‘Shang-Chi’ Actor Simu Liu Speaks Out Against Studios’ ‘Backslide’ Asian Representation

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) in Marvel Studios' SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

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Simu Liu, the Asian-Candian actor known for playing one of the Ken’s in Barbie and the titular character in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Twelve Rings, has spoken out against Hollywood’s current Asian representation. Responding to post made on Threads, Liu didn’t hold anything back in his criticism of Hollywood when it comes to its Asian representation. “Put some Asians in literally anything right now,” Liu says in his response. “The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f**king appalling. studios think we’re ‘risky.'”

Liu’s response continues, with the MCU actor highlighting some films with standout Asian representation, and which all center around the Asian experience, including Minari, The Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and even the Liu-starring Shang-Chi. Liu says of all these films “Every single one [was] a financial success.”

“No Asian actor has ever lost a studio even close to 100 million dollars but a white dude will lose 200 million TWICE and roll right into the next tentpole lead”, Liu also says in the response. “We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. and most days it SUCKS.” The post Liu is responding to also featured comments from other notable Asian actors, including Manny Jacinto, who recently starred as Lindsey Lohan’s love interest in Freakier Friday.

Simu Liu can be seen next as part of the massive ensemble of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently slated for release on December 18, 2026.

Jacob Birks: My name is Jacob Birks. I'm an aspiring film writer. I am a movie news writer at MXDWN. I am also a student at Salt Lake Community College. In my Spare time I write movie reviews on my Letterboxd account, which you can find at Letterboxd.com/liljake, and on my personal website Jacobbirksmoviereviews.com
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