Shang-Chi’s Simu Liu’s Lack of A-List Roles Is Because He’s Not ‘White’

Simu Liu may have become an integral part of the most successful franchise in cinema history by portraying the titular character in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but that reportedly hasn’t helped him further his career as a leading actor in Hollywood. In a recent interview, he opened up about the lack of opportunities he has received despite his breakout role in the MCU, citing his non-white ethnicity as the major reason behind this predicament.

Simu Liu says a ‘white’ actor would’ve landed better roles if they did Shang-Chi

While speaking about his upcoming series, The Copenhagen Test, the China-born actor noted that he has not been able to become a bona fide A-lister in the entertainment industry primarily because he isn’t “white.”

Talking about the “few No. 1 roles” that have come across his desk after his stint in Shang-Chi, Simu Liu stated to The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s gonna be a lot harder for you than if you were white. Maybe that’s a controversial thing to say or a hot take.”

Liu further stated, “Seeing firsthand just why a system is made and why a system helps a certain type of actor, that, once they get their moment, it becomes infinitely easier for them to get their next and then their next. That has not been the case for me at all.”

The Kim’s Convenience star then doubled down on his stance about the advantage white actors have over artists of other ethnicities in the industry. He added, “Once Shang-Chi came out and had the moment that it did, I was a little surprised by how few No. 1 roles came across my desk. Whereas, if it had happened to somebody else, a different actor who looked differently, I think those offers would’ve come a lot quicker and more abundantly.”

Since 2021’s Shang-Chi, Simu Liu has featured in several high-profile titles, including Barbie, Atlas, Last Breath, and more, albeit in a non-leading capacity. In accordance, the actor expressed appreciation for the heightened exposure, noting, “It’s not that I haven’t worked. I’m grateful for a lot of the projects that I’ve done.”

However, Liu quickly reiterated, “But, to be clear, The Copenhagen Test is my first lead role since Shang-Chi.” Spanning a total of eight episodes, The Copenhagen Test premieres on Peacock on December 27, 2025.

Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net