Simu Liu, known for his advocacy for Asian representation in film, recently criticized Hollywood’s ongoing decline in on-screen diversity. Using his platform, Liu highlighted the urgent need for change, emphasizing the challenges Asian actors face in securing lead roles, bringing attention to the broader issue of equality in the industry and reiterating his ongoing commitment to Simu Liu Asian representation advocacy.
Liu’s Public Appeals Underscore Industry Setbacks
Liu, who gained international recognition through the series Kim’s Convenience and then as the star of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, took action on social media on November 23, 2025. He referenced the difficulties experienced by other Asian actors, such as Manny Jacinto, John Chu, and Daniel Dae Kim, in gaining meaningful leading roles. He specifically urged the industry:
“Hollywood, put more Asian men in romantic lead roles.”
— Simu Liu, Actor
Building on this, Liu made his frustration clear, stating:
“Put some Asians in literally anything right now. The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f**king appalling.”
— Simu Liu, Actor. He called attention to the high-profile successes of films featuring Asian leads—including Minari, The Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and his own blockbuster, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—yet questioned why increased opportunities still lag.
Liu openly addressed the double standard present in Hollywood, emphasizing,
“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.”
— Simu Liu, Actor. He noted the persistence of this issue, despite strong commercial and critical results in Asian-led films.
Evidence Points to Ongoing Disparities for Asian Performers
Liu’s willingness to publicly criticize the Hollywood establishment is not new. Previously, he responded to a Huffington Post article from 2023 that painted Asian actors as rivals for a limited pool of roles, rebutting that narrative and pointing toward pervasive industry issues. His remarks about white actors receiving multiple leading opportunities after box office failures, unlike their Asian counterparts, can be traced to recent events, such as Jared Leto’s continued lead casting in Tron: Ares and the upcoming Masters of the Universe, following Morbius’ box office disappointment.
The imbalance extends beyond casting: Manny Jacinto, for example, saw all his lines cut from the major film Top Gun: Maverick. Although Crazy Rich Asians was a massive hit in 2018, any follow-up has remained stagnant for years, with the sequel still not materializing. Even Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, lauded as a standout success during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not yet seen a greenlit sequel, though Liu’s character will appear in Avengers: Doomsday.
Marvel Studios’ hesitation to develop a rapid sequel for Shang-Chi, in contrast to how it propelled sequels for other franchise characters like Captain America and Thor, underlines persistent industry reluctance. While claims of progress continue, the withheld momentum for films led by Asian characters reveals a deep-seated inequality in opportunity.
Spotlight on Shang-Chi’s Cast Demonstrates Broader Talent
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings assembled a notable cast, with Simu Liu as Shaun/Shang-Chi, Tony Leung Chiu-wai portraying Xu Wenwu, Awkwafina as Katy, and Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery. The film made a significant impact both critically and commercially, signaling to studios the potential for Asian-led projects and the ability of these actors to carry major titles.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and the Path Forward
Liu’s outspoken stance, combined with ongoing public discussions, continues to draw attention to inequities ingrained in the film industry. The persistent lack of action on sequels, as seen with Shang-Chi and Crazy Rich Asians, along with recording practices like cutting lines or sidelining Asian talent, suggest resistance to real inclusivity. While figures like Liu, Manny Jacinto, John Chu, Daniel Dae Kim, and others push for change, it remains to be seen whether Hollywood will move beyond surface-level representation and commit to lasting equality.
