the film industry. The town in Guangdong China is  where the SooHoo’s originated and films  were produced. So, for me, it started in a family trade. Even at a young age, my family knew I was a storyteller. I loved to perform and create art. When I got the call that I booked “Tropic Thunder,” I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of that opportunity, but it’s something that completely changed the trajectory of my life, and it’s something for which I’m eternally grateful.

How was your experience working on the animated film “The Tiger's Apprentice,” and tell us about your role as Tom?
My experience was a bit of a marathon, going into the booth over the span of almost 3 years, and I loved every minute of it. The amazing creative team that joined my sessions, made the experience such a collaborative and warm one . Together we found the voice for Tom, and they allowed me to bring so much of my own life into the portrayal of the character.

Working with a legendary voice cast, including Henry Golding, Lucy Liu, and Michelle Yeoh, must have been an incredible experience. How did the collaboration with such esteemed actors shape the performances in bringing this magical world to life?

Due to the fact that we were shooting during the pandemic, I didn’t get the opportunity to record with all of the cast directly. But the scenes that I recorded with Leah and Henry were a lot of fun! Feeding off of each other’s energy in the booth helped with creating authentic chemistry.

The film combines elements of Chinese mythology and magical adventures. How did the cultural aspects of the story resonate with you, and did you draw inspiration from any specific cultural elements in portraying your character?
Even though I grew up as a 4th gen Chinese American, my family did a good job passing down a lot of the traditions to me, and I learned more about Chinese culture and mythology as I got older. I’m happy to see how well these references were translated into the film! I spent a large portion of my own childhood in LA’s Chinatown, so I think a lot of those experiences informed my portrayal of Tom.

Having worked on both live-action and animated projects, what unique challenges and joys did you encounter in bringing an animated character to life, and how does it differ from your experiences in live-action filmmaking?
While I enjoy the feeling of being physically on set, being able to play with other like-minded artists and being able to use my face and physicality in a performance. Animation and voice acting have always held a special place in my heart. I grew up on cartoons, so I think working in animation really satisfies my inner child. Plus, there’s something so warm and comforting about being able to perform alone in the booth, to be completely focused on my voice, and to allow myself to be fully immersed in my own imagination.

The entertainment industry has seen a shift towards more inclusive storytelling. What steps do you believe should be taken to continue this positive trend?
I don’t even know if any steps need to be taken, per se. I think the market is naturally moving toward what the audience is ready for and demanding. And right now, the audience wants to see diverse stories, and real human stories portrayed by people of color; we just need to continue providing raw, compelling, and relatable art. We’re currently seeing a renaissance in inclusive storytelling, and I think that’s beautiful.

Left:
Denim by THEO
White Shirt by D.RT
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau
Jewelry by RARE-ROMANCE
Right:
Suit by ASHTON MICHAEL
Pants by ASHTON MICHAEL
Jewelry by RARE-ROMANCE
Shoes by Jean Baptiste Rautureau

Looking back at your career so far, is there a particular project or moment that stands out as a turning point or milestone in your journey as an actor?
Every role for me represents somewhat of a milestone for me, so it’s hard to single out a particular moment. “Tropic Thunder” launched my acting career. “Supah Ninjas” showcased my action comedy. “Titans” established my journey in animation. Everything Before Us introduced me to many of my first connections in digital space. And the list goes on!

Looking ahead, are there specific goals or types of roles you aspire to take on?Of course, I’d like to continue telling diverse stories, to push forward Asian representation in film. I’d like the opportunity to work some of with my heroes in the industry, including, for instance, Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, Jordan Peele, and Sadie Bros. And I’d also like to continue to expand my range, maybe lean into a bit more dramatic roles in the future.

PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Brandon Soo Hoo
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Groomer: Raquel Moreno
Photo Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez & River Chad
Fashion Stylist Assistants: AmbiKa Sanjana Sarah Gibsonn
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Makenna Tourville, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

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ArtAlison Hernon#actor, #The Tiger's Apprentice, #Paramount+, #Merch Cadets, #Los Angeles, #Kung Fu, #martial arts