Actor Simu Liu Opens Up About Feeling Marginalized in Hollywood

Simu Liu is speaking out again about the lack of representation for Asian actors in Hollywood. The Shang-Chi star pointed out that while people often ask whether a Black actor could take on a role like James Bond, similar questions are rarely raised for Asian actors.

Liu explained that while fighting for representation for all marginalized groups is important, it can feel isolating when your community isn’t included in the conversation. “No, we’re a couple rungs down the ladder. Fighting for representation for all marginalized communities is important, but it can sometimes suck if you’re not a part of that conversation,” he said.

He described his role as Alexander Hale as a rare opportunity where his character’s cultural background is fully part of the story. “Knowing that I would never get an opportunity to play a role like Bond, something like the Alexander Hale character is such a blessing because his cultural identity is really baked into his character,” Liu said.

He added that the character’s first-generation immigrant background adds depth, highlighting challenges that characters like James Bond or Ethan Hunt would not face.

Liu also spoke about his experience as an executive producer. He said he was involved from an early stage and was allowed to contribute ideas in the writers’ room. “Getting let in at such an early stage is something that has never happened to me before… [The creators] were so generous. They allowed me to bring my own ideas and really talk through some characters,” he said.

Liu emphasized that he wanted to actively participate, not just hold a title. “A lot of it is vanity based… I didn’t want to be overbearing in any way, but I didn’t want to disappear.”

A few weeks ago, Liu also shared a lengthy post about the broader issue of Asian representation in Hollywood. He wrote, “Put some Asians in literally anything right now. The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f*** appalling. Studios think we’re ‘risky.’”

He highlighted several successful films led by Asian actors, including Minari, The Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and Shang-Chi. “These results show that Asian talent can carry big projects and that Hollywood’s hesitation doesn’t make sense,” he said.

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