Warrior takes us on a thrilling journey through the San Francisco Tong Wars in the 1870s, following the prodigy martial artist Ah Sahm. He travels to America in search of his sister, but finds himself caught up in the dangerous Tong conflict after being sold to one of Chinatown’s most powerful Tongs. In Season 3, tensions between the Irish and Chinese communities continue to escalate after the race riots. Ah Sahm must confront his secrets, navigate his place in the Tong, and face the expectations of Chinatown, where he has become a local legend.
Jonathan Trooper brings the incredible world of Warrior to life, inspired by the visionary Bruce Lee. With Shannon Lee as an executive producer, along with Evan Endicott, Josh Stoddard, and Justin Lin, Warrior boasts a talented cast including Andrew Koji, Olivia Cheng, Jason Tobin, Dianne Doan, Kieran Bew, Dean Jagger, Hoon Lee, and Joanna Vanderham.
FilmmakerFocus had the opportunity to speak with executive producers Jonathan Trooper and Shannon Lee about the highly anticipated Season 3 of Warrior. Trooper shares his excitement about returning after a two-year hiatus and discusses the complex relationship between Ah Toy and Nellie. Lee delves into the intense fight scene in Season 2 and reveals intriguing details about Richard Lee’s character in Season 3.
Jonathan Trooper & Shannon Lee On Warrior Season 3
FilmmakerFocus: First of all, guys, this is the best show on television. This show is phenomenal, and season 2 ended incredibly. Episode 9 was the episode where we got the, spoiler alert if you haven’t seen it, but it ended with where it started with the execution of Jacob and that really was the catalyst to get us into where we’re at with Season 3. What are you most excited for fans to see with some of these journeys that were going on with these characters in Season 3? That’s for either one of you.
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Jonathan Trooper: We fought hard to get back after a long layoff, and now that we have the green light, we’re determined to make this season even better than before. Get ready for more elaborate fight sequences, complex storylines, and journeys to new places you’ve never seen before.
This season is the most intricately crafted in terms of story, with emotional depth and intense fighting. We’ve raised the bar for fight scenes on television, and it’s all thanks to our incredible cast and crew.
But what’s really cool about our show is that the fights are not overshadowed by the writing. They are an extension of the writing, seamlessly blending action and storytelling. Take the intense fight scene between Ah Sahm and Leary in Season 2, for example. It’s a perfect example of how our actors bring the intensity and emotion to every fight sequence.
Shannon Lee: I was on set when they filmed that fight scene, and it was incredible. Andrew and Dean are phenomenal actors who bring their all to every fight. The camaraderie and energy between them, as well as the dedication of the extras, made it a truly memorable experience.
Our goal is to make the action an extension of the characters and the story. We want the fights to convey emotion and further develop the characters. It’s exhausting to film, but there’s also a sense of joy and excitement on set.
Now let’s talk about the character journeys in Season 2. We have some incredibly strong female characters, like Ah Toy and Nellie. When Ah Toy meets Nellie, she sees a chance to leave Chinatown behind and move on from her violent past. Can you tell me about their journeys in Season 2 and Season 3?
Jonathan Trooper: Ah Toy and Nellie’s relationship is complex. They are kindred spirits who have found something important in each other. However, their interracial relationship during a racially fraught time adds another layer of conflict. They love each other, but their different perspectives and preconceived notions create challenges in Season 3.
We wanted to show that love doesn’t solve everything and that even with the best intentions, there are still obstacles to overcome. Their journey is difficult, but it adds depth to their characters and the overall story.
‘s happening around them.
Let’s talk about love and the incredible transformation of Richard Lee’s character from Season 1 to Season 3. Shannon, can you share a bit about Richard Lee’s journey and his unexpected partnership with Chao in Season 3? Without giving away any spoilers, of course.
Shannon Lee: Jonathan’s the expert when it comes to characters and avoiding spoilers. But I have to say, Season 3 introduces some incredible pairings, and Richard Lee and Chao are one of them. These two individuals are struggling with their own challenges in different ways, but somehow find themselves in the same boat and become unlikely allies. We finally get to see a more vulnerable side of Chao, something we’ve always sensed but now get to explore further. And Richard Lee’s character reveals what love truly means to him. Jonathan, anything to add?
Jonathan Trooper: Absolutely. Lee is perhaps our only non-racist white character, but that doesn’t mean he automatically gets along with every Chinese person he meets. His relationship with Chao has been rocky until now, even when they’re forced to work together. The friction between them is fascinating, and both Andrew Koji and Dean Jagger bring their offscreen friendship to create an intense dynamic onscreen.
It’s incredible. Well, look, I can’t wait for people to see this show on June 29th. I hope there’s a Season 4. I actually hope this show goes on forever. Please tell me there’s going to be a Season 4 is all I want.
Jonathan Trooper: We’ll hopefully find out after it airs, but we don’t know yet. Fingers crossed!
About Warrior Season 3
In the aftermath of the race riots, tensions between the Irish and Chinese communities continue to rise, along with new laws targeting the Chinese. Ah Sahm has become a local legend in Chinatown, with a massive portrait in his honor. However, he grapples with the conflict between the hero his people want him to be and the gangster he truly is.
