(Image source: Marvel Studios)
Simu Liu, the Asian actor who rose to fame playing Marvel superhero Shang-Chi, has previously voiced his opinions on "racial representation" for Asian actors in Hollywood. Recently, he posted even more strongly worded comments on the social media platform Threads. A few days prior, another user compiled recent interviews where Asian actors discussed limited opportunities or being typecast, advocating for more Asian male leads in romantic comedies. Liu reposted this, adding further insights of his own.
(Image source: Threads)
In his reposted message, Simu Liu wrote: "Please cast Asian actors in all types of projects. The decline in Asian representation on screen is undeniable. Studios somehow still see us as 'risky' choices, despite the box office success of films like 'Minari,' 'The Farewell,' 'Past Lives,' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' 'Crazy Rich Asians,' and 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' No Asian actor has cost a studio nearly $100 million. Yet, white actors can lose a studio $200 million 'twice' and still land the next big blockbuster. We are fighting against a deeply biased system, and most of the time, it sucks."
(Image source: TIME)
One user commented in agreement with his statement, praising that they had never heard an Asian actor criticized for their work ethic. Simu Liu responded with frustration, noting that no matter how hard Asian actors work, they still don't receive the recognition they deserve. Another user expressed anger that veteran Korean actor Daniel Dae Kim (pictured above) has yet to be cast in a romantic comedy. Liu replied that he has discussed this issue with many directors, and studios often present an all-white list of male lead candidates, perhaps reluctantly including one person of color—who is typically not Asian—just to fill a quota.