The Summer of Sherry Cola Strikes Again with the Action-Comedy ‘Bride Hard’

The summer belongs to Sherry Cola (again), and rightfully so. As an actor, writer, comedian, and trailblazer, she’s built a career rooted in honesty, humor, and intention. With every project, she challenges expectations and creates space for stories that reflect the world as it truly is—messy, funny, heartfelt, and human. Whether she’s delivering a punchline or making a point, Sherry brings something entirely her own to the screen—and audiences are paying attention.

In Bride Hard, Sherry joins Rebel Wilson in a high-octane action-comedy that blends bullets with bridal bouquets. Sam (Rebel Wilson) is a world-class secret agent who’s just been demoted to bridesmaid after skipping out on her maid-of-honor duties for an international mission. What should’ve been a weekend of reconnection quickly turns into a five-star death trap when armed mercenaries crash the big day. Sherry shines as Nadine, Sam’s colleague and friend who reminds her to let loose, live a little, and not take life—or herself—too seriously. Whether dodging danger or dishing out unfiltered advice, Nadine brings both heart and hilarity to the chaos, proving that every hero needs a ride-or-die. It’s a role that gives Sherry the space to deliver big laughs, a little chaos, and plenty of charm—proving once again that she knows exactly how to steal a scene.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Sherry about her role in Bride Hard, the women who’ve shown up for her, and the responsibility she carries with every project. From redefining what comedic leads can look like to bringing her full self to every performance, Sherry continues doing it on her terms—reminding us that she’s not just having a moment, she’s shaping the movement.

PC: The “Summer of Sherry Cola” is back—but truthfully, you’ve been paving the way for our community your entire career, and the industry is finally catching on. You’ve been so intentional about claiming space not just for yourself, but for all of us. How does Bride Hard align with those values? What was it about this project that spoke to you?
Sherry: Thank you for using the word “intentional,” and thank you for saying those kind words. This is what the American dream is all about—especially for me, as an immigrant from Shanghai. The fact that I get to be in this movie with five badass women—this is the definition of women kicking ass and proving people wrong.

Being part of it means breaking stereotypes and getting to be raunchy, type-A, militant, and serious at times. This film has it all, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it because it’s just a fun ride.

PC: Yeah, I had a blast watching it last night. I love that your character reminds Rebel Wilson’s character how important it is to maintain work-life balance and nurture female friendships. Who are the women in your own life who’ve shown up for you in a similar way? Did you channel them into that dynamic?
Sherry: My mom has been pivotal throughout my entire life. I’m always doing so much, and she constantly reminds me to drink my ginseng tea, to ease the pressure I put on myself, and to take it easy. She celebrates my victories and reminds me of everything I’ve accomplished. She’ll tell me to take a breather and go eat a steak. [laughs] My mom is always making sure I’ve had dinner—you know how Asian moms are.

She definitely keeps me grounded because I’ve already surpassed all of our expectations. The fact that I get to do something that so many kids who look like me didn’t think was possible—it means everything. I hope that, just like the trailblazers Michelle Yeoh, Sandra Oh, Lucy Liu, and Margaret Cho did for me, I can do that for the next generation and show them that this is a career they can actually pursue.

And yes, work-life balance is definitely a theme in the film. I’m learning it every day.

PC: I hope you get a moment to reflect on everything you’re doing for young Asian creatives who want to see themselves reflected in the media they consume. I also know you’re a huge fan of one-liners, and there are so many great ones in this film. Was there a favorite improvised moment that made the final cut you’re especially excited for audiences to see?
Sherry: I saw a version of myself—talking about sex, as per usual—telling Rebel’s character, Sam, to loosen up and have some fun. There were a lot of metaphors for sex, which made it such a blast. And getting to riff off Rebel? I mean, come on—she’s a comedic genius. I definitely don’t take for granted how often we got to share the screen. Everyone in this cast is brilliant, beautiful, and talented.

I can’t wait for people to see that women are multi-dimensional. I talk a lot about being Asian, and I’m so proud of that—but I’m also a proud woman trying to prove that we can do it all. We’re layered. We have more than one thing to say. And this film gave us a stage to say it. I’m really proud of that.

PC: You should be. There were so many moments where I found myself thinking, “Did they really just say that?” I also love that all of Sam’s friends are shocked to learn she’s actually a badass secret agent. Looking back at the characters you’ve played, who do you think could secretly be living a double life?
Sherry: I feel like Lolo in Joy Ride could be. She’s a sneaky one. If we ever found out she was secretly running cons or working as a bounty hunter or something, I’d totally believe it.

PC: Going back to my first question—outside of this, you’ve got so many exciting things in the works. What’s next for you?
Sherry: I was very lucky to be part of Season 3 of Shrinking. It’s such a special character I got to play. I can’t say too much about it, but that show is so honest, provocative, and hilarious. I can’t wait for it to come out because it shows a different layer of me that people haven’t seen yet.

I’m also in Good Fortune, which hits theaters in October with Aziz [Ansari], Seth [Rogen], Keanu [Reeves], Sandra Oh, and Keke Palmer. I feel really lucky that I get to keep doing what I love.

And I’m developing my own TV show. After being on Good Trouble for six years and five seasons, I realized I still have a deep passion for television—especially now, when TV is in such a phenomenal place. So… what is the Sherry Cola TV show? Stay tuned.

To keep up with Sherry, follow her on X and Instagram. Bride Hard is in theaters now.

Photo Credit: Magenta Light Studios