In this Tuesday Oct. 22, 2013 photo, Singaporean actor Chin Han speaks during an interview in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013. The 43-year-old actor has been working diligently and quietly for years in Hollywood. It wasn’t until the role of “Lau,” the crooked accountant in “The Dark Knight” that caught the attention of casting agents, and director. Since then, he has been given the opportunity to work with screen legends such as Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and more recently, Robert Redford for the Captain America sequel. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
October 23, 2013 - 1:00 AM
HONG KONG - Following up on successful turns in blockbuster films like "The Dark Knight," Chin Han has taken on a project closer to home.
The Singaporean actor portrays crime family scion Kay Song in HBO Asia's first original series, "Serangoon Road," which follows the investigations of a detective agency in Singapore against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s.
In the series, Kay Song seizes his opportunity to take over the family business and is not afraid to shake things up. Chin Han says he drew inspiration from characters in "The Godfather."
"He is the successor to this very powerful crime family and he has ideas, obviously new ideas, as to what direction to take this family in and what kind of industry he wants them to be in. So, he is very aware of what is happening around him," Chin Han said.
He called his character a cross between Michael and Sonny Corleone, someone who is "very, very quiet and scrutable, dangerous, and at the same time, he can be incredibly explosive and fierce."
Now 43, Chin Han had been working diligently and quietly for years in Hollywood. His big break was the role of Lau, the crooked accountant in "The Dark Knight" in 2012, and he's worked nonstop since. He has appeared in films like "Contagion," ''2012" and "Restless" and made guest appearances on television series.
He's worked with Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and more recently, Robert Redford for the "Captain America" sequel being released next year.
In "Serangoon Road," Chin Han shares screen time with Joan Chen and he says working with great actors creates mixed feelings.
"She's a very powerful actress and she brings with her a gravitas and a very strong presence," he said. "... you're instilled with a mix of inspiration and terror, really, when you are working with them, to deliver the goods."
News from © The Associated Press, 2013