Simu Liu, despite achieving immense popularity akin to Marvel stars, expressed frustration with the Hollywood industry and his own career trajectory. The Canadian actor highlighted that Asian-centric projects are still viewed as risky ventures, despite the proven success of recent movies such as “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Minari,” and “The Farewell.” Liu emphasized that these films have been both critically acclaimed and financially lucrative, contradicting the notion of them being high-risk endeavors.
Additionally, Liu pointed out the success of his own project, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” which grossed $432 million globally, establishing itself as a major hit during the pandemic. While maintaining a busy schedule with various roles in voice acting, music, reality TV, and hosting events, Liu shared his ongoing struggle to secure leading roles in the industry.
Liu criticized the industry’s tendency to retreat to familiar territory during challenging times, citing a lack of diversity among key decision-makers in Hollywood. He drew parallels between his personal experiences and those of his character in the new series “The Copenhagen Test,” which explores themes of identity and immigrant struggles without reducing characters to stereotypes.
Despite recent gains in representation for BIPOC individuals in media, Liu observed a decline in Asian character roles in mainstream films from 2023 to 2024. He attributed this regression to a disconnect between decision-makers and audience preferences, exemplified by missed opportunities like the delayed sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians” and the initial skepticism towards the success of “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Looking ahead, Liu expressed gratitude for rare opportunities like “The Copenhagen Test” and his upcoming projects, including a return to the Marvel universe in “Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday” and a Broadway debut in “Oh, Mary!” Liu highlighted his passion for acting and connecting with audiences, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his love for performance amidst industry challenges.
