Simu Liu Calls Out Hollywood Backslide in Asian Representation

Simu Liu has publicly criticized Hollywood’s recent decline in opportunities for Asian actors. The ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ star described the industry as reverting to familiar patterns after a brief period of progress. He highlighted how studios now prioritize projects perceived as less risky over those featuring diverse casts.

Liu made the remarks during a panel discussion on international film markets in Toronto. He pointed to a noticeable drop in lead roles for Asian performers since 2022. Data from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative supports this trend, showing Asian leads in major films fell from 12 percent in 2021 to 7 percent in 2024.

The actor attributed the shift to executives’ fear of audience backlash against inclusive storytelling. “We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system,” Liu stated, emphasizing that tokenism rather than genuine integration persists. He referenced his own career trajectory, from a breakout in ‘Kim’s Convenience’ to the Marvel blockbuster, as evidence of sporadic breakthroughs amid broader stagnation.

Liu urged Asian talent to form stronger coalitions within the industry. He advocated for data-driven advocacy, citing groups like the Asian American Foundation that track representation metrics. These organizations reported over 200 Asian actors in supporting roles last year, yet fewer than 30 in starring positions across top-grossing releases.

The conversation comes amid broader debates on Hollywood’s post-strike recovery. Studios face pressure to balance budgets while addressing diversity mandates from streaming platforms. Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios each greenlit five Asian-led series in 2025, but Liu questioned their distribution reach compared to white-led counterparts.

Liu’s comments echo sentiments from peers like Steven Yeun and Lana Condor. Yeun, known for ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Minyan’, discussed similar barriers in a recent Variety interview. Condor, star of ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’, has pushed for more nuanced portrayals beyond stereotypes.

Industry analysts predict a potential uptick in 2026 with projects like ‘The Paper Tigers’ sequel. However, Liu warned that without structural changes, such gains remain fragile. He called on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to expand its diversity standards for Oscar eligibility.

The panel also touched on international markets’ role in elevating Asian stories. Liu praised successes like ‘Parasite’ and ‘Squid Game’ for globalizing demand. Yet he noted U.S. distributors often re-edit these works to fit Western sensibilities, diluting cultural specificity.

Liu concluded by encouraging emerging actors to build independent networks. He shared resources from the Gold House organization, which mentors over 100 Asian creatives annually. These efforts aim to foster self-sustained production pipelines outside traditional gatekeepers.

As Hollywood navigates economic uncertainties, Liu’s critique underscores ongoing inequities. Representation data from UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report indicates Asian actors comprise 6 percent of speaking roles, despite making up 7 percent of the U.S. population. Liu’s platform amplifies calls for accountability in casting and financing decisions.

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