Marvel star Simu Liu has launched a powerful critique against Hollywood, accusing the industry of an 'appalling' lack of roles for Asian actors and a 'deeply prejudiced system' that unfairly considers them a financial risk.
The Hypocrisy of Box Office Success
In comments made on Wednesday 26 November 2025, the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings lead argued that the film industry is experiencing a 'backslide' in Asian representation. He pointed to a glaring contradiction: numerous films with Asian leads have been major commercial successes, yet studios continue to harbour the biased view that casting them is 'risky'.
Liu highlighted a string of critically and financially successful projects, including Minari, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and his own Marvel blockbuster, Shang-Chi. He starkly contrasted this track record with that of white actors, who he stated can 'fail repeatedly' without it damaging their careers.
'No Asian actor has ever single-handedly caused a studio to lose hundreds of millions of dollars,' Liu asserted, implying that this cannot be said for some of their white counterparts who continue to land leading roles despite such financial failures.
A Chorus of Frustration from Asian Peers
Liu's sentiments are echoed by other prominent Asian actors in the industry, who share similar frustrations about the limitations placed upon them. Actors such as Manny Jacinto and John Cho have spoken out about being offered stereotypical parts and a noticeable lack of opportunities to play romantic leads.
Veteran actor Daniel Dae Kim, who has three decades of experience in Hollywood, added his voice to the criticism. He revealed that he is still waiting for his first romantic lead role, a testament to the systemic barriers that persist.
Kim also criticised what he described as an 'overcorrection' in casting, where studios now engage in overly specific, nationality-focused searches for Asian characters, further limiting opportunities for actors from the diverse diaspora.
A Call for Systemic Change in Hollywood
The collective testimony from these actors paints a clear picture of an entertainment landscape that remains resistant to meaningful, sustained change. Despite the undeniable commercial proof provided by their films, Asian actors continue to fight against a deeply ingrained perception that they are a less safe investment.
This situation underscores a significant disconnect between audience appetite for diverse stories and Hollywood's outdated risk-assessment models. The calls from Liu, Kim, and their colleagues represent a demand for more than just token roles; they are advocating for a fundamental shift in how the industry perceives and values Asian talent, moving beyond stereotype and into the full spectrum of human experience on screen.
