Simu Liu, despite attaining significant fame akin to Marvel’s success, expresses discontent with Hollywood and his professional journey. The Canadian actor contends that the industry continues to view Asian-led projects as risky ventures, despite the proven track record of successful films like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Minari,” “The Farewell,” “Past Lives,” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Liu emphasizes that these projects have garnered critical acclaim and substantial profits, challenging the perception of risk associated with them.
Liu highlights the success of his Marvel film, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” which grossed $432 million globally during the pandemic, countering the notion of Asian-led projects being risky investments. Alongside his acting career, Liu has ventured into voice acting, music, reality TV, and hosting roles. Despite a range of diverse roles, Liu notes the ongoing challenge of securing leading roles in the industry amid budget constraints and risk aversion by studios.
In his latest project, “The Copenhagen Test,” Liu portrays Alexander Hale, a Chinese American intelligence analyst in a dystopian spy thriller series. The show, which addresses immigrant identity without reducing characters to stereotypes, resonates with Liu personally due to his own experiences and observations of immigrant struggles. Liu underscores the importance of authentic representation and the need to combat industry biases.
While Hollywood has made strides in diversifying on-screen representation over the years, recent data reveals a decline in Asian character roles in mainstream films. Liu attributes this regression to decision-makers’ reluctance to take creative risks and points out missed opportunities for successful sequels and projects within the industry. He emphasizes the disconnect between audience preferences and studio decisions, underscoring the importance of aligning creative choices with audience demand for meaningful storytelling.
Looking ahead, Liu remains committed to his craft, finding solace and creative fulfillment in acting and connecting with audiences. With upcoming projects in film, theater, and television, Liu aims to navigate the complexities of the industry while staying true to his passion for performance and storytelling.
