Brenda Song’s career trajectory has been an interesting one, especially as she navigated the balance between her early Disney roles and her desire to break into more mature, adult roles.
Recently, she reflected on one such opportunity she was denied by Disney, which involved a role in Clint Eastwood’s 2008 film Gran Torino.
Disney’s Decision to Block Song’s Role in Gran Torino
In a recent interview, Song, 37, spoke about how her ambitions were affected when The Walt Disney Company blocked her from pursuing a role in Gran Torino, a film that would have marked a significant departure from her previous family-friendly roles.
The movie, which tells the story of a Korean War veteran, played by Eastwood, who bonds with his Hmong neighbors, had a character that featured a sexual assault scene — a plot point that Disney didn’t support for one of its stars.
“The character had an intended sexual assault scene, so Disney nixed it,” Song explained, according to Variety. She added that she was “very upset” about being denied the chance to go after such a role, as it represented a step into more adult and complex material. However, she said, “I was like, ‘Okay, I guess it didn’t work out.’”
Disney Channel Years and Career Growth
At the time, Song was starring in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, one of Disney Channel’s most popular shows. Her involvement with Disney at that point had made her a household name, and she had played beloved roles in several other Disney films and series, including Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006) and Phil of the Future.
But Song was eager to expand her career beyond Disney’s scope and explore more diverse roles in mainstream Hollywood.
Her desire to grow as an actress was evident in her earlier choices, which included landing her first Disney role in The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000) and working on various projects like Get a Clue (2002) and Stuck in the Suburbs (2004).
The Turning Point: The Social Network
While her early career was tied to Disney, Song’s breakout into more adult, mainstream projects came with her role in David Fincher’s The Social Network (2010). The film, about the founding of Facebook, was a huge success, and Song starred as the fictional character Christy Lee, acting alongside Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake.
However, her desire to take on this role was met with some pushback, similar to the challenges she faced with Gran Torino. Song shared that she had to personally plead her case to Gary Marsh, the then-president and COO for Disney’s branded television.
“I was just like, ‘I am an actor. When you hired me, I was not a hotel heiress. If I have ever done anything in my personal life to ever draw bad attention to your company, I understand. But this is the last season of the show, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime,'” she said.
She continued to express gratitude for the support she received from Disney, adding, “And I was so fortunate, they were so supportive. They allowed me to do this film that truly changed my life.”
A Successful Transition to Mainstream Acting
Since her role in The Social Network, Brenda Song has continued to expand her career, taking on roles in various television series, including Scandal, New Girl, Dads, Pure Genius, and Station 19. More recently, she starred in the series Dollface and Blue Eye Samurai, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
Her journey from child model and Disney star to respected actress in mainstream projects has been both inspiring and a testament to her talent and determination to be taken seriously as an artist.
Looking Ahead
Brenda Song’s story is one of perseverance and growth, navigating the pressures of fame and a desire to challenge herself as an actress. Despite Disney’s restrictions early on, she was able to break free and carve out a successful career in Hollywood, taking on roles that showcase her range and versatility.
With her recent successes in projects like The Last Showgirl and Running Point, it’s clear that Song has a bright future ahead of her in the entertainment industry.
