Unveiling the Thrilling Path of Hong's Journey in Season 3 with Warrior Star Chen Tang

Bruce Lee initially developed the martial arts series Warrior in the early 1970s, but unfortunately, he passed away before it could be brought to life. However, his daughter Shannon, as well as producers Justin Lin and Jonathan Tropper, later made the show a reality. Despite Cinemax discontinuing original programming after the second season, Warrior was luckily able to find a new home on Max. After a wait of almost three years, the highly anticipated Warrior season 3 finally premiered on Max on June 29, bringing back the thrilling combination of Old West grit and impressive martial arts.

Set in 1870s San Francisco, Warrior tells the story of the Tong Wars and escalating tensions between Chinese and Irish immigrants. The protagonist, Ah Sahm (played by Andrew Koji), works as an enforcer for the Tong alongside his comrades Young Jun (Jason Tobin) and Hong (Cheng Tang). At the end of Warrior season 2, a chaotic street battle took place in San Francisco between rival Tongs. Warrior season 3 resumes with the continuation of the Tong Wars and the ongoing Chinese-Irish conflicts. Ah Sahm finds himself confronting his old adversaries Long Yi (Joe Taslim) and the local police officer "Big Bill" O'Hara (Kieran Brew), alongside other influential figures in the Tong, such as Zing (Dustin Nguyen) and Kong Pak (Mark Dacascos).

We speak to Chen Tang about the making of Warrior season 3 and where Hong's story takes him after his debut in season 2.

Chen Tang on Warrior Season 3

Screen Rant: What can you share about where Hong is going into Warrior season 3?

Chen Tang: Prior to commencing the season's filming, we extensively discussed this matter as it had been quite some time since our last season. It was crucial for us to establish each character's position, particularly in light of the cataclysmic event that occurred following season 2 - the Chinatown riot. For Hong's character specifically, we honed in on the fact that everything suddenly appeared unfamiliar. As a wide-eyed optimist, Hong always perceived things positively upon entering Chinatown. However, after the riot, the world became entirely new, revealing the unsavory aspects of America. In essence, I began to see beyond the surface of America, gaining an understanding of the sentiments experienced by Chinese individuals who grew up here. I am now navigating these darker dimensions of America, seeking to comprehend and adjust accordingly.

Beginning from there, I wanted to explore how I navigate this unfamiliar world and instinctively counter it with my inherent hopefulness. Throughout the series, I always saw Hong as the beacon of hope, so I wanted to delve into what happens when that hope is tested or proves to be misguided. That's the starting point I aimed for.

Additionally, there was a significant hiatus between Warrior season 2 and season 3 due to the show's transition from Cinemax to the streaming platform Max. How did this extended break impact my return to the show in comparison to other projects?

Chen Tang reflects on the past two years, acknowledging that the world underwent a significant transformation due to the pandemic. While the pandemic was undoubtedly unpleasant, it brought about a sense of solemnity that he incorporated into his work. Surprisingly, this shift in the world also aided the creative process for him. However, the downside was that they are now older, which made the physical training for the fight scenes more challenging. Despite this, Chen Tang embraced the opportunity to re-enter the world of fight scenes in Warrior, which is based on Bruce Lee's concept and filled with various martial arts actions. He enthusiastically shares his favorite fight scenes from Warrior season 3.

Chen Tang stated that he couldn't go into detail about the specifics since it would spoil the surprise. However, he did mention that the fight scenes in this season were incredibly intense and filled with raw emotions, surpassing those of the previous two seasons. The fights weren't solely focused on accomplishing tasks or defeating adversaries, and without revealing too much, viewers can expect to witness heart-wrenching battles.

Content: Having a talented ensemble of martial artists such as Andrew Koji, Joe Taslim, and Dustin Nguyen, Warrior welcomes Mark Dacascos from Drive and John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum for its third season. What was it like working with Mark Dacascos in Warrior season 3?

Chen Tang: Mark is truly my favorite. I aspire to be like him when I grow up! Working with him was an absolute delight, and he exudes a Zen-like presence. Not only did I enjoy collaborating with him professionally, but spending time with him off set was equally enjoyable. During breaks, I would often sit and attentively listen to the insights he shared about his life. Despite his age, he can effortlessly perform splits. It's remarkable how he has managed to defy the passage of time - he seems eternal!

I was amazed at how Mark lives his life, and I couldn't help but admire him. His vibrant energy and genuine personality make him a pleasure to be around. I cannot express enough how highly I think of him. From observing his work ethic and dedication to maintaining his physical and mental well-being, as well as witnessing his passion for the project, I have gained valuable insights as both an actor and a human being through conversations and interactions with Mark.

Regarding Hong's role in Warrior season 3, what aspects of his story do you believe will deeply connect with viewers following his introduction in season 2?

Chen Tang: Revealing the true essence. Hong's happiness may not be a mere façade, yet those who have endured arduous lives truly wrestle with their inner demons. They possess the ability to find humor in life's complexities, but beneath the surface lies a profound darkness, intensity, and pain. I eagerly anticipate audiences catching a glimpse of this hidden aspect of Hong.

About Warrior Season 3

Following the race riots, mounting tension escalates between the Irish and Chinese communities, coupled with the imposition of fresh laws specifically aimed at the Chinese population. Meanwhile, Ah Sahm, now regarded as a revered figure in Chinatown, grapples with the dichotomy between the idealized hero his people desire him to be and the persona of a gangster that defines him.

Check out our other Warrior season 3 interviews here:

Andrew Koji & Jason Tobin

Dianne Doan, Olivia Cheng & Hoon Lee

Josh Stoddard & Evan Endicott

Jonathan Trooper & Shannon Lee

Warrior season 3's first three episodes debuted on Max on June 29.