How far would you go to protect your family if you knew your lineage was in grave danger? For breakout star and avid Final Destination fan Teo Briones’s latest role as Charlie Reyes in the new Final Destination Bloodlines, his character faces death itself head-on, and all with accurate and empowering cultural representation.
Best known for his scene-stealing intensity throughout his career as a child actor, Teo Briones now brings powerful heart and vulnerability to this latest addition to the beloved horror franchise as the formidable younger brother to fellow lead Kaitlyn Santa Juana’s Stefani.
With both actors being Filipino Americans, it was imperative that the central family of the film, although not overtly stated, portray genuine aspects of the contemporary diasporic Fil-Am identity. Adobo is seen being cooked, there are tsinelas on the floor home, and classic Filipino decor can be seen with a sharp eye on display. All such finely-tuned details serve to subtely, yet unapologetically, remind the audience that the horror genre definitely has space to let Filipino Americans shine, and without being myopically pigeonholed or stereotyped.
Proudly reigning from a prolific Filipino American acting family including father Jon Jon and sister Isa, Teo is using his own rising platform to advocate for stories that reflect the full spectrum of AAPI identity. We had the tremendous pleasure of speaking with the talented luminary to discuss how his upbringing has shaped his career path, the importance of cultural authenticity in film, and the changes he hopes to see in how Hollywood tells Asian American stories.
Hello Teo! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today. Starting off with your upbringing around media, growing up, did you feel there was enough Filipino or Asian representation on screen? How has that shaped your career choices and can you share any challenges you’ve faced?
No! There was not enough representation, Filipinos and Asians in general. So I have been so lucky to be a part of all the projects that I have been. I wouldn’t say it’s shaped my choices, I have really taken the projects that I have been offered that I connected with. As far as challenges, there definitely have been some. I often face the roadblock of being “too Asian” or “too white” depending on the project.
Also, being a half Filipino/half white makes it difficult to fit into a family, which is usually what you have to do when you are a young actor-and I started acting at the age of 5- so often the roles I got were roles which had only 1 parent present, or I was cast first and then they cast the parents later.
Filipino identity, while not explicitly overt in the film, was cleverly on full display in the details of the home, thanks to a cultural “crash course.” What significant reactions or feedback have you received from the Filipino and horror communities since the film’s release?
The Filipino fans are FANTASTIC! I’ve received so many amazing, supportive and heart warming messages from Filipino fans saying how proud they are to see Filipino representation on screen in this huge franchise and how much it means to them. Of course this means so much, not just to me but to my family! I feel so proud that I am the one that got to bring this representation to the franchise. What a gift.
And so what hopes do you have for the future of accurate & respectful AAPI portrayals in entertainment? What kinds of stories and characters would you like to see more of or that you hope to take on next?
What most excites me right now is telling Asian stories. It’s not enough just to have Asians plopped into a story, we need more actual Asian stories. I would love to see a story specifically about being a mixed kid, it’s pretty common now, and I would love to portray that. All the baggage that goes along with it, the cultural identity struggle and confusion about how society views you.
You were a huge fan of the franchise entering it, and you’ve discussed your favorite prior deaths. What would be a fun death scenario you’d come up with?
I think having an earthquake be the inciting event for a Final Destination film would be kind of cool. Not sure how that would play out, but I think it could be an interesting concept to explore.
Family is a key aspect of both the film and of Filipino culture. What do you think are other specifically Filipino traits that would help one survive in a horror movie?
I certainly don’t think the volume of our speaking voices will help! At least not in my family. HAHA! But, maybe our singing would. We could soothe the beast. LOL. (We can also fit into small spaces…that’s helpful.)
Here’s some fun bonus rapid fire questions for you: What could be another horror franchise you think that would be interesting to have an AAPI lens/influence in? Or an Asian film that could have a horror spin?
I bet Wong Kar-Wai could make an awesome horror movie. He’s one of my favorite directors, his films are so stylized, but also subtle at the same time. I’d love to be in a film of his, horror or otherwise.
And lastly, do you have any Filipino/AAPI actors you’d love to work with in the future?
I would love to work with my dad and my sister again! But of course there are so many others. I’d love to work with Hiro Yuki Sanada, Jon Cho…I was lucky enough to work with Lou Diamond Phillips when I was younger, but would love to work with him again…there are just too many to name! I’m looking forward to many years of work ahead, hopefully with some of the greats.
Fingers Crossed.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful and thorough answers, Teo! We are looking forward to your next inspiring cinematic endeavors- horror or otherwise!
You can currently catch Teo and all of the clever Filipino nods that are in Final Destinations Bloodlines in theatres!
