Lucy Liu Reveals Why a Box Office Flop Was Her Dream Role

Lucy Liu’s journey in Hollywood began in the late '90s, but it was her role in Charlie’s Angels that truly made her a household name. Over the years, she’s taken on a wide range of characters, from the unforgettable scene in Kill Bill to her mischievous turn in Chicago. Yet, for a long time, Liu felt that many opportunities were out of reach for her as a Chinese-American actress. That’s why landing a part in a superhero movie like Shazam! Fury of the Gods was so appealing, even though the film didn’t perform well at the box office.

For some actors, the commercial success of a project is everything. But for others, the chance to be part of something meaningful outweighs the numbers. That was certainly true for Liu, who found personal fulfillment in joining the cast of a film that ultimately struggled to find its audience.

Finding Joy Beyond the Numbers

In an interview, Liu shared,

I think being part of a [superhero movie](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-10-best-superhero-movies-ever-made/) is a super dream, because I am a super fan of comics and of that time, which is my childhood

. She played Kalypso, a character with the power of chaos, alongside stars like Helen Mirren, Adam Brody, and Zachary Levi. While the first Shazam! movie was a hit, its sequel barely managed to cover its production costs.

Despite the disappointing financial outcome, Liu saw her involvement as a milestone. She explained,

So it really is a dream to be a part of something that, at that time, was unattainable and to grow into that space, and to have them grow into that space, for diversity, for women, and empowerment. It’s not even just quotables, it’s a real thing and being a part of that is really a dream come true.

Breaking Barriers in Superhero Films

Superhero movies have long been dominated by male characters, with women often relegated to the sidelines or portrayed in a one-dimensional way. In recent years, though, the landscape has started to shift. Liu is proud to be part of this change, even if the film didn’t become a blockbuster.

She spoke about the importance of seeing yourself represented on screen, saying it’s about finding your place in the world. Reflecting on her own experiences, Liu recalled,

We all want to belong, and that’s why we’re all here at Comic-Con. I mean, as a child, for me, coming from an immigrant family, I did not feel like I belonged. Right?

Belonging and Empowerment

Liu compared working in entertainment to joining a circus of people all searching for their own path. She looks back on her career with gratitude, feeling lucky to have found both success and a sense of belonging. As she put it,

where I can really feel like I belong, and we’re all looking for that

.