Who Is Justin Chien? Meet Netflix’s Rising Action Star
Justin Chien is a Taiwanese-American actor, martial artist, and filmmaker who gained widespread recognition for his starring role as Charles Sun in Netflix’s action-comedy series The Brothers Sun. Here’s what you need to know about this breakout talent:
Quick Facts:
- Breakout Role: Charles Sun in The Brothers Sun (2024) alongside Michelle Yeoh
- Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
- Martial Arts: 10 years of Muay Thai training, Blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu (4 years)
- Education: BFA from University of Southern California
- Social Media: 150,000+ Instagram followers
- Behind the Camera: Writer, director, and producer of multiple short films
In an industry hungry for authentic action stars who can actually do the stunts, Justin Chien arrived at the perfect moment. His decade of martial arts training made him a natural fit for the high-octane fight sequences in The Brothers Sun, where he performs many of his own stunts alongside Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.
But Chien isn’t just another action performer. He’s a multi-talented creator who studied at USC’s prestigious BFA program and has written, directed, and produced several short films. His work Continuum (2018) earned selections at multiple film festivals, including the 2019 DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon.
Before landing his breakout Netflix role, Chien appeared in projects like Two Sides: Unfaithful (12 episodes), The Order (2021), and Fine China (2020). His IMDb Starmeter ranking currently sits in the Top 5,000, reflecting his rapid rise in Hollywood visibility. With two award nominations already under his belt and a growing fanbase, this Taiwanese-American talent represents a new generation of actors bringing both authentic martial arts skills and genuine dramatic range to the screen.
The Breakout Role: Charles Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun’
For many, the name Justin Chien became synonymous with the character Charles Sun, the formidable yet surprisingly tender elder brother in Netflix’s critically acclaimed action-comedy series, The Brothers Sun. This role truly catapulted him into the global spotlight, showcasing his unique blend of martial arts prowess and genuine acting talent. The series, which premiered in 2024, quickly garnered attention for its unique blend of comedic timing, heartfelt family drama, and incredibly choreographed action sequences.
Charles Sun, as portrayed by Chien, is a Taipei gangster who finds himself thrust into an unfamiliar world when he must travel to Los Angeles to protect his mother and younger brother after his father is attacked. This fish-out-of-water scenario provides much of the show’s humor, while the underlying family dynamics offer its emotional core. What makes Charles so compelling is the duality of his character: a ruthless enforcer trained from birth in the ways of violence, yet also a deeply loyal son and brother, yearning for a simpler life as a pastry chef. This complex portrayal allowed Chien to flex both his dramatic and comedic muscles, proving he’s far more than just an action star.
Working alongside the legendary Michelle Yeoh, who plays his formidable mother, Eileen Sun, was undoubtedly a career highlight and an invaluable learning experience for Justin Chien. Yeoh, an Academy Award winner and martial arts icon herself, brought an immense presence to the set. Their on-screen chemistry, a mix of respect, tension, and deep familial love, was palpable and central to the series’ success. As Chien himself noted in interviews, learning from a master like Yeoh was transformative. Their interactions, whether in intense emotional scenes or intricate fight sequences, liftd the entire production.
The action-comedy genre often demands a delicate balance, and The Brothers Sun nailed it, largely thanks to its cast and their commitment to the physical demands of their roles. Chien’s extensive martial arts background was a significant asset here, making him a natural fit for the show’s high-octane fight choreography. He wasn’t just performing stunts; he was embodying a character whose life revolved around combat. This authenticity resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Preparing for the role involved intensive stunt training and fight choreography. While Chien already possessed a decade of Muay Thai experience and a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, adapting these skills to the specific demands of on-screen combat, which often requires precision and repeatability for the camera, is a distinct art form. He had to learn the specific “language” of the show’s fights, ensuring that every punch, kick, and grapple told part of Charles’s story. The Netflix Tudum article, “How Justin Chien Went “Full Keanu” in The Brothers Sun – Netflix“, highlights how his dedication allowed him to perform many of his own elaborate stunts, earning him praise for his commitment and contributing to the show’s realistic action sequences. This dedication to his craft, both physical and emotional, is a testament to his talent and hard work.
The critical acclaim for The Brothers Sun often singled out Chien’s performance, recognizing his ability to anchor the series with both his action credibility and his endearing portrayal of a conflicted character. The series itself achieved a solid 7.6 rating on IMDb, airing 8 episodes that left viewers clamoring for more. This breakout role has firmly established Justin Chien as a name to watch in Hollywood, particularly in the action and dramatic genres.
