Podcast Summary: Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast – Kelly Marie Tran, Mitra Jouhari, James Mannion

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast, host Scott Aukerman, alongside co-host Randall Handler, welcomes actress Kelly Marie Tran to discuss her illustrious career, recent projects, and personal insights. The episode blends humor with heartfelt conversation, offering listeners an engaging deep dive into Kelly's experiences in Hollywood and beyond.

I. Kelly Marie Tran’s Career Journey

Scott Aukerman introduces Kelly Marie Tran, highlighting her roles in "Raya and the Last Dragon" and the "Star Wars" franchise.

A. Early Roles and Breakthrough in Star Wars

Kelly Marie Tran reflects on her unexpected rise to fame through her role as Rose Tico in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

Kelly Marie Tran [02:28]: "I still can't believe that happened. What a wacky time."

B. Filming Experiences in Star Wars

Tran shares anecdotes about the challenges and joys of filming blockbuster scenes, often involving green screens and elaborate setups.

Ram Randall Handler [05:05]: "Were you constantly, like, in front of a green screen or were you out in the jungle and stuff?"

Kelly Marie Tran [05:05]: "I would say both. So a lot of the things that you're seeing on screen in terms of, like, wow, I can't speak in terms of, like, ships and aliens. Those are all there, but the actual space wasn't there."

C. Dealing with Toxic Fan Bases

Tran candidly discusses the pressures and negative aspects of fan interactions, particularly within the vast Star Wars community.

Randall Handler [06:15]: "I would say Star Wars is like, around there [with toxic fan bases]."

Kelly Marie Tran [07:06]: "I didn't know that toxic fandom was a thing. I thought, you know, when I get there, these people are going to be so evolved."

II. New Projects and Upcoming Releases

A. "Wedding Banquet" Film

Tran delves into her latest project, "Wedding Banquet," a reimagined take on the classic story involving two gay couples navigating complex relationships and societal expectations.

Randall Handler [13:48]: "It's a remake of the Ong Leaf film from the '90s, is that right?"

Kelly Marie Tran [13:41]: "Yes, it's a remake. They're calling it more of a reimagining because the story is completely different."

B. Other Recent Works

She briefly mentions her involvement in animated films and television, maintaining a diverse portfolio beyond her blockbuster appearances.

Randall Handler [17:17]: "But yeah, because you're playing... it's a very different role than the Star Wars movies."

III. Personal Growth and Reflections

A. Overcoming Challenges and Self-Validation

Tran opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of self-validation over external approval, especially after facing backlash from her Star Wars role.

Kelly Marie Tran [11:48]: "I've done this self work to recognize that I'm no longer looking to other people for validation of the things that I do work wise."

B. Embracing Therapy and Healing

She speaks about her commitment to therapy and self-improvement, illustrating her resilience and dedication to mental health.

Kelly Marie Tran [11:13]: "I have been to a lot of therapy and done a lot of self work, you know."

Randall Handler [12:14]: "I think that the majority of people just go see these films and appreciate them and then never talk about it."

IV. Lighthearted Conversations and Humor

Throughout the episode, Scott and Randall infuse the conversation with humor, poking fun at Hollywood clichés and engaging in playful banter. Notably, they joke about the intensity of working on high-budget sets and the quirks of the entertainment industry.

Randall Handler [09:45]: "How long does it take to film one of those? Let me guess. You probably filmed... I would think that they take about, like, two weeks."

Kelly Marie Tran [09:57]: "But the first one I was in, I was there for eight months."

Their lighthearted exchanges provide a refreshing balance to the more serious discussions, showcasing the podcast's signature comedic flair.

V. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Kelly expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to share her experiences and emphasizes the importance of community and support within the industry.

Kelly Marie Tran [85:35]: "Make the headlines fun."

Randall Handler [85:57]: "We care. When you're here, you're also family."

The hosts conclude by promoting Kelly’s upcoming projects and reiterating the show's commitment to fostering meaningful and entertaining conversations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kelly Marie Tran [02:28]: "I still can't believe that happened. What a wacky time."
• Kelly Marie Tran [07:06]: "I didn't know that toxic fandom was a thing. I thought, you know, when I get there, these people are going to be so evolved."
• Kelly Marie Tran [11:48]: "I've done this self work to recognize that I'm no longer looking to other people for validation of the things that I do work wise."
• Randall Handler [12:14]: "I think that the majority of people just go see these films and appreciate them and then never talk about it."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Comedy Bang Bang offers a blend of humor, candid conversation, and insightful reflections from Kelly Marie Tran. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of Kelly's professional journey, personal growth, and the complexities of navigating fame in the modern entertainment landscape. The dynamic between Scott, Randall, and Kelly ensures an engaging and memorable listening experience.