Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu discussed the importance of representation.
Marvel’s first film to introduce a new hero since Captain Marvel is the upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which stars Canadian actor Simu Liu. Set to hit cinemas this September, Shang-Chi will also introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s real Mandarin, which fans have been patiently waiting for since Iron Man 3‘s bait and switch back in 2013. With the excitement surrounding Marvel’s latest just ramping up, Liu has graced the cover of EW to chat about the superhero.
In conversation with the outlet, Simu Liu began to discuss the importance of bringing Asian representation to the Marvel Cinematic Universe without focusing on stereotypes.
“There are two paradigms that are completely at odds with each other. One being, as a progressive Asian American man, I’ve always wanted to shatter barriers and expectations of what Asian men are and be very aware of the boxes that we’re put into — martial artists, sidekicks, exotic, or Orientalist. And then the other paradigm is, like, kung fu is objectively super f—ing cool. There is a reason why kung fu caught fire and the world became obsessed with it, because it’s incredible to watch.”
“There was a time [as an Asian actor], I didn’t want anybody to see me doing martial arts… but I grew up watching Jet Li and Jackie Chan, and I remember the immense amount of pride that I felt watching them kick ass. I think Shang-Chi can absolutely be that for Asian Americans. It means that kids growing up today will have what we never did — the ability to watch the screen and to really feel seen.”
With #ShangChi, @SimuLiu is excited to be the superhero he never got to see, on film and beyond: “I’m ready to be in a position where I can effect real change, amplify voices.”
Read our new cover story: https://t.co/obCG95UbfG pic.twitter.com/e97oW2wVuU
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) July 6, 2021
Are you excited to see Simu Liu take on the role of Shang-Chi? Comment below and let us know!
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a script written by David Callaham, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Ronny Chieng and Dallas Liu. Here’s the official synopsis for the Marvel Studios project:
“Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.”
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on September 3, 2021. Stay tuned for all the latest news on the upcoming Marvel project and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more exclusive video content.
Source: EW
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