Heartstopper’s William Gao says Hudson Williams has created boom for ‘Wasian’ actors

Heartstopper star William Gao has said Hudson Williams’ success in Heated Rivalry has led to a noticeable increase in demand for “Wasian” actors in the entertainment industry.

Gao, who is best known for playing Tao Xu in the Netflix coming-of-age series and its upcoming finale film Heartstopper Forever, said he has experienced a significant change in casting opportunities since Williams became a global star through his role as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry.

The actor, whose father is English and mother is Chinese, told New York Magazine that there has been a “noticeable shift” in the casting process for him since Williams’ breakout.

“Since Hudson Williams, there’s been loads of people trying to get in touch with me: suddenly, more self-tapes, more audition requests, more things coming in,” Gao said.

He recalled recently finding himself in an audition room with four other actors of mixed white and Asian heritage, describing the experience as feeling like an “‘Avengers, assemble!’ kind of vibe.”

The term “Wasian” is a slang expression used to describe people of both white and Asian ancestry.

Gao, however, admitted that he has mixed feelings about the sudden increase in opportunities. While he acknowledged that the trend has been positive for his own career, he questioned whether the increased interest represents genuine progress in Hollywood or simply the industry following a new trend.

“I don’t know how to feel about it,” he said. “Because it’s positive for my career, but as a wider thing, it’s kind of predictable: Let’s just hop on this trend.”

“It’s good, but it’s weird,” Gao added.

Williams, who is Canadian, has Korean heritage through his mother and British and Dutch heritage through his father. His profile rose dramatically after Heated Rivalry premiered late last year, with his performance as professional ice hockey player Shane Hollander turning him into an international breakout star.

The success of Williams and other Asian actors has subsequently sparked a wider conversation about representation in Hollywood, with some fans celebrating the growing visibility while questioning why opportunities appear to increase only after certain performers achieve major mainstream success.

Social media users also debated whether the trend is benefiting Asian actors broadly or primarily creating more opportunities for actors who are biracial.

One commenter argued that it was troubling that people from minority backgrounds could have to wait for predominantly white audiences to embrace particular performers before greater representation becomes commercially desirable.

Another person pointed out that the new opportunities appeared to be concentrated among biracial actors, questioning whether Hollywood is still reluctant to embrace a wider range of Asian performers.

Others praised Williams, Gao and other actors who are receiving more opportunities while expressing concern that casting trends can emerge only after one performer breaks through.

Gao’s comments highlight the complicated nature of increased representation. While the growing demand for actors of mixed Asian heritage could provide more opportunities for performers who have historically been overlooked, the actor’s remarks raise questions about whether the change reflects lasting progress or a temporary industry trend.

For Gao, the shift has already had a tangible impact, with more auditions, self-tapes and casting opportunities arriving since Williams’ rise to fame. However, his reaction suggests that increased visibility does not necessarily remove the concerns surrounding how and why certain groups become more desirable to the industry.

Williams’ success in Heated Rivalry and Gao’s experience demonstrate how one breakout performance can influence casting patterns, while also raising questions about whether Hollywood’s approach to representation is changing in a meaningful and lasting way.