‘It feels like a moment in culture’ says Simu Liu film
Canadian star Simu Liu is the first Asian to headline a Marvel
ChineseCanadian star Simu Liu says he is aware that being the first Asian to headline a Marvel film comes with huge responsibility and hopes his work in Shang-Chi will speak to an audience that has rarely found “aspirational, heroic” representation on screen. Liu has headlined Marvel Studios’ martial arts superhero film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, scheduled to be released in the country on September 3.
In an interview with PTI, the 32year-old actor said he realizes that his work in the film isn’t just any “role” as it comes with the responsibility of representation. “It feels like an incredible honor, like we are giving the world something that I never had as a kid, which is the ability to see myself reflected on screen, in a meaningful, aspirational, heroic way. There is a certain responsibility that comes with that as well. I don't want to call it pressure, but there is a sense that this is more than just a role that you take, go to work, say lines and go home. This is a moment in culture, a moment in history and hopefully, it will be followed by many more just like it.”
For the China-born actor, who migrated to Canada at the age of five, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings serves as a testimony that dreams come true, especially for those who may have struggled to see themselves represented in pop culture.
But as much as Liu tries not to take any pressure, there are days when he feels anxious about people’s expectations from him. “Sometimes it gives me a little bit of anxiety knowing that there is this kind of stuff resting on my shoulders. Other times, it feels incredibly empowering.” he concludes.