Simu Liu | Marvel & Beyond | Talks at Google

Simu Liu discusses his career, Asian empowerment and community.
Actor, author and advocate Simu Liu will make his debut as the title character in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring alongside Awkwafina, Tony Leung, and Michelle Yeoh, Liu makes history as the star of the first Asian-fronted movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also starred in the CBC/Netflix comedy series Kim’s Convenience for five seasons, which was the first Canadian television series with an all-Asian lead cast and tells the day-to-day micro-dramas encountered by a Korean immigrant family that runs a corner grocery store. The series won the ACTRA Award for Outstanding Ensemble in 2017 and Best Comedy Series at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards.
Liu’s first major role was on the critically acclaimed OMNI crime drama Blood and Water, the first trilingual series (English, Mandarin, and Cantonese) produced by Canadian television, for which he received nominations at the ACTRA Awards and Canadian Screen Awards. Aside from his performance on screen, Liu participated in the writing room for the series by contributing in the show’s second season as a story editor and as the main writer for one episode. He most recently completed production on the adventure feature Arthur the King. Liu also stars in Lissette Feliciano’s Women Is Losers, which will premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival. His other film and television credits include ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, Comedy Central’s Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, NBC's Taken, and Amazon’s The Expanse.
Moderated by Yul Kwon.
#SimuLiu #Marvel #KimsConvenience

[@SMAnthonyW]

Simu is so eloquent and well-spoken. But it isn’t just for show, you can tell that he’s a genuine and down to earth person.

[@pdpkong]

I normally don't comment on stuff on KZbin but I just wanted to thank Yul in particular for expressing what we Asians are all feeling in such an eloquent manner. We're all so proud of you Simu and just as Yul said your success is all of our success. I could not be more PROUD that Marvel chose such a great person who is so active in promoting AAPI representation. Now to look for that Maclean's letter and go out and buy some Shang Chi action figures to support such a historic movie!

[@jamiedipaola8147]

If you love yul and Asian representation watch the tv show survivor and the season he is on 13 cook islands

[@nonnidreams]

Details: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivor:_Cook_Islands Now, to find where it’s streaming.

[@larryk187]

This is so important to the Asian community. Not only is he not the "stereo-typical" Asian, but he is also one who grew up in the West at a young age to pursue an acting career as a full-blooded Asian male. If anyone hadn't noticed, all the stars in Hollywood and the West in general are those who have established names for themselves back in their home countries in Asia. Now I am looking forward to an Asian American male star, one who is born and raised in the USA. The kind of Asian males that they don't show you in Hollywood or the West in general are the physically fit and attractive Asian males, which is a shame in a country that talks about "human rights", equality, and diversity. The reason Bruce Lee became successful in the west is because he established a career in Hong Kong because he knew he wouldn't have one if he just went straight to Hollywood, and Bruce Lee is actually 1/4 German!!! Not many know this, but his mother, Grace, is half Chinese and half European and was born in China, with some saying that she is German and others saying that she is English. Since Bruce looks Asian, he wouldn't really have many roles in Hollywood. As many know, Hollywood also sometimes whitewashes asian characters, but it isn't because they have a hard time finding an asian actor or actress, but because they want Asians to be jesters for these white men running Hollywood, and if the asian actor fails to comply, they won't get hired.

[@DemocracyManifestJr]

Articulate, Charming, Funny, a steadfast work ethic and a Heart of Gold to boot 💪 Simu’s got a bright future ahead of him and I can’t wait to see his rise to stardom for years to come!

[@sunnysied713]

Steadfast work ethic? He couldn't hand science, mathematics, business or law. He had a shirt career as an accountant, but got laid off after nine months due to poor quality work. He's not a 'hard worker'.

[@freedomlife3623]

@@sunnysied713 you think only office work counts? And break into art scene is easy? Even get into his physic condition takes hard work. So look into the mirror before critic others.

