Simu Liu on Hollywood’s Asian Representation Problem

Simu Liu Accuses Hollywood of Deep-Seated Bias in Asian Portrayal

Despite recent successes of films led by Asian actors, a persistent lack of representation continues to plague the industry, according to star Simu Liu.

Simu Liu, best known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has publicly criticized Hollywood for its ongoing struggles with Asian representation. The actor voiced his frustration over the disparity in opportunities given to actors of color, particularly in comparison to their white counterparts.

A “Backslide” in On-Screen Diversity

Liu’s comments, initially shared on the social media platform Threads, highlighted what he described as an “appalling” regression in the visibility of Asian actors.”put some asians in literally anything right now,” he wrote, adding that studios perceive Asian leads as inherently “risky.” This sentiment underscores a long-standing issue within the entertainment industry, where marginalized groups often face systemic barriers to entry and advancement.

The actor pointed to a troubling double standard, stating, “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.” This observation speaks to a perceived willingness to grant second chances to white actors even after financial failures,a privilege rarely extended to actors from other ethnic backgrounds. Liu characterized the situation as fighting a “deeply prejudiced system” that is, “most days… SUCKS.”

Did you know? – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings grossed over $432 million worldwide, proving the commercial appeal of Asian-led superhero films.

Proven Successes ignored

Liu’s critique comes despite a recent track record of commercially successful films featuring Asian-led casts. He specifically cited Minari,Farewell,Everything Everywhere All at Once,Crazy Rich Asians,and Shang-Chi as examples of projects that have resonated with audiences and generated significant revenue. These films demonstrate the market viability of diverse storytelling and challenge the notion that Asian-led projects are inherently risky investments.

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Pro tip: – Supporting films with diverse casts and crews sends a clear message to studios about audience demand for inclusive storytelling.

Addressing Claims of Role Saturation

This is not the first time Liu has addressed issues of representation. Approximately two years ago,he responded to a social media post suggesting he was securing the majority of available roles for Asian actors. Liu refuted this claim, stating, “Way to attempt to put us against one another.” He emphasized that the roles he has taken on post-Shang-Chi were not originally written with Asian actors in mind, and that progress is being made through “reshaping stories to get more representation onscreen.” He urged the commenter to “Get your facts straight.”

reader question: – How can audiences actively encourage Hollywood to prioritize diverse representation beyond simply watching inclusive films?

Future Projects and Continued Advocacy

Liu is currently preparing for his role in the upcoming TV series, The Copenhagen Test. He is also slated to reprise his role as Shang-Chi in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday. His continued presence in high-profile projects provides a platform for advocacy and serves as a visible example of the talent and potential within the Asian acting community.

Liu’s outspokenness reflects a growing demand for g