Actor Eric Anthony Lopez talks about starring in “Chang Can Dunk” on Disney+.
He is known for playing the role of Passarino in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway. He is a classically trained opera singer who crosses multiple genres of music.
‘Chang Can Dunk’
On being a part of “Chang Can Dunk,” “It was one of the most satisfying and fulfilling experiences of my entire career so far. I come from the Broadway so this is my transition onto the movie screen. I was really nervous but our director & writer Jing & our first AD, producers made everyone so comfortable.”
“We started in October and ended in December 2021. It was such a amazing experience for me and I can’t wait to see everyone reactions to our lead- Bloom who is just amazing in this as the title character. So glad for the world to finally see it after wrapping in 2021,” he said.
“Chang Can Dunk” follows Chang, a 16-year-old, Asian American high school student in the marching band, who bets the school basketball star that he can dunk by Homecoming.
The bet leads the 5’ 8″ Chang on a quest to find the hops he needs to dunk in order to impress his crush, Kristy, and finally gain the attention and respect of his high school peers. But before he can rise up and truly throw one down, he’ll have to reexamine everything he knows about himself, his friendships and his family.
He opened up about playing his character, Syd. “Syd is your insecure tough guy jock bully. He’s okay at basketball. He idolizes his friend best Matt (played by Chase Liefeld). So by default he hates Chang. I like to getting to add a little aspects of my personality into that role. He’s a tough guy. He’s a strong guy, but he also has an interest in music. I added that layer and nuance in there on the fly and we just went with it. He was a fun character to play,” he said.
Inspirations as an actor
Regarding his daily motivations as an actor and artist, he said, “New works. Family friendly content that actually means something… I really want to expand on that in career. I think people love family entertainment and need it.”
The digital age
On being an artist in the digital age, now with streaming and technology being so prevalent, he said, “I think it’s a double edge sword. On one hand I really wish people would get back to the movie screens. I really think our film where do amazing on a big screen versus streaming.”
“What is amazing about streaming, though is so many more people have access, and so many people will get to see the story. Our director, Jingyi Shao, said in Variety he wants Asian American teens to be the protagonist. See themselves as the main hero. That’s why streaming is so important because a lot of people will have access to this amazing movie,” he said.
‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway
He recalled about his experience doing “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway, where he played Passarino.
“It was so great. To be part of such an iconic Broadway legacy that’s 35 years old. Truly an honor. I don’t think I’ll be doing another Broadway show for a while. Gong to stick with screen works for a while. ‘Phantom’ is the longest running property on Broadway, and the ultimate. I would love to do another show on stage, but the right project & role has to come along,” he elaborated.
Dream collaboration choices
On his dream collaboration choices in the entertainment world, he said, “Brendan Fraser, Martin Short, Candace Cameron Bure, Jennifer Lopez are some names that come to mind. Steven Spielberg obviously, because he’s the man.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Lopez said, “Rent being paid. Ha ha also just pushing through. I’ve had to fight my way from ensemble to supporting to now a feature film. That’s a huge jump for me.”
“You need to have some hard-core self belief to really pushed through the hard times, and the up-and-down nature of this industry. I feel as if I’m working as hard as I can, whatever happens, that is success. I gave it my best shot,” he added.
To learn more about Eric Anthony Lopez, check out his official website, and follow them on Instagram.
