Simu Liu Shares Candid Thoughts on Playing James Bond or Jason Bourne

Simu Liu, the Marvel actor who brought Shang-Chi to life, has long been outspoken about the need for better Asian representation in the film industry. In a recent conversation, Liu addressed the idea of an Asian actor stepping into legendary roles such as James Bond or Jason Bourne, and he didn’t hold back about the realities he sees in Hollywood.

Facing Barriers in Iconic Roles

After his performances in blockbuster hits like Shang-Chi and Barbie, Liu expressed his belief that opportunities for Asian actors in major franchises remain limited. He shared his thoughts on the matter, saying,

Knowing that I would never get an opportunity to play a role like Bond, something like the Alexander Hale character is such a blessing because his cultural identity is really baked into his character.

Liu went on to highlight the broader struggle for representation, adding,

Fighting for representation for all marginalized communities is important, but it can sometimes suck if you’re not a part of that conversation.

Despite his doubts about being cast as Bond or Bourne, Liu is confident that Asian actors are not to blame for any box office disappointments in major franchises. He pointed out that the industry’s reluctance to cast Asian leads is rooted in outdated perceptions of risk.

Speaking Out on Industry Challenges

Liu has used his platform to call attention to the double standards Asian actors face. On social media, he remarked that Asian performers rarely get second chances if a film underperforms, unlike their white counterparts. He stated,

Put some Asians in literally anything right now. The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f*cking appalling. Studios think we are risky…

He continued,

No Asian actor has ever lost a studio even close to 100 million dollars but a white dude will lose 200 million TWICE and roll right into the next tentpole lead. We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. And most days it SUCKS.

Liu’s comments reflect a frustration shared by many in the industry who see a lack of funding and support for projects led by Asian talent. While some studios are making progress, the overall landscape still presents significant hurdles.

Industry Perspectives and Possible Solutions

While Liu’s outlook may seem discouraging, others in the industry have offered alternative viewpoints. Daniel Craig, who played James Bond for the last time in No Time to Die, was once asked about the possibility of a woman taking on the iconic role. He responded,

There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?

This perspective suggests that instead of recasting established characters, the industry should create new, equally compelling roles for underrepresented groups. For Liu and others, this could mean the emergence of new heroes who resonate just as strongly as Bond or Bourne.

Recent Bond Film at a Glance

The most recent installment in the Bond franchise, No Time to Die, was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starred Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and Rami Malek. Released on September 30, 2021, the film earned a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, grossing $774 million worldwide. The movie was produced by Eon Productions and is available to stream on Amazon.

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