Normally, when an actor finds out that their hit network TV series was renewed for a sixth season, the performer is elated. Job security is a rare thing in Hollywood, and especially in the realm of TV. But for “Fresh Off the Boat” star Constance Wu, the renewal wasn’t great news.
Earlier this week, Wu received quite a bit of backlash when she posted a series of tweets and comments about how she wasn’t happy with ABC’s decision to continue “Fresh Off the Boat.” Fans took umbrage with her use of profanities and harsh words, which made her seem a bit petulant. However, this outburst will not cost her the starring role on the series.
“There’s been no thought to recasting Constance,” said ABC president Karey Burke (via The Wrap). “We love what she does on the show. I did actually know that Constance had another opportunity had ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ not gone forward she would have pursued.”
She continued, “But we never really considered not bring back ‘Fresh off the Boat.’ It was just too strong. I’m going to choose to believe Constance’s most recent communication about the show that she’s happy to return and the cast and crew is happy to have her back.”
These comments come after the announcement that “Fresh Off the Boat” would be renewed for a new season was met with what seemed to be anger by star Wu. Just after the announcement was made, Wu tweeted, “So upset right now that I’m literally crying. Ugh. Fuck.”
On an Instagram post announcing the renewal, Wu commented, “Dislike.” And this was followed by a fan congratulating her on the new season of her hit ABC comedy series, saying it was “great news.” In response to this comment, Wu replied, “No, it’s not.”
Many of the fans of the series, and film/TV fans in general, saw this as a lashing out from an actress that is trying to expand her new-found popularity after the runaway success of the film “Crazy Rich Asians.” Comments calling her a diva and ungrateful ran rampant throughout social media.
READ MORE: Constance Wu Doesn’t Want To Work On A ‘Star Wars’ Film: “It’s Golden Shackles”
After news of her displeasure spread, the actress tried to play down her remarks, saying they were unrelated to the news of “Fresh Off the Boat” being renewed and were in regards to something else. And it was just a matter of bad timing. However, she sort of backtracked on those excuses, in a statement.
“‘FOTB’ is a great show that I’m proud of and that I enjoy,” she said. “I’ve gotten to fully explore my character and I know her like the back of my hand. So playing Jessica is fun and easy and pleasant. I get to work with a kind and pleasant cast/crew … But in general, I’ve always sought artistic challenge over comfort and ease. I was disappointed in not being able to do that other project.”
She continued, “People can hold conflicting feelings in their hearts-that conflict is part of being human. So I can both love the show/cast/crew but at the same time be disappointed that I lost that other unrelated job. I appreciate those who have given me the space and faith to believe what I say about both parts of my heart. Thank you.”
“Fresh Off the Boat” is scheduled to premiere its upcoming sixth season later this year.
https://twitter.com/constancewu/status/1127245692865523717?s=21
