Adrian Tomine’s Shortcomings is headed to the big screen, with actor Randall Park directing, Variety reports.
Park, known for his roles in television series including Fresh Off the Boat and Veep, will make his feature directorial debut with the film.
Tomine’s graphic novel, published by Drawn & Quarterly in 2007, follows a young Berkeley, California, man who’s in a faltering relationship with his activist girlfriend. The book was well-received by critics, including Jim Windolf for the New York Times, who called it “meticulously observed” and compared Tomine to Philip Roth.
Tomine wrote the screenplay for the film, and he serves as one of its executive producers.
Starring in the movie will be Justin H. Min (The Umbrella Academy), Sherry Cola (Good Trouble), Ally Maki (Cloak & Dagger), Tavi Gevinson (Enough Said), Jacob Batalon (Avengers: Infinity Wars), and Sonoya Mizuno (Ex Machina).
“It was a joy watching these incredibly talented performers bring these characters to life, flaws and all,” Park told Variety. “I am extremely proud to helm a movie that will finally show the world that the Asian American experience includes eating various sandwiches in diners.”
Actor Cola shared news of the adaptation on Instagram, writing, “thank you buddha! i truly have no words for how honored i am. we’re bringing SHORTCOMINGS to life!”
Cast member Maki also took to the social media platform to announce the movie, writing, “When the vision board comes to life…Been dreaming of a Japanese American female character like this for so long. Can’t begin to express how grateful I am for this very beautiful group of people.”
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
