Constance Wu Criticizes Andrew Barth Feldman Over Controversial Casting in Maybe Happy Ending

Constance Wu is speaking out against Andrew Barth Feldman amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the casting of the musical Maybe Happy Ending. The show, originally praised for casting Asian leads, drew backlash when Feldman, a white actor, was selected to replace Darren Criss, raising concerns about Asian American representation and erasure in theater.

Feldman, widely known for his Broadway debut in Dear Evan Hansen and for starring opposite Jennifer Lawrence in No Hard Feelings, is currently performing in the musical through November 1, after which Criss will return. While Feldman’s acting credentials are well recognized, his casting in a show celebrated for its Asian inclusivity has sparked intense criticism, particularly from within the Asian American performing arts community.

Wu initially shared her frustration via her Instagram Stories, labeling the decision as “cowardly, disrespectful, and sad.” She criticized Feldman’s silence in the face of public outcry, referencing the thousands of signatures gathered on a petition by BD Wong that called for accountability and acknowledgment from the production team. According to Wu, “Remaining silent is complicity in racism.”

The Crazy Rich Asians star further emphasized that even a respectful disagreement would be better than complete silence, urging Feldman to use his racial privilege responsibly. Her message was clear: acknowledging the existence and pain of the Asian American community is vital for progress and representation.

In a later update, Wu revealed that she and Feldman had a lengthy, seemingly productive conversation about the controversy. They exchanged calls, emails, and texts, and Wu expressed hope that some understanding had been reached. However, she later voiced deep disappointment after receiving a voice memo from Feldman that she felt dismissed their earlier dialogue.

Wu’s most recent message expressed discouragement and exhaustion, noting how Asian American voices continue to go unheard in mainstream theater. She mentioned the continued silence of producers and others involved with Maybe Happy Ending, suggesting that their strategy of ignoring the backlash has been effective, even as the show reportedly performs well at the box office.

She ended her statement by highlighting an uncomfortable truth: “Silence is a choice.” And for Feldman, the responsibility placed on him may be unfair, but the question remains whether he will use his platform to speak up or continue to stay silent.

Meanwhile, Helen J. Shen, Feldman’s real-life girlfriend and co-star in the show, has reacted to the situation, though her comments have not yet been made public in detail.

This controversy underscores a recurring issue in the entertainment industry: the erasure of marginalized voices in favor of mainstream appeal, even in productions that initially seem progressive.