Exclusive Interview: Selena Tan Talks Shotgun Wedding, Dim Sum Dollies, and More

Selena Tan is a multitalented artist who has quickly made a name for herself with the dynamic characters and stories she’s brought to life in front of and behind the camera. She’s best known for her breakout role in Crazy Rich Asians and can now be seen starring opposite Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, and Jennifer Coolidge in Prime Video’s Shotgun Wedding.

In Shotgun Wedding, Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) gather their lovable but very opinionated families for the ultimate destination wedding, just as the couple begin to get cold feet. And if that wasn’t enough of a threat to the celebration, suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage. “’Til Death Do Us Part” takes on a whole new meaning in this hilarious, adrenaline-fueled adventure as Darcy and Tom must save their loved ones—if they don’t kill each other first.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Selena about her impressive career, Shotgun Wedding, and more.

PC: You are a multifaceted talent. How did you initially discover your passion for the arts and storytelling?
Selena: Thank you. I think a lot of it came from playing make believe at a young age. My older cousin Veronica would look after my sisters and I after school, and we used to pretend we were running a diner when it was mealtimes or that we were in a library when we were reading in the bedroom or in a military camp ready for inspection when we had to do some chores and clean up. There was always some story, some drama that made things fun and exciting. We were constantly reading too. Like lots of Enid Blyton or Alfred Hitchcock. So many different plots and characters jumping out of the page. At that time, of course, it was all just fun, but that’s where the love for a good story was instilled in us.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Selena: When I was in my early teens, we lived in an estate with other military families because my dad was an officer. So, every year, the Music and Drama Company from the Singapore Armed Forces would pitch an outdoor stage in our estate and they would put on a show full of razzmatazz and comedy skits with song and dance. I was always completely mesmerized by the shows and the amazing talent. I think it really shaped my love for show business and live performances.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Selena: About twenty years ago, I created a cabaret trio inspired by a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe a few years before that. The trio is called the Dim Sum Dollies. Our work is satirical, fantastical, and full-on sequins. In our third outing as the Dollies, we staged The Revenge of the Dim Sum Dollies in a 2000-seater theater in Singapore called the Esplanade. On opening night, before the curtains came up on a full house, I remember letting the moment sink in and just feeling this unbelievable sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and bewilderment all at once. I was in love with the work, with my fellow dollies and team, and in love with the audience who were ready to fall in love with us. A moment I will never forget.

PC: In addition to acting, you’ve also produced, written, and directed. How have your experiences behind the camera impacted your work on the screen and stage and vice versa?
Selena: The impact of writing, producing, and directing upon my work as a performer has been positive as well as negative at times. Of course, being behind the scenes has given me lots of insights as to what I should or could be adding to my performance. However, I do feel it is important to just be an actor—to be free of other considerations that may come into play when wearing other hats. As an actor, I have to constantly remind myself to be unencumbered—to be a true vessel and not be distracted by other things.

PC: You are one of the stars of Shotgun Wedding. Tell us about the project, your character, and what attracted you to it!
Selena: I play the role of Margie in the movie. She is a Filipina lady who runs the resort on an island in the Philippines where the wedding is taking place. I loved the fact that the character is specifically South East Asian and that she is the one helping to plan this wedding. It’s funny because I have planned and officiated and yes, sung, at many of my friends’ weddings, some of which have happened on islands!

PC: You’re no stranger to comedy. What is it about this genre that excites you as a creative?
Selena: Comedy is extremely challenging but super rewarding. But I am sure that can be said of any other genre. I think all genres have something to bring to the table. But I love comedy because it is one of the more universally accessible mediums. You can put across complex ideas, feelings, and opinions in a comedic way which somehow makes things more palatable. Everyone can have a good laugh but still have something to chew on after. It’s the dish that keeps on giving.

PC: You’re working opposite Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel. What was it like getting to collaborate with them as you brought this story to life?
Selena: It was surreal and wonderful. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would get to meet and work with such legends. Not just Jennifer and Josh but the entire ensemble is a really an all-star cast. With Jennifer Coolidge, D’Arcy Carden, Callie Hernandez, Steve Coulter, Desmin Borges, Sonia Braga, Cheech Marin, and Lenny Kravitz I had to pinch myself a lot! Everyone was very loving and giving. It really made the entire experience feel like a family getting away on a summer vacation in the Dominican Republic, and…shooting a film in the sun!

PC: Besides Shotgun Wedding, what’s next for you?
Selena: I’m continuing with my work in Singapore. I run a theater production company called Dream Academy Productions, and we stage three to four shows each year. Dim Sum Dollies also takes up quite a bit of my time, and hopefully, I get a chance to make Crazy Rich Asians 2 and 3 too! ’Cause without that movie, I am not sure I would have had a chance to be in this one.

To keep up with Selena, follow on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Shotgun Wedding on Amazon Prime today.