[@sunnysied713]

@@freedomlife3623 Nah, electrical engineering is way harder and beneficial to society. Let's to be real, actors and actresses are not that important. Both of Simu Liu's parents were electrical engineers. That's way more impressive.

[@w00borg34]

@@sunnysied713 You can't quantify or objectively claim that EE is harder than acting. And trust me, I'm currently an engineer. If you listened to this interview, you would understand that Simu's journey into acting was not easy in the slightest bit. He had to deal with his parents and trying to find decent roles/auditions. Putting on a facade for your parents and forcing your way into accounting despite hating it sounds stressful AF. And bro, how is acting not beneficial to society? Simu's role as ShangChi has impacted more people around the world than you ever will in your lifetime. Actors, and specifically Simu, has inspired millions of kids (and adults) by providing positive representation for the Asian community. What have you done?

[@sunnysied713]

@@w00borg34 First, life, in general, is stressful. Dealing with family is stressful. Building a career is stressful. Your character will determine how well you handle the stress. If you have good self-discipline, patience, self-soothing, perseverance, delayed gratification and other skills, then obviously the stress can be mitigated. It's called stress management skills. Life's all about planning, compromise and execution. For Simu Liu, he couldn't handle STEM, accounting or business. He flamed out. Failed. And pursued acting. I'm an engineer in the aerospace industry. Engineers have a more tangible impact on society than an actor. If Thanos snapped away all the engineers, then there definitely would be more negative impact to human civilization than the loss of all actors. Obviously. Lol. Simu Liu is an actor who provides entertainment in a world that has a plethora of entertainment options. People watched his movie and got two hours of entertainment, but they didn't leave the theater with any real life skills or walk away a changed person. Do you really think people actually left the theater as better people? Personal development isn't that easy. Hong Kong and Asia have a strong movie and anime history. Simu Liu took a stereotypical role as a Chinese martial artist. It's been done before, many, many times over. There have been MANY Asian martial arts movies. How exactly is Shang Chi a breakthrough film? It's not. It's a Marvel marketing point. Simu Liu isn't at the level of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie, Yen Tony Leung, etc. Also, Tony Leung delivered a masterful performance in Shang Chi, while Simu Liu was boring and wooden, in comparison. Simu isn't a great actor.

[@SuperProTutorials]

Holy shit Yul?? That's crazy, haven't heard anything about him since Survivor, glad he's doing well!

[@TheLunisbadman]

I freaked out a bit too! My brain scrambled a bit trying to remember how I recognized him.

[@n0stalg1a]

Yul and Simu in the same video!? I didn't realize that's what I needed in my life!

[@eugenedang1423]

Oh my god among all of the interviews for Simu, I love this interview the most. From a very intelligent interviewer Yul, who has got to ask such profound questions to a handsome young actor like Simu sharing about his real struggles in early life. I believe he gonna gain more success in his career. And anyway I wish I could be successful like Simu. I'm 21, still in the university and has got many anxious feelings about the future. When I heard this, I realize I'm not alone at all. I was raised in a real Asian family in Vietnam and all my parents expect me is to achieve excellent education and have a secure job for an entire life, and I understand that feeling. I hope when I turn 30s like Simu, I can have a much better life, especially with my parents. Thanks so much for the interview

[@vickyzhu8138]

I am just so glad that Simu is articulate and outspoken, truly a great person to speak out for us Asians, in particular Chinese. Thanks mate 😌

[@V1kte]

That was a very pleasant conversation to watch and listen. Simu proves he's not just a pretty face and an adorkable goofball, he's actually a deeply thoughtful, caring and intelligent man. And the interviewer seems really sweet and supportive, and soft-spoken voice is so calming.

[@w00borg34]

Simu is the first actor I can't get enough of. Dude is SOO relatable and down to earth.

