Simu Liu Slams Hollywood’s “Appalling Backslide” in Asian Representation

Actor Simu Liu, star of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Barbie, has ignited a fierce debate after publicly denouncing what he calls a significant “backslide” in Asian representation across Hollywood films and television.

Liu took to social media platform Threads to voice his frustration, arguing that studios have failed to build upon the recent successes of Asian-led projects and continue to view Asian actors as a financial "risk."

Liu’s comments were made in response to a thread highlighting the struggles of Asian actors like Manny Jacinto and John Cho to secure meaningful, non-stereotypical roles. Liu escalated the discussion by challenging the industry’s double standards. He lamented:

“Put some asians in literally anything right now. the amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f***ing appalling.”

“Studios think we’re ‘risky.’ ‘Minari,’ ‘Farewell,’ ‘Past Lives,’ ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once,’ ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ and ‘Shang-Chi.’ Every single one a financial success.”

“No asian actor has ever lost a studio even close to 100 million dollars but a white dude will lose 200 million TWICE and roll right into the next tentpole lead. We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. and most days it SUCKS.”

The core of Liu’s argument rests on the financial viability of Asian-led projects versus the consistent chances given to certain white actors despite major box office failures.

He pointed to a string of critical and commercial hits like Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and his own Marvel film, stating that their success should have resulted in a wave of new opportunities rather than a slowdown.

Liu also commented on reports from producers who claimed studios required them to include white actors on casting lists to secure funding, even for roles not written as white. Liu added:

"Studios give a list and as of now, all the names are white with maybe ONE bipoc name that is tossed in there... and unfortunately that name is never asian."

While Liu’s post garnered widespread support from those who have observed a lull in high-profile Asian-led projects post-pandemic, his comments also drew significant criticism:

• Accusations of Hypocrisy: Some users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) accused Liu of oversimplifying the issue, arguing that he, as a Chinese-Canadian actor, should not assume to represent the diverse experiences of all Asian ethnic groups, such as Japanese, Filipino, or Indian communities.

  
  

• Data Dispute: Other critics cited research, such as reports from Pew Research, suggesting that Asian actors' representation on screen, at roughly 13.7%, already exceeds the 7% of the U.S. population they represent.

  
  

• DEI Rollbacks: The debate also touched on the broader political climate, with some connecting the perceived "backslide" to the recent societal and corporate rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Liu’s strong statement underscores the ongoing frustration felt by many in the Asian creative community who argue that systemic prejudice continues to limit their access to leading roles and creative power, despite undeniable box-office proof of their appeal.