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Simu Liu on being Marvel’s first Asian superhero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and how it can build a bridge between cultures
- Previously best known for Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience, Liu was born in Harbin, China, before moving to Toronto, and understood his character’s ‘duality’
- It was the film’s ‘little moments’ that speak to the Asian immigrant experience that resonated ‘very deeply’ with the Chinese-born Liu
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When Simu Liu won the leading part in Marvel’s latest extravaganza, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the significance was not lost on him. “It really is the biggest role I’ve ever had by a long shot,” he says.
Previously best known for the Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience, the Chinese-born Liu is all too aware that he’s been catapulted onto Hollywood’s A-list. More notably, he’s the first Asian to play a titular Marvel superhero. “It is the realisation of a childhood dream,” he adds, “and truly the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Inspired by Marvel’s 1973 comic series by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin, Shang-Chi (played by Liu) spent his youth learning to kill, thanks to his ruthless father (Tony Leung Chiu-wai). But after fleeing his homeland, he’s now living in San Francisco under the name “Shaun”, working as a parking valet.
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The story really kicks into gear when Shaun and his friend Katy (Awkwafina) are accosted by members of his father’s gang, the Ten Rings, who track down Shang-Chi to bring him back to his father. Only then does he reveal to Katy his remarkable fighting skills.
As action-packed as Shang-Chi is, it’s the “little moments” that speak to the Asian immigrant experience that really excited Liu – like Shaun taking his shoes off as he enters Katy’s apartment.
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