It's been 25 years since a major Hollywood production has had a predominantly Asian cast, but the dry spell is set to be broken with 2018's Crazy Rich Asians — a much-anticipated romantic comedy packed with a feast of Asian stereotypes.

Key points: It's the first Hollywood movie with a majority Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club in 1993

It's the first Hollywood movie with a majority Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club in 1993 Actor Chris Pang says the movie is a "big milestone step forward" for Asian representation

Actor Chris Pang says the movie is a "big milestone step forward" for Asian representation Asian-Australian actors say its important their experiences are told from their own perspectives

"When you grow up and everybody that you see on TV and on billboards, they all look like you, you're accepted, your image is accepted, and you're validated," Melbourne actor Chris Pang — who is of Taiwanese-Chinese descent and one of the stars of Crazy Rich Asians — told the ABC.

"But that's not the case for ethnic minorities, it's the opposite — you feel unworthy."

Crazy Rich Asians will be in cinema this August. ( Supplied )

Pang, who stars as billionaire Colin Khoo, says Crazy Rich Asians heralds a major breakthrough for Asians in western media.

The new film is a satirical depiction of outrageously wealthy Asian families, hailed by one character in the novel of the same name as "richer than God".

It is the first Hollywood blockbuster to celebrate Asian representation to this extent on the big screen since 1993's The Joy Luck Club.

Based on the book by Kevin Kwan, the movie follows the life of down-to-earth Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who travels to Singapore with her long-time boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) for his best friend's wedding, only to discover Nick hails from one of Asia's wealthiest families.

In Singapore, she meets Nick's ultra-rich family and tries to find her place with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and, ultimately, Nick's disapproving mother.

Pang plays the groom in what the upper echelon of society in the novel likens to Asia's answer to the Royal Wedding.

Australian actor Chris Pang is one of the stars of Crazy Rich Asians. ( Instagram: Chris Pang )

'I got down and into dark spots dealing with being a minority'

In contrast to his onscreen character who was born into the spotlight, Pang, 33, admitted he struggled to get to where he is today — not just because it was tough being an actor, but also due to his cultural background.

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"I got down and got into some dark spots very easily just because I felt like it was tough … dealing with being an ethnic minority as well, meaning the opportunities were fewer and even more restricted," he said.

The romantic comedy is packed with a belly-aching feast of Asian stereotypes. ( YouTube: Warner Bros. Pictures )

"What this film represents to me, is the beginning or a big milestone step forward for Asian representation and I don't think enough importance can be placed on that."

Frustrated by a lack of opportunities after landing his first principal role as Lee Takkam in the Australian film Tomorrow, When the War Began in 2010, Pang moved to Los Angeles in 2013.

But he is hopeful his role in Crazy Rich Asians, directed by Jon M Chu, promotes diversity and positive change.

Australian-Filipino actor Alfred Nicdao, best known for his work on Blue Heelers, and who starred alongside Pang in Tomorrow, When The War Began, also feels the lack of Asian representation needs to change.

"You look around and there are so many people from different backgrounds, but you watch Neighbours and Home and Away now and nothing," he said.

"There are two token Asian actors. And that's the best you can do?"

'Without Asians behind a project, our perspective is lost'

Alfred Nicdao, left, is working with Matthew Victor Pastor to promote Asian representation in western media. ( ABC News: Mala Darmadi )

Nicdao is currently working with Filipino-Australian film director Matthew Victor Pastor, to support Asian-Australian filmmakers and actors and to further promote their representation in mainstream media.

"To me as an actor, it makes it even worse when my words are written by a white person," he said.

"I have often looked at a script and thought I would never say anything like this and I am sure a lot of actors of colour would agree."

Diane Pereira. ( Supplied: Samuel Howarth )

Mr Pastor also believed in the importance of having Asian experiences told from Asian perspectives.

"Without Asians behind a project, our perspective is lost," he said.

"Authenticity should be a selling point, it's the reason works of art are revered, for their unique point of view.

"We need more Asians writing and producing films, so we can see ourselves represented as fully fleshed characters, and in turn, encourage our community to pursue creativity."

Theatre creator and choreographer, Diane Pereira, hoped more Asian families would see merit in pursuing a career in acting and theatre and be more receptive to allowing their children to study the arts.

"A lot of Asians grow up not being pushed to pursue the arts. And I think that's a challenge that's being faced right now," she said.

"I think that [Crazy Rich Asians] will have a part in showing how diverse communities can tell similar stories but it doesn't have to be a stereotypical depiction."

Crazy Rich Asians is set to hit Australian cinemas on Thursday August 30, 2018.