Disney has released the trailer for the Disney+ Original Movie “Chang Can Dunk” which will release on Disney+ on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Written and directed by Jingyi Shao, making his feature film debut, the inspiring coming-of-age sports comedy stars Bloom Li, Dexter Darden, Ben Wang, Zoe Renee, Chase Liefeld and Mardy Ma. The film’s producers are Rishi Rajani, Lena Waithe and Brad Weston, with Pamela Thur serving as executive producer.
“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.
Check out the trailer below:
Also, check out the new poster below:
Bloom Li (“My Dead Ex,” “Into the Dark”) is playing the lead, Chang. Li was encouraged to audition by a friend and submitted a self-tape on his own, which put him on the path to eventually getting the part.
Ben Wang (“Good Egg,” upcoming “Sight”) play’s Bo, Chang’s best friend. Wang was recently seen in Disney’s Launchpad short “Dinner Is Served” on Disney+. Dexter Darden (“Son of the South,” “Saved by the Bell”), a former pro basketball player and two-time Estonia League MVP, plays Deandre. Chase Liefeld (“Sunnyside Up,” upcoming “Honor Student”) plays Matt, the school’s star athlete. Zoe Renee (“Jinn,” “The Quad”) plays Kristy.
Said Shao, “This movie is my love letter to basketball and about how it helped me better understand family, friendship and the Asian American/immigrant experience, about growing up and taking responsibility even when the odds are against you, and about learning to believe in yourself and break through not only the barriers set by others but more importantly, the barriers set by YOURSELF.”
Rajani and Waithe said, “We’re so proud of this film. Jingyi and the entire cast and crew have poured their hearts into telling a brilliant, nuanced coming-of-age story that we believe everyone will be able to relate to. Growing up, we all had our version of a “dunk” – a dream, some lofty goal – that we thought would change our lives for the better. ‘Chang Can Dunk’ is about the pursuit of that dream, the desire to be seen, and the lessons we learn along the way. It’s inspiring, empowering, and full of humor and heart. We can’t wait for audiences to see it!”