Simu Liu, known for his iconic roles in 'Shang-Chi' and 'Barbie', shares his fascinating journey from Harbin, China, to Canadian stardom. He discusses his transition from a dissatisfied accountant to a Marvel superhero, and the familial expectations that shaped him. Liu also reflects on his collaboration with Woody Harrelson in their upcoming film, revealing humorous on-set moments and challenges in tight spaces. They talk candidly about navigating fame, mental health awareness, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
Simu Liu's journey from Harbin, China, to becoming a Marvel superhero reflects his personal quest for self-actualization against familial expectations.
The success of 'Kim's Convenience' transformed Liu's life, redefining his relationship with his parents and validating his career choice as an artist.
Navigating fame, Liu highlights the importance of mental health awareness, particularly for marginalized communities, using his platform to advocate for open discussions.
Deep dives
Introduction to Simu Liu's Journey
Simu Liu's background reveals his early life in Harbin, China, where his grandparents raised him until he reunited with his parents at four and a half. His parents, who moved to Canada for education, had aspirations for him to pursue engineering, fostering high expectations due to their immigrant experience. Despite this pressure, Liu had a love for movies and performance from a young age, which ultimately led him away from a conventional career path. His transition from a promising but unfulfilling accounting career into acting highlights a pivotal moment in his journey towards self-actualization.
His Role in 'Kim's Convenience'
Liu gained significant recognition for his role in 'Kim's Convenience,' which he likened to a transformative experience that lifted him from the struggles of being a starving artist. The success of the show not only validated his career choice but also improved his relationship with his parents, who began to see him as a successful artist rather than a family disappointment. This highlight marked a shift in his personal narrative, allowing him to step into the limelight and carry the expectations previously placed upon him. The success also broadened his prospects, paving the way for greater opportunities in the industry.
The Audition for 'Shang-Chi'
The audition process for 'Shang-Chi' was lengthy and demanding, starting with self-taped scenes where Liu couldn't initially discern the project's significance. After a month-long wait, he received a call to meet with the director, which led to an improvised chemistry read that Liu felt was pivotal for winning the role. The subsequent screen test with co-star Awkwafina solidified his position, transitioning him from Canadian television to a major Hollywood production. This breakthrough not only made Liu a figure of representation but also fundamentally changed his career trajectory.
Navigating Fame and Its Challenges
Liu candidly discusses the duality of fame, spotlighting both its perks and its stresses, especially the loss of personal narrative control that comes with public recognition. He shared how navigating scrutiny and public perception can impact mental health, especially for those who come from minority backgrounds. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a supportive network of friends and family who help ground him. Furthermore, Liu seeks to use his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the Asian community, aiming to normalize conversations around these topics.
Collaborative Experience and Future Aspirations
In his experience working on 'Barbie,' Liu highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, noting how director Greta Gerwig fosters creativity among the cast. He was inspired by her approach, which emphasized the importance of artistry alongside commercial success, especially in a shifting industry landscape. Liu also expressed enthusiasm for continued performances, revealing his involvement in the soundtrack for 'Shang-Chi' and aspirations to create music. This newfound avenue for expression exemplifies his dedication to exploring diverse forms of storytelling while using his platform to uplift others.
This isn’t the first time Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu have gotten up close and personal! In this episode, you’ll hear how they worked together in some pretty tight quarters on the upcoming feature film “Last Breath.” Simu tells Woody and Ted about his family’s journey from Harbin, China to Canada, and how he later went from being an unhappy accountant to becoming a Marvel superhero and Ken in “Barbie.” Bonus: Ted brings up Woody’s silent but deadly past.