Exclusive Interview with Sam Li from Netflix’s “The Brothers Sun”
Born in Guangzhou, China, and raised under the sunny skies of Southern California, Sam Song Li’s early life was a blend of East and West, a fusion that deeply informs his artistic expressions today. From an early age, Li was captivated by the magic of storytelling, channeling his creativity into home movies and comedy sketches. He carved a niche for himself with his original content that resonated with both Gen Z and Millennials on social media platforms
His passion for filmmaking evolved into a compelling acting career, beginning with notable roles alongside industry stalwarts like Michelle Yeoh. Sam takes center stage in “The Brothers Sun,” a groundbreaking series that marries martial arts and dark comedy to explore the Asian-American experience. This role is especially resonant for Li, who filmed in locations deeply woven into the fabric of his childhood.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into Sam’s creative process, his transition from comedic genius to high-profile actor, and the profound influence of his upbringing on his craft.
Reflecting on your childhood, what were some of the earliest influences or moments that sparked your interest in performance, acting and content creation?
You know, my earliest influence, I think, was actually in high school where I wanted to be a filmmaker of all things. I really was just drawn to making comedy videos. I think for some reason that just really spoke to me. I was always someone who loved to make people laugh and, in a lot of ways, I was sort of the class clown, you know? It wasn’t until I discovered filmmaking and making funny videos that I was able to kind of take my humor and take my skills and show it to our high school. I would do this in the form of school videos or certain things to promote like dances, school dances, etc. Then pretty quickly, I realized that this was what I wanted to do.
I liked the performing arts and specifically the visual arts. I wanted to be a director and I went into college thinking that I was going to be a filmmaker. When I got into college, I realized that a big part of filmmaking was communicating with actors and crafting stories.
That’s how I kind of dipped my toes in acting and everything there is to know about being an actor. Once I started getting into acting, I read some books, I did some plays, did some short films, and I realized I really wanted to do this.
I had a few really incredible conversations with certain professors at that school. Professor Bella was one of them. She told me that I should really consider trying this as a career path because she felt like there was a lot that I had to offer. I’d always been very passionate about it, and doing the extra work for this craft.
I feel like that was maybe rare for her to see in someone who didn’t necessarily even want to be an actor at the time, but wanted to be a filmmaker. She encouraged me to continue and to be hungry, and to try my best.
Funny enough, I just kept on, I took that to heart. So I started making videos when I graduated college. I worked in social media and it was that perfect balance of performing and being an actor, but also all my skillsets as a filmmaker also translated. I think all those videos online kind of helped get some attention from our producers and directors. Every time I have meetings with executives or producers at production studios, they always love to bring up the my social media and filmmaking background. I think it all kind of came full circle.
Do you still want to be a filmmaker or director in the future?
Absolutely! I don’t think that part of me will ever quite dissipate. I think there’s too many stories I want to tell, but just not enough time right now or money or resources to tell them. ( laugh ). So I will wait.
With the rise of streaming platforms and the proliferation of digital content, how do you think the opportunities for content creators to transition into traditional media roles will evolve in the coming years?
Yes, and I think it’s already happening. I think it’s happening sooner than we expect. I feel like content creators will thrive in comedy in the comedy genre. It is my personal opinion because I think so much of content creation. One of the most successful content genre is comedy. I do think from a narrative perspective, a lot of content creators with strong comedy backgrounds are being discovered and are getting opportunities that they probably never got prior to content creation.
I also think that more actors are trying to see what they can do to create more of a social media presence. I think they’re realizing that commercially, it’s a big thing. It’s a big deal. That’s sort of the industry that we’re in. The popularity of who someone is will be a deciding factor, but I don’t think that it will ever overtake traditional film and TV. I think a good story will always be a good story. A good choice for a character will always be the best choice, regardless of how much followers they have or how famous they are. But I do think that it’s intersecting, and I think a lot of executives and people at high levels who are making business decisions are very tempted by the idea of guaranteed eyeballs on a project and of a certain guaranteed viewership.
