Simu Liu Slams Hollywood For Continued Lack Of Diversity: “[It’s] F**king Appalling”

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As a huge movie fan, it’s great to hear Simu Liu speaking up about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, especially when it comes to Asian actors. He’s really putting it out there, and it’s important. It’s exciting that he’ll be back as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday next year – that movie is going to be massive! And honestly, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the best things Marvel did after Endgame, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what they do with him next.

Simu Liu is quickly becoming a prominent actor, and he recently appeared in the blockbuster film Barbie as a key member of the Kens, providing comedic contrast to Ryan Gosling’s performance. He also voiced a character in the popular Netflix series In Your Dreams. Liu’s other notable roles include projects like Star Wars: Visions, Invincible, Arthur the King, and Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.

Actor Liu recently expressed frustration on Threads about the lack of Asian representation in movies and television. He urged the entertainment industry to cast more Asian actors, stating that the recent decrease in representation is unacceptable. He highlighted the success of films starring Asian actors, contrasting it with the fact that white actors are often given more leeway when their projects fail. Here’s what he said in full:

Film studios often see projects with Asian leads as financially risky, despite the success of films like Minari, Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Shang-Chi. No Asian actor has ever caused a studio to lose nearly as much money as some white actors, who can experience big failures and still immediately land another leading role.

we’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. and most days it SUCKS.

As a movie lover, it’s been incredible to witness the shift happening in Hollywood. Several films Liu points to really broke down barriers and put Asian talent front and center like never before. Crazy Rich Asians felt like a huge turning point – a massive blockbuster starring an all-Asian cast. But then Everything Everywhere All at Once came along and just blew everyone away, not only dominating the Oscars but also making history with Michelle Yeoh becoming the first Asian woman to win Best Lead Actress. It was a truly special moment.

Ke Huy Quan, famous for his childhood roles, made a triumphant return to acting with Everything Everywhere All at Once. He faced decades of difficulty finding roles in Hollywood due to limited opportunities for Asian actors, but ultimately won an Oscar for his performance in the film. Other successful and critically praised movies like Minari, The Farewell, and Past Lives took a more subtle approach.

While many movies aren’t performing as well in theaters since the pandemic, actor Liu points out that Asian actors seem to face even more significant consequences when a film doesn’t succeed. He made this observation on Threads while responding to a discussion about how biases in Hollywood casting affect actors of color.

Simu Liu is expected to remain a leading figure in the entertainment world. Marvel is currently working on a sequel to Shang-Chi, with Liu reprising his role. He also has two new series in the works: the action-fantasy show The Copenhagen Test and the adventure series Seven Wonders, which is based on a novel by Ben Mezrich. Hopefully, Hollywood will listen to Liu and others who are advocating for positive change.

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2025-11-26 17:28