The Making of an Action Star: Martial Arts Mastery
One of the defining aspects of Justin Chien’s burgeoning career, and certainly a key factor in his success in The Brothers Sun, is his profound background in martial arts. This isn’t a casual hobby; it’s a dedicated discipline that has shaped not only his physical capabilities but also his mental fortitude and approach to his acting career. We’ve seen many actors train for specific roles, but for Justin, martial arts is a lifelong pursuit, making him an authentic action star.
His journey into martial arts began over a decade ago with Muay Thai, a combat sport often referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs” due due to its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Justin Chien has been practicing Muay Thai for the last 10 years, imbuing him with a formidable skillset that includes powerful strikes, clinch fighting, and exceptional conditioning. This long-term dedication to such a demanding discipline speaks volumes about his commitment and resilience.
Complementing his striking background, Chien also holds a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, an art he has trained in for the last four years. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with its focus on struggling, ground fighting, and submission holds, provides a complete and versatile combat skill set. The combination of Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu means Justin is proficient in both standing and ground combat, making him a truly well-rounded martial artist. This extensive training goes beyond mere physical exercise; it instills a deep sense of discipline, respect, and strategic thinking.
This rigorous physical discipline has profoundly influenced his acting career, particularly in roles that demand authenticity in combat. For The Brothers Sun, his martial arts background made some of the action scenes significantly easier to film, as he already possessed the foundational skills and body awareness necessary for complex choreography. Directors and stunt coordinators appreciate actors who can genuinely perform their own stunts, as it allows for more dynamic camera work, reduces the need for extensive stunt doubling, and ultimately makes the on-screen action more believable and impactful.
In an interview with Screen Rant, “The Brothers Sun Interview: Justin Chien On Sibling Bonding & Martial Arts Mastery – Screen Rant“, Justin Chien discussed how his martial arts training not only prepared him physically but also mentally for the demands of the role. The discipline required to master these arts translates directly into the focus and dedication needed for acting. We believe that this deep understanding of combat, paired with his acting talent, allows him to bring a level of realism and intensity to his action sequences that few can match. He’s not just faking it for the camera; he’s drawing on years of genuine experience. This is a rare and valuable asset in the entertainment industry, particularly for projects that aim for high-quality, authentic action.
From USC to the Silver Screen: The Career Path of Justin Chien
The journey to becoming a recognized actor like Justin Chien is rarely a straight path. It’s often a winding road paved with foundational education, early projects, and a relentless pursuit of creative endeavors. His story is one of dedication, starting from academic excellence in Los Angeles and extending to various creative pursuits that have shaped his versatile talent. He is currently represented by Venture Entertainment Partners, a testament to his rising profile in the industry.
Educational Foundation and Early Projects for Justin Chien
Our exploration of Justin Chien’s career begins with his formal education, a cornerstone of his development as a performing artist. He honed his craft at the prestigious University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. The USC BFA program is renowned for its rigorous training in acting, directing, and various aspects of theatrical and cinematic production. During his time there, he gained invaluable experience, including participating in a notable six-hour production of The Kentucky Cycle, which speaks to his commitment to intense and demanding stage work. This academic foundation in Los Angeles provided him with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that would underpin his future success.
Before his breakout role in The Brothers Sun, Justin Chien diligently built his resume with a variety of projects. His early career included several short films, which are often crucial proving grounds for emerging talent. These films allowed him to experiment with different characters and genres, refining his on-screen presence.
He also gained significant television experience, appearing on 12 episodes of the series Two Sides: Unfaithful. This recurring role provided consistent exposure and the opportunity to develop a character arc over multiple episodes, a valuable experience for any actor. In addition to this, he featured in the 2021 short film The Order, further expanding his filmography. Other notable early works include Sun Moon (2023) and Kodama (2023), demonstrating his consistent engagement in diverse cinematic projects leading up to his major Netflix debut.
A significant early recognition of his talent came when Justin Chien was cast as Allan in the Disney Television Finds: Talent Showcase. This program is a highly competitive platform designed to identify and promote emerging actors, providing them with exposure to industry professionals and potential casting opportunities. His selection for this showcase underscored his potential as a rising star even before he landed his most famous role.
A Multi-Talented Creator Behind the Camera
What sets Justin Chien apart from many of his peers is his commitment to creative endeavors beyond acting. He isn’t merely a performer; he’s a multi-talented creator who has digd into directing, writing, and producing. This holistic approach to filmmaking showcases his passion for storytelling and his desire to contribute to the art form from multiple perspectives.
