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Ken Jeong Takes on a Serious Role in New Crime Thriller

Bogotá, ColombiaWed Jul 23 2025

Ken Jeong, known for his comedic roles in movies like "The Hangover" and "Crazy Rich Asians", is switching gears to tackle a serious part in the upcoming crime thriller "52nd State."

The Film and Its Background

  • Director: Todd S. Yellin (former Netflix VP of product)
  • Executive Producer: Reed Hastings (Netflix co-founder)
  • Location: Bogotá, Colombia

The Story

In "52nd State," Jeong plays Jay Hailey, a U.S. Postal Inspector who uncovers a tech-based scam targeting elderly Americans. As Hailey digs deeper, he faces both personal struggles and systemic challenges.

Cast

  • Moisés Arias
  • Teresa Ruiz
  • Ignacio Diaz-Silverio
  • Augusto Aguilera

The movie is based on real events.

Ken Jeong's Transition to Drama

Jeong is currently seen on "The Masked Singer" and will host a new game show called "99 to Beat." He is also set to appear in a Christmas comedy with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Praise from the Director

Director Yellin praised Jeong's performance, comparing him to comedians who successfully transitioned to dramatic acting, like Bill Murray and Robin Williams.

Jeong's Response

Jeong expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying it was a meaningful experience that pushed him as an actor. He thanked the director and producers for trusting him with this role.

Representation

Jeong is represented by several talent agencies, including:

  • Goodman
  • Genow
  • Untitled Entertainment
  • Independent Artist Group

questions

    What are the potential biases in the narrative of '52nd State' that could influence audience perceptions?
    How does Ken Jeong's role in '52nd State' compare to his previous comedic roles in terms of character development and acting range?
    How would Ken Jeong's character react if he had to solve a crime involving a masked singer?

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