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The battle for greater Asian representation in modern Hollywood has been long fought, with only recent yearsfinally starting to show the tide potentially turning. In 2018,Jon M. Chu’sCrazy Rich Asianswas released to great critical acclaim, which was quickly followed by the famous 2020 Best Picture win forBong Joon-Ho’sParasite, at the Academy Awards, making it the first-ever foreign language film to win the star prize. In 2021 Marvel Studios released their first Asian-led superhero film withShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which was a massive box office success in the Pandemic era. More recently than all of these, was the incredibly dominant display byDaniel KwanandDaniel Scheinert’sEverything Everywhere All at Onceat the 2023 Academy Awards, with the film winning a total of seven awards. This sudden rise in representation has been a long time coming, and many expect the trend to grow increasingly over the following years. The talent of Asian-American actors has long been overlooked by Hollywood, and now stars likeMichelle Yeohare getting their plaudits.
As well as this, new stars are getting the chance to shine, with the next generation of Asian-American talent able to see themselves represented at the highest level. One of these new stars isStephanie Hsu, whose powerfully captivating portrayal of Jobu Tupaki/Joy inEverything Everywhere All at Oncelanded her a nod for Best Supporting Actress at the 95th Academy Awards. She didn’t win, with the award instead going to her co-starJamie Lee Curtis, but nevertheless, the eyes of the film world were on her and were looking for what she would do next. So, all new fans of the actress are rightfully on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the upcoming comedy movieJoy Ridewhich will star Hsu. With that in mind, and with the trailer having recently dropped, here is everything we know aboutJoy Ride… so far.
When Is Joy Ride Being Released?
With whispers of the film being shared back in mid-2021, the wait forJoy Ridethankfully hasn’t been too long. In February 2023,Lionsgate unveiled the movie’s title, and, ever since, the wait was on for the confirmed release date.
Finally, it was announced thatJoy Ridewill arrive on June 21, 2025. The film will be competing against the horror sequelInsidious: The Red Doorin its opening weekend. Fans of the film living in the UK will be able to see it slightly earlier on August 10, 2025, so, if any would like to see the film as early as possible, a trip across the pond may be in order. For any few who were lucky enough, the film did premiere at SXSW on August 11, 2025.
Related:‘Joy Ride’ Takes Stephanie Hsu to SXSW for the Second Year in a Row
Is Joy Ride in Theaters?
For many modern comedies, the route to the screen seems to be via major streaming platforms like Netflix. However,Joy Rideis taking a more conventional route, with the film premiering exclusively in theaters. However, this doesn’t mean it won’t end up on a major streaming platform, and on DVD after the run in theaters has been completed.
Is There a Trailer for Joy Ride?
As mentioned previously, there isa red-band trailer forJoy Ride, and it can be watched above. Just be warned, this trailer is NSFW.
The second red band trailer forJoy Ridewas released by Lionsgate on July 04, 2025. The trailer highlights some of the rave reviews the film has received from critics including that it is “As raunchy as ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Girls Trip,'” as well as it is “Fun, fresh, bold, dirty,” and that it has “The best comedic ensemble since ‘Bridesmaids.'”
Related:‘EEAAO’ Actually Wasn’t Stephanie Hsu & the Daniels’ First Team-Up - This Was
Who Stars in Joy Ride?
For any comedy, the ensemble cast is a make or break for the success of the film. With just how popular the current crop of Asian-American talent is, it will be integral that the casting team ofJoy Ridehas made the right decisions. Luckily, their selections look perfect, with the likes of the aforementioned Stephanie Hsu playing Kat,Ashley Park(Emily in Paris) playing Audrey,Sherry Cola(Good Trouble) playing Lolo,Debbie Fan(Magnum P.I.) playing Jenny,Desmond Chiam(The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) playing Clarence,Alexander Hodge(Insecure) as Todd, andDavid Denman(The Office) andAnnie Mumolo(Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar) as Audrey’s adoptive parents.Ronny Chieng(M3GAN),Lori Tan Chinn(Orange is the New Black), andChris Pang(Crazy Rich Asians) will also star in the film in undisclosed roles. Of course, there are many other fantastic actors in this movie, but just this list alone, considered alongside the plot synopsis, crew, and trailer, makesJoy Rideone of 2023’s most unmissable comedies.
What Is Joy Ride About?
With a comedy of this style, the plot can often be overlooked for the hilarious set pieces or various quotable moments. However, the plot is the backbone of any great movie, and some of comedy’s best modern showings rely heavily on their narrative. So, with that in mind, here is the official plot synopsis ofJoy Ride:
“The hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centers on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of Lolo, her irreverent, childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat, her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye, Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their no-holds-barred, epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.”
The plot screams quintessential comedy gold, with the potential madness these characters could end up in enough to make anyone excited about its release. The film will still likely deal with deeper themes, with “identity” and “self-discovery” already hinted at in the synopsis above.
Who Is Making Joy Ride?
Joy Ride marks the directorial debut of Adele Lim, who previously co-wrote the screenplay forCrazy Rich Asiansand the Disney animated filmRaya and the Last Dragon. Lim also developed the story alongsideCherry Chevapravatdumrong(Family Guy) andTeresa Hsiao(Awkwafina is Nora from Queens). Chevapravatdumrong and Hsiao then adapted the story into a screenplay.
The three women also serve as producers on the project alongsideSeth Rogenand Point Grey Productions’Evan Goldberg,Josh Fagen, andJames Weaver.
Nathan Matthew David(Young Rock) serves as the composer, withPaul Yee(Reality) as the cinematographer, and Emmy-WinnerNena Erb(Insecure) as the editor.
When and Where Did Joy Ride Film?
Production forJoy Ridecommenced in October 2021, with filming primarily taking place in the British Columbia area.
On August 16, 2025, Lim revealed on Instagram that it was the final day of filming.
