Simu Liu thinks Hollywood is way tougher for non-white actors. The guy who played Shang-Chi says his own career is still a constant struggle despite that Marvel hit. He told an interview that he was surprised that leading roles dried up after that movie’s success. Liu mentioned the parts he gets offered now are often small, like a low-budget villain or a fourth lead, never the main character audiences follow.
He described watching other actors, the white ones, have an easier time building momentum after a breakout role. The system just works better for them in his view. Liu feels he has to fight for every single opportunity, calling it an uphill battle daily. He understands why a lot of Asian actors turn to creating their own projects through writing or directing.
Liu admitted the roles crossing his desk are not the best stuff for him, wishing the quality were higher. He believes many directors he respects would never consider casting him. The actor stressed that real success means lasting in the industry over time, not just one big moment. He added a blunt caveat about the whole journey being significantly more difficult if you are not white.
He described watching other actors, the white ones, have an easier time building momentum after a breakout role. The system just works better for them in his view. Liu feels he has to fight for every single opportunity, calling it an uphill battle daily. He understands why a lot of Asian actors turn to creating their own projects through writing or directing.
Liu admitted the roles crossing his desk are not the best stuff for him, wishing the quality were higher. He believes many directors he respects would never consider casting him. The actor stressed that real success means lasting in the industry over time, not just one big moment. He added a blunt caveat about the whole journey being significantly more difficult if you are not white.
