Simu Liu ignited the conversation on Sunday, penning a searing message on Threads about the "backslide" in Asian representation within Hollywood. The post was laced with social media reports detailing the struggles faced by Asian actors in finding fulfilling roles. "Put some Asians in literally anything right now," he implored. "The degradation of our representation on screen is abhorrent. Studios perceive us as a risky investment."
Despite this perceived risk, Liu eloquently listed several films starring Asian actors that were critical and financial successes, including "Minari," "Farewell," "Past Lives," "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "Crazy Rich Asians," and his Marvel tentpole "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." He added, "Each one a financial triumph. No Asian actor has ever failed to generate even close to 100 million dollars in a studio, yet a white actor can lose 200 million TWICE and still land the next leading role. We're up against a deeply prejudiced system. And most days, it feels like a losing battle."
Liu is known for his vocal presence on social media, especially when it comes to speaking out against right-leaning politics. In a recent interview with Variety, he admitted that he "should probably be more scared" of backlash, but his hunger to speak his mind and stand up for what he believes often overrides his fears. "I just feel like there's something about the internet that makes people go crazy," Liu said. "There's something about the public nature of it and how people love to be the one to bring someone else down [or] an entire group of people down. I am not in favor of that energy."
