Simu Liu, despite reaching great fame akin to Marvel stars, has expressed his growing dissatisfaction with Hollywood and his career trajectory. The Canadian actor asserts that the industry continues to view Asian-led projects as risky ventures, despite the proven success of numerous box-office hits. In a recent interview while promoting his new show, “The Copenhagen Test,” Liu highlighted the achievements of recent Asian-centered films like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Minari,” “The Farewell,” “Past Lives,” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” emphasizing their critical and commercial triumphs.
Liu underscored the misconception of Asian projects being risky, citing the success of the 2021 Marvel film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” in which he starred, grossing $432 million globally. Apart from his film roles, Liu has also ventured into voice acting, music, reality TV, and hosting various award shows.
Despite his diverse portfolio, Liu noted the challenge of securing lead roles in Hollywood due to studios reverting to familiar, less risky choices amid financial constraints. He mentioned the prevailing lack of diversity among key decision-makers in the industry, leading to a reluctance to push boundaries.
In his latest project, “The Copenhagen Test,” Liu portrays the lead role of Alexander Hale, a Chinese American intelligence analyst grappling with a hacked brain. The series, created by Thomas Brandon and executive produced by James Wan and Liu, delves into themes of immigrant identity and societal skepticism, resonating with Liu on a personal level.
Liu lamented the industry’s recent regression in Asian representation on screen, citing statistics showing a decline in speaking roles for Asian characters between 2023 and 2024. He attributed this setback to a disconnect among industry leaders, exemplified by the delayed production of sequels to successful films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and the underestimation of hits like “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Despite the challenges, Liu remains grateful for opportunities like “The Copenhagen Test” and looks forward to upcoming projects, including a return to the Marvel universe and a Broadway debut. He emphasized the importance of staying true to his passion for acting amid industry frustrations and the pursuit of authentic creative expression.
Overall, Liu’s journey reflects the ongoing struggles faced by minority actors in Hollywood and the need for greater inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.