What was your preparation for your role of ‘Bruce’’ in “The Brothers Sun ‘’ ?
Oh man. I feel like , part of me wants to say my whole life was that preparation for that role. ( laughs ) I feel so close to Bruce in so many different ways. He’s an extension of so much of my hopes, dreams, and what I wanted. Bruce wanted to be an improv comedian. I was making improv comedy videos online every single day before I stepped into my role as Bruce. You know, I grew up with a single mom who took care of me and a sibling. In the show, Michelle Yeoh plays my single mom who takes care of me and a sibling. So in so many ways, I feel like my life story was just kind of leading up to that. It helped me be confident in making some authentic choices about who Bruce is.
But also I took even more improv classes. I took Groundlings classes in preparation for this. I really got a chance to talk and sit down with some of the great improv actors I know in my life to discuss, you know, what it is that makes these guys tick. And that was incredibly helpful. I’ve had some experience ( with improv ) , but not necessarily with Groundlings, that specific school, but in The Brother’s Son, Bruce wants to be a Groundlings actor, an improv actor.
Given the rich narrative and cultural layers in “The Brothers Sun,” what do you hope viewers take away from the series about the Asian American experience?
I have always seen this show as a story about family. I think it is simply packaged in the triad wrapping paper. It’s presented as such, but deep down to its core, it’s a story about family. It’s a story about, specifically, Asian dynamics in a family, what it means to be an older sibling and the expectations that one has for the older sibling, what it means to step up and fulfill family duties… As opposed to individualism.
I think there’s two different cultures kind of clashing. And you really see that in Bruce, because he represents so much of the Americanism of growing up in America and being Asian American. Their family is traditional and you see that in Charles and his loyalty to his family. I think Bruce is at a crossroads and I feel like that is something that we can all relate to, if you come from a background that’s different from where you grew up in.
And that was certainly the case for me. I felt very similar where I had certain expectations, certain traditions, and values to uphold. But at the same time I wanted to go off and pursue my American dream. Me becoming an actor is literally one of the perfect examples of that.
Looking forward, what types of roles are you most eager to explore, and are there any particular genres or stories you are passionate about bringing to life on screen?
I think it would be a rom-com. I would absolutely love to do a rom-com at this stage of my life.
I consider myself a certified lover-boy to my core. I love to romanticize life. I think that right now so much of my life is about romanticizing the moments and the people that I get to share it with. I feel like the love and the connection of a partner, of a life partner, of a romantic partner, is one of the strongest emotions you can ever feel as a human being.
I think that also these days love is cursed and it’s unhinged, it’s crazy and it’s so wild and wacky and weird. I would love to explore more of it because I think it’s complicated, fun and nuanced.
Are you working on anything regarding Rom-Com, or working on any other projects right now?
I cannot share any specific details because, you know, as an actor, nothing is quite guaranteed. But I will say: Don’t be surprised if you see me in a romcom in a year or so when maybe it gets filmed and released!
With his role as Bruce in Netflix’s “The Brothers Sun,” he not only entertains but also brings authenticity and depth to a character that resonates with his own life experiences.
Beyond the screen, Sam’s journey also highlights the power of representation and the importance of embracing one’s cultural heritage. His work demonstrates a commitment to challenge the stigmas often associated with online content creators moving into traditional media, proving that a deep understanding of the craft can indeed bridge different forms of expression. With a promising career ahead and aspirations to explore new roles, particularly in romantic comedies, Sam Li is not just following a path but paving his own. We are eager to accompany him on this journey and see where his boundless creativity takes him next.
Many thanks to Sam for sharing his insights and inspirations with Flanelle.
Photo Credits:
Photography Michael Spencer @mikeyzpencer
Creative Direction Michael and Nicole Spencer @nicolezpencer
Styled Chistina Corso @christina_corso
Set Design Kevin Carneiro @kev.carneiro
Grooming Michael Forrey @michaelforrey
Photography Assistance Mazhar Badani @mazharbadani
Production Studio Spencer @studio__spencer
