Constance Wu Calls Out Andrew Barth Feldman Over Casting Controversy

Lead: Actress Constance Wu publicly criticized actor Andrew Barth Feldman on social media today, accusing him of ignoring Asian American concerns over his casting in Broadway’s Maybe Happy Ending and expressing her disappointment.

Nut Graf: Wu’s rebuke highlights ongoing debates about representation on Broadway after Feldman, a white actor, replaced Asian American performer Darren Criss in a show rooted in Korean storytelling. The exchange has reignited calls for authentic casting and industry accountability.

Background of the Controversy

  • Maybe Happy Ending won six 2025 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, for its depiction of two helper-robots finding love in Seoul.
  • Darren Criss, of Filipino heritage, originated the role of Oliver; Feldman began his nine-week run on September 2.

Wu’s Public Statement

Constance Wu, star of Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off the Boat, took to Instagram on September 17 to denounce Feldman’s silence after petitions spearheaded by stage veteran B.D. Wong urged him to step aside.

  • She called his response to community concerns “discouraged” and “disappointed.”
  • Wu emphasized that silence in the face of widespread critique equates to complicity in racism.

Industry Reactions and Petition

  • More than 2,400 signatories, including Bowen Yang and Awkwafina, backed Wong’s open letter protesting the casting choice.
  • Producers maintain characters Oliver and Claire are robots, open to varied interpretations, but critics argue cultural specificity matters.

Feldman’s Position

  • To date, Feldman has not issued a detailed public reply beyond initial gratitude for the role.
  • His limited engagement runs through November 1 at the Belasco Theatre, with Darren Criss set to return thereafter.

Broader Implications

  • The debate underscores the importance of inclusive casting in narratives tied to specific cultures.
  • Theater professionals and audiences alike are watching closely for how Feldman and the Maybe Happy Ending creative team address these representation concerns going forward.