Marvel star Simu Liu has launched a powerful critique against Hollywood's declining representation of Asian actors, calling the current situation "appalling" and exposing deep-rooted prejudice within the film industry.
Hollywood's Representation Crisis
The Canadian-Chinese actor, who gained global fame as the lead in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, expressed his outrage about the industry's backslide in Asian representation. "Put some Asians in literally anything right now," Liu demanded in his recent statements to The Hollywood Reporter.
Liu highlighted the paradoxical nature of Hollywood's approach toward Asian-led projects, noting that despite numerous financial successes, studios still perceive Asian actors as "risky." He pointed to several critically and commercially successful films including Minari, The Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and his own blockbuster Shang-Chi as evidence that Asian-centered stories resonate with audiences.
Systemic Discrimination Exposed
The actor made a striking comparison about industry double standards: "No Asian actor has ever lost a studio even close to USD 100 million, but a white dude will lose USD 200 million twice and roll right into the next tentpole lead."
Liu's comments came in response to producer Rachel Tan's experience trying to cast her project Worth The Wait. Tan had revealed that studios provided her with "a list of white guys we could cast" and indicated that funding would only materialize if she cast one of them.
On Threads, Liu confirmed this practice is widespread: "Spoken to countless directors who have corroborated this. Studios give a list and as of now, all the names are white with maybe ONE bipoc name that is tossed in there so they cover their own asses. And unfortunately that name is never Asian."
Industry-Wide Pattern of Exclusion
The timing of Liu's outburst coincides with similar frustrations expressed by other Asian actors. Manny Jacinto, who recently starred alongside Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday, had previously voiced his frustration about being typecast in "dad roles" despite wanting to appear in more romantic comedies.
Liu didn't mince words about the challenges facing Asian performers, stating: "We're fighting a deeply prejudiced system, and most days it sucks." His comments highlight the ongoing struggle for equal opportunity in an industry that continues to marginalize Asian talent despite proven box office success.
The actor's powerful statements have ignited conversations across social media platforms, with many fans and industry professionals echoing his concerns about the need for genuine diversity and inclusion in Hollywood casting practices.
