4 Stories of Vancouver Filmmaker Olivia Cheng’s Career

With her captivating roles in dramas like HBO Max’s Warrior and AppleTV+’s SEE, Olivia Cheng has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge in the highly anticipated horror sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. In a recent interview with CBC Books, Cheng shared how storytelling has always been at the core of her life’s purpose.

From her directorial debut in I Am Raquel Welch to her lead role in Ready or Not 2, Cheng continues to gravitate towards roles that showcase strong, female characters. This love for meaningful narratives is reflected in the books she chooses to read. One of Cheng’s all-time favorites is Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a story that resonated with her despite their different lived experiences. The evolution of Anne Shirley from an orphan girl to a mother is one that left a lasting impact on Cheng, shaping her views on friendships and chosen family.

Another book that has influenced Cheng is The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang. In a documentary based on the book, Cheng portrayed the American writer who sought to shed light on the atrocities committed during the Second World War. As a Chinese Canadian, Cheng credits Chang’s work for filling a gap in her understanding of history and bridging cultural divides.

Cheng’s connection to powerful stories extends to Margaret Atwood’s classic novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Filming her own dystopian show in close proximity to the set of Atwood’s adaptation brought the themes of oppression and resistance in the novel to life in a new way for Cheng.

Whether on screen or in the pages of a book, Cheng’s dedication to storytelling shines through. As she continues to build her career in the entertainment industry, it’s clear that the stories she chooses to tell are a reflection of her own values and beliefs.