Simu Liu Critiques Hollywood’s Lack of Asian Representation
Marvel actor Simu Liu has called out Hollywood for its “absolutely appalling” shortage of Asian representation in films, attributing it to a “biased system.”
“Put Asians in literally everything right now,” the 36-year-old actor expressed in a recent thread. “The amount of regression in our representation on screen is truly horrifying.” He emphasized the importance of increasing visibility for Asian actors.
Liu further stated, “The studio thinks we’re dangerous,” and highlighted several successful Asian-led films like Minari, Crazy Rich Asians, Past Life, The Farewell, and Everything Everywhere All At Once, as well as his own work in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
“They have all been financially successful,” Liu said. He pointed out that no Asian actor has ever cost a studio nearly $100 million. In contrast, a white actor could incur losses of $200 million and still secure another lead role.
Liu concluded, “We are fighting a system with deep-rooted bias,” adding that “most days are the worst.” He has consistently used social media to voice his concerns about representation.
In a recent interview, Liu acknowledged he should probably fear backlash, but his pursuit of justice overshadows that fear. “I feel like there’s something about the internet that drives people crazy,” he noted. “People like to be the kind who brings others down. I don’t really resonate with that energy.”
In 2023, Liu addressed criticisms suggesting he monopolizes roles for Asian men in Hollywood. “It’s terrible that you’re trying to pit us against each other,” he remarked. “What roles are you referring to? Are there any movies I’ve been in that I’m not aware of?” He underscored that his roles post-Shang-Chi were not initially written with Asian characters in mind but were restructured for better representation.
Previously, Liu mentioned that the “overwhelmingly white” writing staff of the sitcom Kim’s Convenience didn’t adequately develop the characters, and he criticized the compensation for its Asian cast throughout its run. He also expressed mixed feelings about a spin-off centering on the show’s only white protagonist.
