Simu Liu, the star of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” has voiced his frustration with Hollywood’s current approach to Asian representation. Despite the success of numerous Asian-led projects, the industry continues to view such endeavors as high-risk.
Hollywood’s Perception of Asian Representation
Liu, who was born in China and grew up in Toronto, criticized the industry’s tendency to categorize Asian projects as unpredictable, which he believes stifles opportunities for Asian actors. “We’re anything but risky,” he stated, highlighting successful films such as “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Minari,” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
- “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” grossed $432 million worldwide.
- Other notable films include “The Farewell” and “Past Lives.”
Liu’s Current Projects
In addition to his film career, Liu has diversified his portfolio. He has ventured into voice acting with roles in “Gremlins: The Wild Batch” and “Invincible.” As of 2023, he also released a music EP and appeared as a judge on “Dragons’ Den.” Liu hosted the Juno Awards in 2022 and returned for the 2023 ceremony.
His latest role is in “The Copenhagen Test,” a dystopian spy thriller where he plays Alexander Hale, a Chinese American analyst whose mind has been hacked. The series is set to premiere on Showcase and is already available for streaming on StackTV.
The Decline of Asian Representation in Hollywood
Statistics reveal a troubling trend in Asian representation within Hollywood. According to findings from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, speaking roles for Asian characters fell from 18.4% in 2023 to 13.5% in 2024. Furthermore, the percentage of lead or co-lead roles held by Asian actors has dropped significantly.
- In 2021, 32% of leads in the top 100 films were Asian.
- This number fell to approximately 15% by 2024.
Liu attributes these declines to a “cognitive dissonance” among decision-makers in Hollywood. He points to the untapped potential of sequels and ongoing successful films, noting the lack of action on a sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians,” which grossed over $238 million globally.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Liu will make his Broadway debut in February 2024 with “Oh, Mary!” He is set to reprise his role in the Marvel franchise with “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release next December. Liu emphasizes that acting is his true passion and a way to reconnect with his creative self amid the industry’s challenges.
“I love performing and connecting with audiences. There’s no better way to do that than on the stage,” he explained.
