It took 16 years, but John Cho’s teenage son finally saw his dad’s classic stoner comedy “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.” The 16-year-old’s reaction surprised the actor, who shared the amusing story on the Today show.
“My 16 year old apparently saw it,” Cho explained. “Apparently his takeaway was, ‘So, you have met Ryan Reynolds?!'” Cho repeated the question for emphasis, and the hosts laughed along with him. “Pretty good takeaway! Not a bad thing,” Cho added.
Cho starred in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” back in 2004 alongside Kal Penn. Ryan Reynolds also had a brief, memorable cameo in the film, playing a character simply credited as “Male Nurse”.
The Film’s Legacy and Potential Revisit
“It’s hard to believe it’s 20 years,” Today host Al Roker said of the first “Harold and Kumar” film, which launched John Cho’s career into the stratosphere[1]. The film bumped Cho from single episode roles in series like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “ER” to a starring role as Sulu in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” films.
When asked if he could ever revisit the character of Harold, Cho responded, “Could be. I think it’d be fun to do it. It’s a little bit of an early 2000s movie in a lot of ways, but I’d love to see if we could.”
In a Rolling Stone 20th anniversary oral history of the film, Penn and producer Nathan Kahane gushed about Reynolds’ involvement in the project. Penn recalled that in his final callback for a part in Reynolds’ frat comedy “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder,” “it was between me and a white dude in brownface for the part of an Indian exchange student,” and Reynolds “was obviously rooting for me to get the job.”
After Penn landed the part, Reynolds told him, “‘When you get your first lead, let me know and I’ll play the supporting guy.’ When ‘Harold & Kumar’ happened and we were talking about cameos, I reached out to Ryan and he was immediately like, ‘Yes, absolutely.'”
The Film’s Impact on Representation
“Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” was groundbreaking in its portrayal of Asian-American characters. Cho and Penn played the lead roles, breaking away from stereotypical supporting characters often assigned to Asian actors at the time.
The film’s success paved the way for more diverse and nuanced representations of Asian-Americans in Hollywood. It showed that audiences were hungry for stories that reflected their experiences and that Asian-American actors could carry a major comedy film.
Cho’s Reaction to His Son’s Question
Cho’s son’s question about Ryan Reynolds highlights the enduring appeal of the actor’s cameo in the film. Despite his relatively small role, Reynolds made a lasting impression on audiences, including the next generation.
Cho’s reaction to his son’s question also showcases the generational divide in how the film is perceived. While Cho and his contemporaries likely remember the film for its groundbreaking representation and hilarious stoner antics, younger viewers like Cho’s son may focus more on the star power of the cameos.
The Film’s Continued Relevance
“Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” may be 20 years old, but it continues to resonate with audiences today. The film’s themes of friendship, adventure, and the pursuit of the perfect late-night snack are timeless.
Moreover, the film’s impact on representation in Hollywood is still felt today. The success of “Harold & Kumar” paved the way for more diverse storytelling and casting in the entertainment industry.
As Cho’s son’s reaction shows, the film has also become a cultural touchstone that is passed down to new generations. It’s a testament to the film’s enduring appeal and the lasting impact of its groundbreaking representation.
John Cho’s son’s surprising reaction to watching “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” highlights the film’s enduring legacy and cultural significance. The 16-year-old’s focus on Ryan Reynolds’ cameo shows how the film has become a generational touchstone, with younger viewers appreciating different aspects of the film than their parents.
Cho’s willingness to revisit the character of Harold also suggests that there may be more adventures in store for the stoner duo. With its themes of friendship, adventure, and the pursuit of the perfect late-night snack, “Harold & Kumar” has the potential to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Ultimately, the story of John Cho’s son watching “Harold & Kumar” is a testament to the film’s lasting impact on popular culture. It’s a reminder of the power of representation in Hollywood and the ability of a single film to shape the careers of its stars and the stories that are told on the big screen.