There’s something about Ming-Na Wen that feels instantly familiar. Maybe it’s because she voiced Mulan, or because she helped shape childhoods through roles like Detective Ellen Yin in The Batman animated series. Or maybe it’s her warmth and wit that make you feel like you’ve known her forever. In our recent conversation ahead of the release of Karate Kid: Legends, I discovered she’s not just a legend, she’s a self-proclaimed dork with a love for sci-fi, New York City roots, and a mission to inspire.
“I love the name Dorkaholics,” she said with a laugh. “You’re addicted to being a dork, it’s so good.”
Escaping into Sci-Fi
When I asked Ming-Na what made her a dork growing up, she didn’t hesitate.
“Just growing up Asian and not feeling accepted,” she said candidly. “I’ve always loved fantasy and science fiction, where you get to escape.” She lit up as she recalled some of the books that shaped her imagination. “I fell in love with Dune, and a lot of stuff by Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven. I’m going way back, but yeah, I loved being able to escape into those worlds.”
For her, science fiction was more than just entertainment; it was a refuge, a space where identity and boundaries could be reshaped.
From Gold Gala to Gotham
As someone who has followed her work for years, I couldn’t help but share how often she’s popped up in major moments of my life, from voicing the warrior-princess Mulan to appearing in the curriculum of my sophomore English class via The Joy Luck Club.
“Oh wow, that’s wonderful,” she said when I mentioned her animated and live-action roles. “I love that The Joy Luck Club became part of the American curriculum. What an incredible achievement—to have that kind of impact, generation after generation.”
A Homecoming in Queens
Given that Karate Kid: Legends is set in New York, I asked her how it felt to return to the city she once called home.
“I actually learned English in Astoria, Queens,” she shared. “I went to PS 17 and IS 126. I had a heavy New York accent growing up—those were my stomping grounds.”
But revisiting the language for this role came with unexpected challenges. “I realized while making this film that my Chinese had a very Shanghai dialect from my mom, mixed with my New York accent. It was pretty pathetic,” she joked. “I had to relearn all the proper sounds. My mom’s going to think someone dubbed my voice in the movie when she hears it!”
A Film to Uplift
With the film’s release just around the corner, I asked Ming-Na what she hopes audiences take away from it.
“I just hope they have a blast,” she said. “That’s what I loved about the original Karate Kid. It makes you walk away feeling pumped—like there’s a joyful, victorious ending. What a great way to spend your summer—feeling moved and inspired.”
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her genuine love for storytelling shone through.
A Friendly Reminder
Before we signed off, I admitted that I had seen her at the Gold Gala recently but was too intimidated to say hello.
“Oh no, you have to come say hi next time!” she insisted. “We’re family in this business. Always feel like you can approach me.”
Consider the message received, loud and clear.
Catch Ming-Na Wen in Karate Kid: Legends, premiering in theaters on May 30, 2025.
Follow @dorkaholics for more interviews, coverage, and community stories celebrating the dork in all of us.
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