One of his most notable projects behind the camera is the short film Continuum (2018), which he co-directed and co-wrote. This film achieved significant recognition, being selected for several film festivals, including the esteemed 2019 DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon. Such selections are a strong indicator of a film’s quality and artistic merit, bringing wider attention to Chien’s abilities as a filmmaker. His involvement in Continuum highlights his capacity to not only perform on screen but also to conceptualize, develop, and execute a cinematic vision. He also contributed as a writer to another short film titled Reverallium, released in 2017, further cementing his credentials as a burgeoning creative force in the industry. This multifaceted engagement with film production underscores his comprehensive understanding of the craft.
Notable Roles and Accolades for Justin Chien
While The Brothers Sun remains his most prominent role, Justin Chien’s filmography prior to the Netflix series includes a range of projects that contributed to his development and visibility. Some of these key roles before his breakout success include:
- The Order (2021): A short film where he played a significant role, showcasing his early dramatic capabilities.
- Fine China (2020): Another short film, demonstrating his versatility across different narratives.
- Endless Yesterdays (2021): A project that further expanded his experience in short-form storytelling.
- Two Sides: Unfaithful (2021): His recurring role across 12 episodes provided a consistent platform for his acting, allowing him to explore character development over an extended period.
- Sun Moon (2023): A more recent short, indicating his continuous work in the independent film scene.
- Kodama (2023): Another recent short, further building his experience.
- Pool Boy (2021): A short film that added to his diverse portfolio.
His growing impact in the industry is also reflected in his accolades. Justin Chien has already received 2 nominations for awards, signaling recognition from within the entertainment community for his compelling performances. Furthermore, his rising profile is quantifiable through metrics like the IMDb Starmeter. He currently holds a rank of 549 within the Top 5,000, which is an impressive achievement for an actor still relatively early in their career. This ranking indicates a significant increase in page views and industry interest on IMDb, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
For a comprehensive look at his filmography and professional details, we recommend visiting his official IMDb page: Justin Chien – IMDb. His trajectory clearly indicates that he is an actor with immense potential, whose hard work and diverse talents are now being recognized on a global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Justin Chien
As Justin Chien’s star continues to rise, many fans and industry observers are keen to learn more about the man behind the captivating performances. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about him.
How tall is Justin Chien?
Justin Chien stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches, which translates to approximately 1.80 meters. This stature contributes to his commanding physical presence on screen, particularly in action sequences where his height allows for dynamic and impactful movements. His build and height lend credibility to his roles as formidable characters, such as Charles Sun in The Brothers Sun.
What martial arts does Justin Chien practice?
Justin Chien is a dedicated martial artist with a significant background in two distinct disciplines: Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. He has been practicing Muay Thai for the past 10 years, mastering its powerful strikes and clinch techniques. In addition to this, he holds a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, an art he has trained in for four years, focusing on struggling and ground control. This dual expertise makes him a highly skilled and versatile combatant, capable of handling various fighting scenarios, both on and off-screen. His long-term commitment to these martial arts underscores his discipline and athleticism.
What is Justin Chien’s nationality?
Justin Chien is a Taiwanese-American actor. This bicultural background is an important part of his identity and contributes to the rich diversity of talent emerging in Hollywood. His heritage not only offers a unique perspective but also allows for authentic representation in roles that resonate with diverse audiences. As an actor of Taiwanese-American descent, he contributes to a broader and more inclusive narrative in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
From his disciplined martial arts training and foundational education at USC in Los Angeles to his breakout role as Charles Sun in Netflix’s The Brothers Sun, Justin Chien has swiftly established himself as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. We’ve traced his journey from early short films and television appearances to his current status as a rising star, celebrated for his authentic action capabilities and compelling dramatic performances.
His unique blend of intense physical discipline, honed through a decade of Muay Thai and four years of Jiu-Jitsu, combined with his academic rigor in acting, positions him as a truly remarkable artist. We’ve seen how his commitment extends beyond performing, with his ventures into directing, writing, and producing, showcasing a comprehensive passion for storytelling. With award nominations already under his belt and a rapidly growing fanbase, Justin Chien is not just an actor to watch; he is a force who is shaping the future of action-comedy and authentic representation in Hollywood. We eagerly anticipate his next projects and the continued evolution of his impressive career.
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