Justin Chon is back in Twilight’s New Moon

We’re so excited to be speaking with the lone asian of the Twilight series. Justin will reprise his role as Eric Yorkie in Twilight’s sequel, New Moon.

ASIANCE: Hello Justin! It’s so good to speak with you again!

Justin: Hey! Great talking to you again too!

ASIANCE: Is it ok to ask a bit about New Moon and also what’s been going on aside from that?

Justin: Yeah of course!

ASIANCE: Are you excited to continue to talk about the much-anticipated sequel?

Justin: Yeah I’ve been talking about it a lot but yes I’m excited to talk about it!

ASIANCE: So, what was it like on set, compared to Twilight?

Justin: The experience has been really great. It was very different from the first one. First of all, the second one has a lot more money, a bigger budget and the other difference is a new director. So those were the main differences and the directors are completely different in their styles. Chris did everything very calmly, kind of an artist’s feel and that was a big difference on set. The other difference is the amount of media the second one is receiving compared to the first one.

ASIANCE: And is it very different for your character in particular, from the first?

Justin: It’s pretty similar in terms of character. But now I’m Angela Weber’s boyfriend. But I think the big difference is in terms of that role, but it’s still pretty similar.

ASIANCE: Has New Moon launched a new turn in your career?

Justin: It’s the same. I’ve still been auditioning but it has opened a few more doors in terms of being able to get in ‘the rooms’ I hadn’t before. Like working with certain people and everything. But I think my life has been the same.

ASIANCE: Do you have to get into the mind-zone of the Twilight ‘vampire realm’ when filming?

Justin: No, no. My stuff is pretty straightforward and I don’t even know that stuff [with the vampires] is going on so it’s not really hard for my character.

ASIANCE: With your character in Twilight there are so many moments where you’re portraying the typical high school student of this generation, hanging out, in the cafeteria, etc. Do you have to think of your own experience to get into it?

Justin: No, it’s not that hard. I just remember back how awkward everything was and just focus on those things back then. And it wasn’t that creepy or anything [haha], but I guess my high school was pretty normal. I think Orange County is like any other high school in Orange County.

ASIANCE: What should we expect from New Moon, as fans of Twilight?

Justin: I think it’s going to be better than the first one. I haven’t seen it yet but what everyone says I think it’s going to be great. The director Chris Weitz did a great job and I think it’s going to be really good.

ASIANCE: Are you getting closer to your ultimate career goals?

Justin: I think I’m getting closer but who knows, man. Life is short and I think hopefully. I just want to work and make enough money, be happy. In terms of career, I don’t want to be Tom Cruise or anything. And I know who I am. I’m not a Will Smith. So I just want to work in the system and be happy with the work I’m doing.

ASIANCE: How is your clothing company going?

Justin: It’s been going good. I think it’s going fine. I wish I could spend more time with it but with work and everything it gets really complicated.

ASIANCE: Speaking of fashion, and being in the clothing business what do you think of it recently?

Justin: I think the certain L.A. hipster look of tight-ass Capri pants and Vans shoes, with glasses and button-ups makes me throw up. I think it’s cool in terms of community but I see that a lot in L.A. I see them running around town all the time but it’s not for me.

ASIANCE: What else have you been up to?

Justin: Just the same old. Been home a lot, doing some surfing. I mostly stay here in downtown or Silver Lake. Yeah, it’s where I kick it.

ASIANCE: Are you still single?

Justin: Yeah, I am. I bought a couch for my apartment, which has been the biggest change in my life recently.

ASIANCE: Are you excited for all the award shows this coming winter?

Justin: I’m really excited for the award shows to see who will be honored for their hard work.

What do you have planed for the future now in terms of acting?

Justin: I would just really like to get a on a show or something stable. I’d like to stay in L.A. and just work instead of being all over the place.

ASIANCE: Like a sitcom, or series?

Justin: Any of those, just located in L.A. and on TV.

ASIANCE: Is there new music you love?

Justin: This UK guy Tom Baxter. I f*ing love him!

ASIANCE: And you play music too, how is that going?

Justin: Yeah I’ve been playing a pretty long time, I don’t practice that often but I play guitar. I have jam sessions just once in a while.

ASIANCE: What car do you drive again?

Justin: I drive a different type of car, I guess than the rest of L.A, to cancel out the other little Priuses (haha). I drive a Toyota Sentra, a big ass truck [laughter].

ASIANCE: Do you go into the wilderness, hikes in your area?

Justin: Yes my dad loves to hike so once in a while I’ll go with him when we can hook up.

ASIANCE: Where would you love to travel next?

Justin: I really would like to go to Thailand. I have a friend who has been there for a year and keeps telling me how amazing it is. I went eight years ago with some friends but I’d like to spend like a month there or something. I’d probably go with my friend, hit the beach areas and then possibly camp out in the jungle or something.

ASIANCE: Last time we talked you were at your favorite local restaurant eating Pho. Do you still love it there, or where do you go?

Justin: Yes! And well, I’ve been eating at home a lot and cooking for myself, so I’ve been trying to learn how to make cerviche. It turned out badly before. I’m not a very good cook but am trying to learn.

ASIANCE: A silly question-are you worried about Swine Flu?

Justin: No, if it’s my time to go it’s my time to go. I actually went to a funeral recently and life is super short. If it’s your time to go, it’s your time. If swine flu is going to get you it will. It’s just there, so you shouldn’t worry about things out of your control.

ASIANCE: And a serious question, how do you feel about the health care situation?

Justin: I think compared to other countries the U.S. healthcare system makes it hard for the normal, average person to get adequate care. And it’s just hard the way it’s set up of course, because of corporations, and part of the American dream of capitalism, growing your company to make money, and those big corporations are in charge. Health care is important for people but I think it will take a while before it gets better.

ASIANCE: Sorry to ask those types of questions!

Justin: I love those kinds of questions, to tell you the truth I’d rather talk about those things than Twilight. [laughter]

ASIANCE: Well it’s just great to get to know you in so many ways! So what are you doing in the next hour…

Justin: My friend and I will hang out. I play a little XBox60 but am not the best. I don’t have one of the consuls or I’d just be playing it all the time.

ASIANCE: Wow! Well we are such fans as you know and loved speaking with you again!

Justin: You too! I hope you have a great day and I will let you know next time I come to NYC!

Visit the New Moon movie site www.newmoonmovie.org/trailer