Simu Liu Opens Up About Hollywood Struggles and Lack of Leading Roles Post-Shang-Chi
Simu Liu, known for his role as the lead in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has shared his struggles in securing leading roles in Hollywood despite his breakout performance in the MCU. In a recent interview, Liu discussed the challenges he faces as a non-white actor in the industry, highlighting the disparity in opportunities compared to white actors. He expressed disappointment in the limited number of leading roles that have come his way post-Shang-Chi, emphasizing the advantages that white actors seem to have in securing prominent roles.
Liu reflected on the industry dynamics that favor certain types of actors and acknowledged the uphill battle he faces in establishing himself as an A-lister. Despite his appearances in notable projects like Barbie, Atlas, and Last Breath, Liu has primarily been cast in supporting roles rather than lead roles. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had but emphasized that The Copenhagen Test marks his first lead role since Shang-Chi, underscoring the challenges he continues to face in advancing his career.
The Copenhagen Test, a series featuring Simu Liu in a leading role, is set to premiere on Peacock on December 27, 2025. Liu's candid remarks shed light on the systemic barriers that non-white actors encounter in Hollywood and the need for greater representation and opportunities for diverse talent in the entertainment industry. Despite his success in the MCU, Liu's journey as an actor highlights the ongoing struggles faced by actors of non-white ethnicities in breaking through as leading figures in Hollywood.