Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh has reacted to the news of her series getting axed. Photo: Handout
Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is “heartbroken” over streaming giant Netflix's decision to axe her action comedy series, The Brothers Sun, after one season.
In an Instagram update today (March 6), the 61-year-old said: “Heartbroken... and finding it so hard to understand why... however, I am so very proud of my Brothers Sun family and what we presented to the world. Heads held high.”
The Oscar winner’s post was accompanied by several photos with her co-stars.
Created by Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu, The Brothers Sun tells the story of Charles Sun (Justin Chien), who must travel to Los Angeles to protect his mother Eileen (Yeoh) and younger brother Bruce (Sam Li) after his father – the head of a Taipei triad – is shot by an assassin.
The eight-episode series received rave reviews upon its premiere on Jan 4, with many critics praising Yeoh for her stellar performance as “Mama” Sun.
While the show spent five weeks in the Netflix Top 10 for English-language series, peaking at No. 2, it reportedly failed to attract a large audience.
According to American entertainment portal Deadline, its number of weekly viewers stayed below seven million and fell under two million for its last two weeks in the Top 10.
Despite its numbers, The Brothers Sun has its own group of devoted followers.
The decision to cancel the series has been met with ire from fans, who have taken to social media to express their disappointment and call for other networks to pick up the project.
Canadian poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur said the news was “disappointing”.
“It was the first show I watched this year because it was so much fun and I fell in love with the characters. It was so well done. Thank you Michelle + cast & crew,” she said.
Another fan added: “As an Asian American, it was amazing to see such a great cast in the Western media. Heartbroken to see it end.”
“I’m genuinely loving the show... hoping another service will pick it up,” said another.
