Brad Falchuk, the acclaimed writer and producer known for his work on shows like 'Nip/Tuck,' 'Glee,' 'American Horror Story,' and 'Pose,' recently debuted his first project without frequent collaborator Ryan Murphy. Titled 'The Brothers Sun,' this dark comedy was co-created by Falchuk and newcomer Byron Wu under the Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision banner.
Falchuk, who began his career in 2001 with a writing credit on the sci-fi series 'Earth: Final Conflict,' recalls the exhilarating feeling of seeing his words come to life on screen, even for a show he describes as 'deeply mediocre' that aired in less prominent time slots. With each new project, his passion for storytelling has only grown stronger.
'The Brothers Sun' tells the story of Charles, a member of a Taiwanese criminal organization, who is forced to protect his mother and younger brother in Los Angeles after his father, the head of the triad, becomes the target of an assassin. This show explores themes of family, identity, and generational issues beneath its darkly comedic surface.
To bring authenticity to the series, Falchuk assembled an all-Asian writers room, allowing diverse voices and experiences to shape the narrative. Falchuk, as the co-showrunner, encouraged the writers to delve deeper into their own stories and backgrounds, asking insightful questions that pushed them to reach emotional truths.
Byron Wu, a newcomer to the writers room, credits Falchuk for his guidance and ability to extract the essence of each writer's perspective. Falchuk's questions about family, origins, and personal experiences helped Wu and the other writers navigate their own identities and create multi-dimensional characters.
Securing Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh for the pivotal role of Eileen, the mother of Charles and Bruce, was a significant achievement for Falchuk and Wu. Meeting Yeoh at the prestigious Beverly Wilshire hotel, they presented their project and were thrilled when she readily accepted the role. Yeoh, known for her serious roles, embraced the opportunity to showcase her comedic side in 'The Brothers Sun.'
Falchuk's ability to provide meaty roles for veteran actors and launch the careers of rising stars has become a trademark of his work. He has collaborated with talented actors like Angela Bassett and Jessica Lange and played a part in making names for performers such as Sarah Paulson, Billy Porter, Evan Peters, Lea Michele, Darren Criss, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
For Falchuk, working with these accomplished individuals has been both humbling and transformative. Surrounding himself with 'geniuses' has allowed him to learn, grow, and be pushed in the right directions. He aims to replicate this experience behind the scenes, mentoring and empowering new talents like Byron Wu, so they too can become masters of their craft.
As 'The Brothers Sun' embarks on its journey, Falchuk envisions a future where his presence is no longer necessary. He hopes that the show will continue for many seasons, providing opportunities for fresh voices and perspectives to shine. For him, the ultimate success lies in nurturing new talent and creating a space where creative visions flourish.
With his impressive track record and commitment to storytelling, Brad Falchuk's contributions to the television industry are undeniable. As he explores new creative territories and tackles complex themes, audiences can anticipate a captivating and thought-provoking viewing experience in 'The Brothers Sun' and beyond.
