In the reimagined version of The Wedding Banquet, Jeremy Hoffman steps into a role that not only pays homage to the groundbreaking 1993 original but also brings new layers of heart, humor, and queer authenticity to the screen. As Marshall, a charismatic executive director of an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit, Hoffman delivers a performance rooted in lived experience and emotional clarity. It’s a role that feels tailor-made—and for good reason. 

“Marshall is such a strong character,” Hoffman shares. “He’s been through it, and still shows up with so much positivity. I’d like to think I see a lot of myself in him.” That synchronicity wasn’t lost on director Andrew Ahn, who told Hoffman that Marshall was inspired by someone close to him—and that Jeremy reminded him of a younger version of that very person. 

A Leader, a Lover, a Laughing Legend 

Playing a community leader wasn’t just a role—it was a transformation. “Portraying Marshall gave me confidence. He’s someone who’s come full circle, now giving back to the community that once lifted him,” Hoffman explains. In preparation, he watched YouTube charity speeches to understand the real-world voices that drive advocacy and impact. But it was the emotional intersections—of family, identity, and chosen kin—that resonated the most. “Like many, I’ve had struggles seeing eye to eye with family, and I’ve been fortunate enough to find friends who became my chosen family.” 

That spirit of camaraderie carried over to set. Working with a predominantly queer cast and crew brought an atmosphere of “openness” and shared understanding. “We’d all lived through similar stories, and that created this unspoken bond,” Hoffman says. 

Of course, even the most professional sets have their unexpected moments. Hoffman recalls one particularly hilarious behind-the-scenes memory involving film legend Joan Chen. “During a gala scene, my monologue got interrupted by a phone ringing—twice. Everyone was panicking trying to stay in character, and we later realized the culprit was Joan’s phone vibrating in her purse! She whispered, ‘Oh my god, it was me!’ We all lost it. Total icon move.” 

Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Present 

This fresh take on The Wedding Banquet doesn’t just update the narrative—it elevates it for a new generation. “A lot has changed since the ’90s. Queer identity, especially within Asian communities, is more visible now,” Hoffman reflects. “Our version keeps the core but offers a modern lens—with more joy, more nuance, and definitely more laughter.” 

That levity is crucial. “Even in the film’s conflicts, there’s always room for humor and healing,” he says. “I hope audiences, especially queer and Asian viewers, walk away knowing that no situation is ever too dire. Love and laughter are our greatest throughlines.” 

From Stage to Screen—and Always Music 

Before his breakout on screen, Hoffman was best known for his musical chops—touring with a pop-punk band and performing in stage productions like Cabaret and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. But his path to acting was a winding one. 

“I had saved up to either record an album or go to acting school. I chose the album, but acting stayed with me,” Hoffman says. Years later, while teaching music, a casting director client nudged him to audition. That fateful Nissan commercial launched a whole new chapter. 

For Hoffman, music and acting are two languages telling the same story. “It’s all about arc—climaxes, intimacy, resolution. Both crafts ask you to move people emotionally,” he explains. 

He recently got to merge both talents in Hallmark’s Friends & Family Christmas, playing a music student. “They didn’t realize I was a professional musician until I started playing. It was one of those magical, full-circle moments.” 

Cher, Chosen Family, and Future Screams 

If given the chance to write a theme song for The Wedding Banquet, Hoffman says he’d bring in a queer icon: “Cher. Hands down. She’s been such a force for our community. The song would be about chosen family and how love wins, always.” 

As for what’s next, Hoffman has a surprising dream role in mind. “I want to do a horror film,” he grins. “One of my director friends already said, ‘I can’t wait to kill you in my next feature.’ I’m so into the effects and the drama of it all.” 

And to young queer creatives following similar paths? Hoffman offers a single word: persevere. “There’s a lot of rejection, but if you keep getting up, keep fighting—you’ll find your lane. Your determination is everything.” 

Jeremy Hoffman is more than an actor—he’s a storyteller, a musician, and a testament to what happens when talent meets truth. In The Wedding Banquet, he doesn’t just portray Marshall. He becomes him, carrying forward a legacy of queer joy, resilience, and community love—one heartfelt monologue (and hilarious ringtone mishap) at a time. 

Photo credit: Studio Aviva