Janel Parrish Joins New Indie Drama, “Bound For Glory”
Janel Parrish is set to take on a new role in an upcoming indie drama titled Bound For Glory. Known for her iconic portrayal of Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars and her performances in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film series, Parrish continues to expand her acting portfolio with this new project. She will be working alongside actor-filmmaker Michael Naizu, who also stars in the film. Naizu is collaborating with his brother, John Wilcox, as co-director of the feature.
This marks the second time Parrish and Naizu have worked together, following their previous collaboration on the 2021 rom-com Christmas Is Canceled. The film Bound For Glory is inspired by Naizu’s personal experiences as a Japanese-Filipino American navigating the entertainment industry. The story follows a mixed-race, working-class couple facing challenges, while exploring themes such as identity, codependency, and generational expectations.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Michael Naizu again, this time to tell his beautiful and compelling story,” Parrish shared. “It means a lot to collaborate with AAPI storytellers and help bring narratives to life that reflect who we are and why representation matters.”
The film was adapted from a 2020 short film of the same name, which was created during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The short film was recognized as a finalist in the Gold House AAPI Renaissance Rally. Luber Roklin Entertainment is producing the project.
“This is a story I’ve wanted to tell my whole life,” Naizu said. “It’s deeply personal, rooted in my experience navigating identity and purpose in an industry that is extremely competitive and volatile. To now be making this film with my brother John, my childhood best friend Derik, and Janel Parrish—someone I’ve admired for years—it feels like everything is coming full circle.”
Naizu also expressed his gratitude for the support from Gold House, calling it a trailblazing organization. “To have Bound For Glory backed by them is incredibly meaningful. I honestly can’t wait to get cameras up and bring this story to life.”
Production for Bound For Glory is scheduled to begin this fall in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. The film promises to offer a fresh perspective on identity and cultural representation, with a strong focus on the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Hollywood.
As the project moves forward, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how the story unfolds and what impact it will have on the broader conversation about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment world.
