Marvel’s First Asian Lead Simu Liu Is Honoured

The star of ‘Shang-Chi‘ has shared his feelings on being the first Asian lead in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Simu Liu features as the titular character in the upcoming superhero film, which sees Shang-Chi confront his past after being drawn into the mysterious Ten Rings organisation.

The 32-year-old appears alongside Tony Leung, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng.

Benedict Wong and Tim Roth are also touted to cameo in the film. They reprise their respective Marvel characters from Doctor Strange and The Incredible Hulk.

“It’s a big moment for our community, obviously, and for me personally too,” admitted Liu in an interview with Sky News. “It’s my first feature in the Hollywood world and I didn’t want to do anything less than the absolute best.”

Speaking about the dedication required for role, Liu says he didn’t shy away from the challenge.

“For about four months in Sydney, leading up to the start of photography, I worked,” he said. “I wanted to say five or six hours a day, five days a week in the stunt department, and then I did an hour and a half of strength and conditioning, so I definitely took it seriously.”

Liu went on add that working with Tony Leung in particular had been an “honour”.

“He’s got a very, very incredibly work ethic, he shows up to work, he never has his phone, he always is around set and never goes back to his trailer, is just so incredibly focused on the work and, you know, I think lifted the rest of us up with him, so it was truly a joy to work with every day.”

‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings‘ debuts in cinemas tomorrow (September 3).

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