Simu Liu, known for his roles in major films like “Shang-Chi” and the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” has publicly criticized what he views as a troubling decline in Asian visibility and fair casting in Hollywood. His comments, delivered via social media on November 23rd, renew the ongoing debate about Simu Liu Hollywood representation, particularly concerning Asian men in leading and romantic roles.
Liu Reacts Strongly to Industry Casting Trends
The discussion began when a Threads post advocated for more Asian men to be seen in romantic lead roles, referencing specific examples to highlight the issue. Manny Jacinto, known for “Freaky Friday,” shared that after his Disney sequel appearance, he was mainly considered for paternal rather than romantic roles. Similarly, John Cho, lead actor in “Cowboy Bebop,” expressed disappointment that his work in “Selfie” did not lead to more romantic comedy opportunities. Daniel Dae Kim, of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” has voiced frustration, saying he’s
“still waiting to play a romantic lead.”
Producer Rachel Tan recalled her financiers’ insistence on
“a list of white guys we could cast”
in her film, telling her,
“if we could give one of the roles to them, we could get funded.”
Simu Liu’s Unfiltered Remarks
Sharing the post and adding his own critique, Liu remarked,
“put some asians in literally anything right now. The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f**king [sic] appalling.”
– Simu Liu, Actor.
He further condemned the perception of Asian-led projects as risky investments for studios:
“Studios think we’re ‘risky’. Minari, Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi. Every single one 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. We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. And most days it SUCKS.”
– Simu Liu, Actor.
A History of Public Advocacy
This outburst is not Liu’s first engagement with issues of identity and diversity in entertainment. Previously, he has criticized the limited and often stereotypical roles available to Asian actors, referencing his personal career trajectory and the broader film industry’s practices. For example, Liu once said he
“thought playing a guy that gets beaten up by a main character was the pinnacle”
for Asian actors until his breakthrough role.
Liu also reacted to then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s description of “Shang-Chi”‘s theatrical release as an “interesting experiment,” perceiving it as indicative of the industry’s shortcomings toward Asian-led narratives. In another instance, he publicly took issue with a Canadian bubble tea company’s leadership, calling out what he viewed as cultural appropriation linked to their non-Asian background.
The Evolving Landscape for Asian Talent
Simu Liu’s concerns stem from long-standing challenges faced by Asian actors, particularly men, in securing significant, romantic, or diverse leading roles in Hollywood. Despite some high-profile films and TV series in the last decade, there remains a consensus that Asian representation—especially as romantic leads—has historically been lacking.
Before the landmark success of “Crazy Rich Asians” in 2018, there were few examples of Asians cast as romantic leads in mainstream Western media. Notable exceptions, such as Michelle Krusiec in 2004’s “Saving Face” and Vincent Rodriguez III in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” are rare and often cited as the exception rather than the norm.
Signs of Progress and Ongoing Barriers
Despite setbacks, there has been incremental progress. Manny Jacinto has recently played a prominent antagonist in Disney’s “The Acolyte” and is set as the male lead in the rom-com “Love Language.” Lana Condor, widely recognized for her role as Lara Jean in the
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”
series and as Jubilee in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” has several upcoming projects including thriller films and the leading part in the romantic comedy “Whodunnit.”
Steven Yeun, though not centered specifically in romantic roles, has maintained a significant presence across American film and television, with credits in “Love Me,” “Beef,” “Mickey 17,” “Nope,” and “The Humans,” as well as serving as the lead voice in Amazon’s popular adaptation of “Invincible.”
While these individual success stories point to a broader shift, industry-wide change remains slow. The demand for authentic representation and diverse casting choices continues to grow, echoing sentiments shared by Simu Liu and other advocates.
The Wider Impact of Liu’s Critique
The history of Asian representation in Hollywood has been fraught with exclusion and typecasting. As American society becomes more aware of issues rooted in racism and bias, conversations prompted by figures like Simu Liu are helping to bring systemic obstacles to the foreground. The complex landscape includes not just limited screen roles, but challenges in behind-the-scenes decision-making among financiers, producers, and studios.
Liu’s critiques, though sometimes controversial for their tone and delivery, have sparked important discussions among both industry insiders and broader audiences. His focus on financial data—highlighting the commercial success of Asian-led productions—challenges entrenched assumptions within studio leadership.
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Debate and Expectations
As debates about Simu Liu Hollywood representation persist, the entertainment industry faces increasing scrutiny over who tells stories and occupies leading roles. While undeniable progress has been made for actors like Daniel Dae Kim, Lana Condor, Steven Yeun, and Manny Jacinto, many, including Liu, argue that the journey towards true equity is far from over.
The impact of Liu’s latest remarks will likely contribute to continued conversations around casting practices, funding decisions, and the broader portrayal of Asians on screen. As audiences demand richer and more authentic storytelling, Hollywood must reconcile its history with the growing call for fair representation for all.
John Cho says that despite the amazing SELFIE (RIP!)—where he proved he's the perfect rom-com lead—he did not get many offers in this genre.
Hollywood, wyd?? #TCA23
— saloni gajjar (@saloni_g) January 19, 2023
