A Hollywood comedy about Filipino American family life faced unexpected production and box office hurdles

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Released in 2022, Easter Sunday stars comedian Jo Koy as a struggling actor navigating a chaotic family gathering. While the film aimed to highlight Filipino American culture, it faced challenges ranging from permit issues in its intended setting to a lukewarm reception from critics upon its theatrical debut.

Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, the 2022 comedy Easter Sunday centers on Joe Valencia, a Los Angeles-based comedian and single father. The plot follows Joe as he brings his son to a family reunion in Daly City, California. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity and family dynamics, particularly when Joe is pressured by his agent to accept stereotypical acting roles. The film features an ensemble cast including Tia Carrere, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Jimmy O. Yang, with the story culminating in a sitcom deal based on Joe's own family experiences.

The production process encountered several logistical complications. Although the story is set in Daly City, the film was actually shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, starting in May 2021. This relocation was necessary because the production team could not secure the required film permits in Daly City due to strict local traffic regulations. Additionally, the casting underwent changes; Sharon Cuneta was originally slated for a role but withdrew following a false positive COVID-19 test, leading to Tia Carrere taking the part. The film’s release was also delayed from its original April 2022 date to August 5, 2022.

Commercially, the film debuted to $6 million in the United States and Canada, finishing seventh at the box office. Its audience was notably diverse, with 37% identifying as Asian. However, the critical reception was mixed. Review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic reported scores of 40% and 41 out of 100, respectively. Critics often pointed to a reliance on familiar tropes, though audience polling via CinemaScore yielded a more favorable B+ grade. Despite the mixed reviews, the film remains a notable attempt to bring a specific cultural experience to a mainstream theatrical audience.

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