Ali Wong and Steven Yeun: The Chemistry Behind Beef and Tuca & Bertie
The strong collaboration between Ali Wong and Steven Yeun in Netflix's Beef is a testament to their chemistry, which was evident in their previous work on Tuca & Bertie. This article explores the actors' dynamic partnership and the connection between their characters in the two shows.
The Dynamic Duo of Beef
Things Get Messy | Tuca & Bertie | adult swim
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun's chemistry in Netflix's Beef is one of the best things about the comedy-drama TV miniseries. Created by Lee Sung Jin, Beef has plenty of shocking moments and is known for its dark humor, unexpected violence, and a cautionary tale about controlling one's emotions in tense situations. Known primarily for her comedic roles, Wong has established herself as one of the funniest actresses in Hollywood, contributing to many of Beef's best comedic moments. Additionally, Yeun sheds his image from The Walking Dead with his portrayal of the more reserved Danny, resulting in one of the most engaging onscreen duos in recent memory.
Danny (Steven Yeun) and Amy (Ali Wong) in Beef leaning out of their cars.
A previous collaboration between the two actors perfectly explains why Beef was bound to be successful. Wong and Yeun star in the miniseries about Amy and Danny, two strangers who engage in a longstanding feud with growing stakes after allowing a road rage incident to consume every aspect of their personal lives.
The strong chemistry between Wong and Yeun, evident in Beef, had already been showcased in their previous work on Tuca & Bertie, a short-lived TV show that highlighted their compatibility as onscreen partners.
Adam Conover as Joel and Steven Yeun as Speckle in Tuca & Bertie.
The Connection Through Tuca & Bertie
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun previously collaborated on the animated sitcom Tuca & Bertie, where they voiced the characters Bertie and Speckle, respectively. The show, centered around two anthropomorphic birds, presented a committed relationship between the characters, showcasing a different dynamic than their roles in Beef.
In Tuca & Bertie, the characters Bertie and Speckle undergo bumps in their relationship that test their love but maintain a healthy degree of respect for one another, highlighting Wong and Yeun's chemistry in a different light. This portrayal of a healthy relationship contrasts with the antagonistic dynamic of their characters in Beef, showcasing the versatility of their partnership.
Why Fans Should Explore Tuca & Bertie
Although Tuca & Bertie was canceled, it's worth a watch for its witty dialogue, thought-provoking themes, and beautiful animation. The show's strong voice-over cast, including Yeun's portrayal of Speckle, offers a different side of the actors' performances, showcasing their range and versatility.
Audiences expecting Yeun to carry over the essence of his previous roles will be pleasantly surprised to see his portrayal of the meek Speckle, while Wong's character in Tuca & Bertie displays a more introverted and less frenetic energy, highlighting her versatility as an actress.
