Hollywood actor Simu Liu believes that achieving success in Hollywood is significantly more challenging for individuals who aren’t white.
The actor, known for his role in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,’ feels he continues to face an “uphill battle” in his career. He expressed concern over the types of roles he has been offered since gaining fame in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
When asked what he wished he had known before ‘Shang-Chi,’ he told The Hollywood Reporter, “That it’s a marathon and that success is defined by longevity more than just the bigness of a single moment. And then with the caveat that it’s gonna be a lot harder for you than if you were white. Maybe that’s a controversial thing to say or a hot take. But I’ve watched a lot of actors’ careers over the past few years since I’ve had my moments.”
He elaborated on his experience, stating, “Seeing firsthand just why a system is made and why a system helps a certain type of actor that, once they get their moment, it becomes infinitely easier for them to get their next and then their next. That has not been the case for me at all. I still very much feel like I have an uphill battle every single day. The things that come across my desk, I don’t know if this is the best stuff for me. I wish it were better.”
The 36-year-old star admitted he was “a little surprised” not to receive any leading roles following the success of ‘Shang-Chi.’
Regarding the roles he was being offered, he said, “Tiny, tiny budget projects, playing third or fourth lead. Maybe a villain. But never the main character, never the proxy for the audience. Only somebody who gets to be a piece of it. And a substantial piece, don’t get me wrong. I’m not ungrateful. But once ‘Shang-Chi’ came out and had the moment that it did, I was a little surprised by how few number one roles came across my desk. Whereas, if it had happened to somebody else, a different actor who looked differently, I think those offers would’ve come a lot quicker and more abundantly.”
Simu mentioned that there are many directors he admires who would “never” hire him, and he understands why Asian actors tend to produce, write, or direct to ensure the roles and material they want are available.