Interior Chinatown premieres today on Hulu. The series, which was adapted from Charles Yu’s award-winning novel of the same name, is set in the world of a television production and follows Willis Wu, a background actor in a police procedural called Black & White. Stuck in the motions of his on-screen job waiting tables, Willis dreams of a life beyond Chinatown where he is the lead in his own story. His life takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently witnesses a crime, uncovering a web of criminal activity and family secrets, all while experiencing the spotlight for the first time. Using a unique storytelling approach that blends meta-commentary with personal drama, the series explores the dynamics of racial representation, personal ambition, and the struggle to define one’s identity beyond societal expectations in the entertainment industry.

In a recent interview with SciFi Vision, Lisa Gilroy and Sullivan Jones shared insights into their roles in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown. Both actors portray exaggerated versions of stereotypical cops. Gilroy humorously mentioned her inspiration, saying, “I think of Mariska Hargitay all the time, every day and every night, no matter what I’m doing.” On the other hand, Jones drew from Clint Eastwood’s iconic presence for his role. “I thought about Clint Eastwood, just kind of being in control and [his] penetrating eyes and always like, just the rugged man's man,” said Jones.

In regard to prep for the show, Gilroy also noted the unexpected impact of her costume on her performance, explaining how the discomfort helped her embody a more upright and confident person, while Jones made a music playlist to help him, which he hadn’t done before

The performers also talked about the freedom they felt improvising when working with director Taika Waititi.

For more from the two cast members, watch the full interview below. Interior Chinatown is now available to stream in its entirety on Hulu.