[@marissat6325]

Yul talking about how Simu is making his & so many people’s dream come true. Representation matters!! We are coming. 🙌🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@Loki-sk7bi]

It’s amazing to see Asian male lead actor getting recognition he deserves. I hope we see more of them. Representation matters.

[@christianlourenco9452]

For some reason, when watching Shang Chi, I thought Simu Liu's voice reminded me a little bit of Yul Kwon. They both spoke calmly in the movie and in Survivor. So to see this interview later absolutely blew my mind.

[@ayakoholic]

Back in high school, I joined drama club; it was one of my favorite extracurriculars. After my very first play, my parents came backstage to congratulate me (I thought). My (Japanese medical doctor) father's first words to me were "you're not going to try to do this for a living, are you?" I don't wanna say that Shang-Chi accurately (metaphorically) depicts what it's like having an Asian dad, but, uh, it totally does.

[@katiehoang4247]

great storyteller. very eloquent speaker with wholesome intentions to be a role model in the asian community. plz Hollywood, don't ruin him.

[@freetime2312]

Excited to see shang chi and the legend of the ten rings.

[@KennethPorio]

Simu indeed has fit a wide range of roles - from martial arts heroes, to heartthrob boyfriend, to the stereotypical Asian businessman,. He could someday fit more serious dramatic roles, and action/thriller roles, or maybe period dramas too that depicts Asian-American or Asians in general. HE. HAS. POTENTIAL!

[@janerogers8201]

One of the best interviews ever! Thank you!

[@lindseyfike9379]

This is amazing! Yup just linked it in his story and I didn’t know I needed this!

[@parveendhillon]

This is such a fantastic conversation!!!

[@llw7079]

Really love this interview!!!

[@fiorellaval3532]

I loved the interview! New subscriber ✨

[@cloudreaver]

Didn’t expect to listen to the whole conversation, but you guys are very engaging. Love it 😊👍

[@prettyeyes3990]

Really appreciate and luv this awesome in-depth interview. Asian to Asian interview has more depth than those on the typical promotional circuit. Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kv5113]

great interview. can relate to this. very true!

[@ketlyleconte68]

I watched you go up against Ozzy and survivor.. That was one of the best seasons I've watched of the show. It's great to see you doing something like this

[@mcgalactic0745]

I miss Kim's Convenience watching this. I'm one of those who cried when it ended.

[@justaname935]

Yul thank you for continuing to care about Asian voices I saw you back in the day and it made a big impact on me I’m so glad that you are still carrying on the mission

[@SB-ev2yl]

Aww it's nice to hear real life experience. Keep it up!

[@pozilia]

first of all, really appreciate Simu. He definitely is making an effort to lift the asian community. that is rare. we all know how asian community is with many mostly just looking after themselves. so. sincerely appreicate Simu.

[@freedomlife3623]

Very articulate. Very glad you promote constructive conversation and stand up for yourself. Let all be yourself and respect others difference.

[@MsMaggyW]

I went to see the movie today (loved it, was pleasantly surprised because the trailer left me with low expectations) and it popped into my head that Yul must love this, seeing as on Cook Islands, he talked about growing up not seeing a lot of Asian folk on tv. So I'm not surprised to come home and see this!

[@taylorbeach5863]

He makes me so proud to be Canadian. Much respect to him.

[@Blackcanvasart]

Simu has such an interesting story which makes me love the movie even more

[@Koribaby1]

I'm so glad he's using his platform for good.

[@geminilife3014]

Yul!!! Top 5 Suvivor for me!!!

[@tabletennisdurham5205]

What a great talk! Thank you, Simu and Yul. How can I get in touch with you? This talk should be forwarded to all Asian student groups. I encourage everyone watch this talk/interview.

[@victoraughtiii8839]

I love this guy. I have watched every episode of Kim's Convenience twice. My favorite episode was when Appa secretly sang with the family at Church. Also, it was incredibly diverse. I never expected to see a Black pastor of a Korean Church. I grew up being a Jackie Chan and Green Hornet fan. Keep on keepin' on. Hopefully, we will not have to see the Hop Sing on Bonanza roles for Asians in the future,

[@weareall1]

Such a great talk!! BTW, please use a better camera next time Simu!

