Interview with ‘Warrior’ Producers Shannon Lee and Jonathan Tropper

This interview was conducted, and this piece was written before the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist. The third season of the critically acclaimed Warrior, a martial arts drama based on the writings of Bruce Lee, is available now on MAX. We had the chance to talk with several of the cast and crew that bring the show to life, so be sure to check out our other interviews. Here we talk with Shannon Lee, executive producer, and Jonathan Tropper, executive producer and creator. BNP: Let’s jump right in! So, it has been three years since the second season of Warrior released on HBO Max. A lot has changed: the name of the streaming platform, an increased spotlight on police brutality, a rise in anti-Asian hate. What’s it like producing a period piece based on writings from decades ago that has remained very resonant with its thematics and situations to the present day, almost eerily? Shannon Lee: Yeah, I would say “eerie” is a good – is a good adjective. [laughs] You know, it’s unfortunate; it’s also, in some ways, great that we get to shine a light on it, and, um, it is kind of a strange thing to see our show reflecting – our show, which takes place in the 1800s, reflecting today’s sentiments and emotions and policies and all of the things that are happening in the world. And in that way, I think our show feels very timeless.

Jonathan Tropper: Yeah, and I’ll just say that…