Simu Liu Talks Navigating Hollywood As An Asian Actor, And Trying To Land Lead Roles After Shang-Chi

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Superhero movie fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years, especially with the 2026 release of Avengers: Doomsday – currently about a year away. The film will feature a large ensemble of Marvel actors, including Simu Liu, who is returning as Shang-Chi. While landing the role was a significant achievement for him, Liu has recently discussed the challenges faced by Asian actors working in Hollywood.

What Simu Liu Said About Being An Asian Actor In Hollywood

For decades, actors of color have faced challenges in finding work and being cast in meaningful roles. They often struggle to avoid stereotypical characters and land leading roles in films and television. Despite landing the title role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings after actively campaigning for it, Simu Liu has shared that these difficulties still exist for him.

Even though the movie, released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2021, was a huge success during the uncertain time of the pandemic, starring in it hasn’t led to the acting opportunities Simu Liu might have expected. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about his new series, The Copenhagen Test (available on Peacock), he was asked what he wished he’d understood about becoming a successful actor before his breakout role in Shang-Chi, and he responded:

It’s a long journey, and true success comes from consistently working at it over time, rather than achieving one big win. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the path will likely be more challenging for people of color. I realize that might be a difficult thing to hear.

Recent campaigns like #OscarsSoWhite have highlighted the difficulty people of color face in getting recognized for their work in Hollywood. However, the problem often begins earlier – many talented individuals from marginalized communities simply don’t have enough opportunities to display their skills. This has been the experience of the Barbie actor since he starred as a superhero, and he explained further:

Over the past few years, having experienced some success myself, I’ve observed how certain actors benefit from an established system. Once they gain recognition, it seems much easier for them to find further opportunities. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been my experience. I still feel like I’m constantly facing challenges and often question whether the roles I’m offered are truly the best fit for me. I really wish I was getting better opportunities.

He’s been consistently working for the past four years, with high-profile projects like the blockbuster film Barbie keeping him relevant. Despite that success, and his role in Shang-Chi, he still faces challenges as an actor. He explained that his new series will be his first time playing the main character since he first appeared in a Marvel film. He went on to discuss the kinds of roles he’s been offered since then:

I often found myself in smaller-budget projects, playing supporting roles – sometimes even the villain. I was happy to be involved, and I definitely appreciated the work. But after the success of Shang-Chi, I was surprised not to receive more offers for leading roles. I suspect that if another actor, someone with a different appearance, had been in that position, those opportunities would have come much faster and more frequently.

Hollywood still needs to address how to create better opportunities for people from all backgrounds and ensure everyone has a fair chance. Hopefully, recent discussions, like those sparked by Liu, will continue to raise awareness about this ongoing problem.

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2025-12-24 06:38