Mar 12

Mar 12 Celebrity Talk - Up Close with Anson Chen from Netflix's The Devil Punisher

Anson Chen is having lots of fun playing the mastermind professor in Netflix’s popular Taiwanese fantasy drama, “The Devil Punisher.” For sci fi fans, the series has the best of everything--there are ghosts, the characters time travel and do some fun martial arts choreography.

Celebrity Talk - Up Close with Anson Chen. Courtesy Photo

When Identifyla.com asked him what he thought of ghosts and the supernatural, he said: “I think humans are creatures in one universe; there must be creatures elsewhere, on other planets. Ghosts are just creatures in other universes. There are so many unknowns and many things that can’t be explained-- to me, anything is possible!”

Chen loves the concept of time travel that is seen throughout the episodes in the series.

Anson Chen on the Set of The Devil Punisher. Courtesy Photo

“I would like to go back to 1970’s and 1980’s. During that era, the world was full of life and progress everywhere and people felt very hopeful and opportunistic. They seemed to have more trust and love toward each other than now.”

Chen is a fearless actor who is unafraid to try new things for the roles he plays. While he doesn’t know how to do the action moves seen in the series, he would love to learn!

“I don’t know any martial arts. I admire and respect the martial art instructors and stuntmen who make it look so effortless. It takes a lot of work and I don’t rule out that someday I might learn these skills!”

Working on a Netflix series has creatively fulfilled Chen on a number of levels.

“It’s a dream come true,” he enthused. “Because I’m a longtime Netflix subscriber, the streaming channel’s quality and convenience made me hope that one day, I might see myself on it. Unexpectedly, it did come true just a few months later, which was a wonderful surprise! I am so very excited watching the episode of myself weekly. It has made me very happy.”

If Comic Con--the mega convention which takes place annually in San Diego, California each year--were taking place in person, Chen would have loved to attend, with his fellow cast members.

“Every time I watched the events coverage online or on the news, I was moved by the many attendants’ fervor and enthusiasm. I hope to have the opportunity to go as soon as the pandemic is passed and I’m able to be back in the United States!”

Chen is already working on his next role. “Currently I’m beginning to prepare for a new short film, about senior citizens who have conflicts with the system. I play a social worker. I can’t share much yet, as we are at the script proofing stage and a shoot date has not yet been set. I’m very excited for the project.”

And of course, he is hopeful “The Devil Punisher” will be renewed for a second season!

“If the audience reaction continues very positively and we continue with fans and ratings success, I’m very hopeful we’ll be back for another season! I’m proud of the show and am really happy I’ve had so many people say it’s one of their favorites.”

After the pandemic has finally been eased, Chen would love to work with Asian directors from China and the United States.

“I like the U.S. and have many friends and my acting professors there. I want to come back and travel to the many cities that I’ve not had the chance to visit.”

When he is not working, Chen has a variety of hobbies that keep him busy.

“I love to play video games such as League of Legends, which focuses on team and skills and maintains friendship. I’m pretty good at it too! In addition, I like to watch movies and study plays, as well as English and Chinese speaking films and TV episodes--Netflix allows me so much access!”

He added: “I also watch a lot of Korean dramas. I’ve recently been able to finish ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Prison Break.’ I’m a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio and director Christopher Nolan.”