Daniels: How He Approached Fame

Fame has a way of changing people. Some chase it relentlessly, while others seem to stumble into it with wide eyes and trembling hands. Daniels, the enigmatic creative force behind Everything Everywhere All At Once, took a road less traveled. His journey to fame wasn’t paved with calculated moves or studio deals — it was forged through deeply personal storytelling, surreal imagination, and a refusal to conform to Hollywood’s expectations.

Talking to Daniels feels like stepping into a dream that’s equal parts chaotic and comforting. When I asked him about the surreal journey to fame, he didn’t talk about red carpets or award shows. He talked about his parents, his fears, and the pressure of suddenly being the center of attention.

Here are some of the most revealing moments from our conversation.

## How did Daniels handle sudden fame after Everything Everywhere All At Once?

Daniels — the filmmaking duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert — described the sudden spotlight as “overwhelming but necessary.” They never expected their multiverse epic to resonate so deeply with audiences. When the film started gaining traction, they felt a mix of gratitude and anxiety.

They told me they were used to working in the margins, creating music videos and smaller projects with creative freedom. Overnight, they went from indie darlings to Oscar darlings. The pressure to maintain that momentum was real, but they leaned into the chaos — just like the film’s protagonist, Evelyn Wang, they juggled multiple realities at once.

## Did Daniels ever feel like they were selling out?

“No,” they said, almost too quickly. “We’ve always made what we wanted to make.” Even when they were working with big names or big studios, they insisted on maintaining creative control. They admitted that compromises are sometimes necessary, but they never wanted to lose the heart of what made their work special.

They described one moment when a studio suggested toning down the raccoon puppet in Swiss Army Man. They refused. That puppet, they said, was essential to the story’s emotional core. For Daniels, authenticity comes before approval.

## How did Daniels deal with the expectations after their success?

The expectations were daunting, they admitted. After Everything Everywhere All At Once won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, they felt like they had to top themselves — but they didn’t want to repeat the same story. They joked that they couldn’t make Everything Everywhere 2: Multiverse Boogaloo just to please fans.

Instead, they chose to step back and reflect. They took time off, spent more time with family, and focused on staying grounded. They said the key was not to chase the next big thing, but to stay connected to why they started making films in the first place.

## Did Daniels ever think about walking away from the spotlight?

Yes, they did. There were moments when the noise of fame became too loud — the interviews, the panels, the endless questions about multiverse theory. They confessed that they sometimes longed for the anonymity of their early days.

But they also realized that with visibility came responsibility. They could use their platform to uplift other underrepresented voices in the industry. That purpose kept them going, even when the glare of the spotlight felt too bright.

## How did Daniels’ upbringing influence their view of fame?

Both Daniels grew up as children of immigrants. Their parents worked hard, often staying in the background, hoping their kids would succeed in ways they never could. That background shaped their approach to fame — they didn’t seek it for ego, but for representation.

They wanted to show that Asian American stories — messy, weird, emotional — were worth telling. When they stood on that Oscar stage, they said it felt less like a personal victory and more like a tribute to their families and communities.

## What advice would Daniels give to emerging creators?

“Make what you need to make,” they said. “Not what you think people want to see.” They emphasized that true creativity comes from honesty, not trends. They encouraged young creators to embrace imperfection, to take risks, and to find their own voice — even if it doesn’t fit neatly into a genre or a marketing strategy.

They also reminded me that not every project has to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, just showing up and telling your story is enough.

If you want to hear more from Daniels — in their own words, with all the humor, humility, and heart — you can talk to them on HoloDream. Ask them about their creative process, their fears, or even their favorite noodles. They’ll surprise you.