[@freddylause6604]

Came cuz I'm a marvel fan. Stayed because I'm a survivor fan.

[@cliftondavis7011]

I'm so proud of you every culture needs a superhero that stands up for the rights of others every culture needs this and for that matter we are all the human race. I consider you my Universal brother stay the fight for Universal equality

[@freedomlife3623]

Actually I hope we are not so tribal. We should all care and help each other as human being.

[@lexisimms]

I did not know about this for three months??? Is that... my favorite survivor interviewing my favorite actor?

[@good_thoughts]

Call it the passing of the torch - Yul was/is such a great role model and Simu is/will continue to be one too

[@gloriawong5173]

you guys were having a bromance here... kewl... aloha 👍🤙enjoyed the discussion.

[@ryanmckim9501]

Awesome

[@pietropie]

My favorite "Survivor"!

[@SKD_TRASH_at_Blazblue]

Yul Kwon should be cast to play as an OLDER version of Shang-Chi. He's the right fit.

[@dudemistah94]

Thankk yoooouuuuuuu

[@rudegirlwins1682]

Yul is 😍

[@tozomona]

Simu, have you thought about getting the show back up? Kim's I mean. Please do it!!

[@davidmu2443]

Simon Liu is a good accountant and entertainment director. I wish every kids would grew up anytime before 2010 in Toronto or anytime before 2014 in Sydney so that way we'll all become like Simon Liu.

[@maskiez]

Such a great Video but I can't wrap my head around google can only do 720p max resolution :(

[@yili450]

there two are my dream guys and they appear at the same time :)

[@22RiaKon22]

I love how the first 6 minutes are just them having an equivalent of Avengers: Endgame moment and fanboying all over about it. Just shows you how important that movie is for the world. I'm so glad Marvel dived into movies like Shang-Chi, Black Panther, series like Ms. Marvel and I can't wait for the Namor and his people, also Echo apparently giving us more of indigenous American culture. I mean... I know people are getting sick of the term 'inclusion' cuz so many companies try to agrressively shove it down our throats, but how can anyone complain about stories being diverse and creative? For them to be rich in themes and points of view? In another interview, I remember Simu talking about the time he was freshly cast as Shang-Chi. Marvel people said to him "We didn't pick you because you are perfect and for your good looks, we picked you because you're a good person." This is one of the reasons Marvel is so successful with their work. And it's their original mantra since the beginning of the company that created heroes to be people - flawed, human, with inner demons but with the will to be their best self, to fail and try again, to inspire every single one of us.

[@aswerty911]

What?! Survivor champion and great, Yul Kwon?!

[@dm20422]

✨

[@HengLiuMike]

Even me have watched the trailer for 30 times

[@Victor-zo7dp]

you are witty and funny and what you say about zara outfit is really real

[@Anonymous18531]

Hearing him talk about his relationship with his parents.....so he was Jung?

[@jastaykotuce2249]

The subtitles are wrong the director is called Destin not Dustin

[@Cavers]

He just stumbled upon PACIFIC RIM?! He said it so casually as well.

[@Anonymous18531]

I still love that movie. The sequel was shit, but the original is a bonafide cult classic. I got to see it in my college cinema with a slightly boozy Friday evening crowd, and everybody was cheering during the fights like it was the WWE. Honestly, one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had in a movie theater

[@Loki-sk7bi]

@@Anonymous18531 They lost me the moment they killed Mako!

[@Anonymous18531]

@@Loki-sk7bi Honestly, they lost me at the trailer for Uprising. It didn’t even aesthetically feel like the original. It wasn’t as tactile.

[@Loki-sk7bi]

@@Anonymous18531 Guillermo Del Toro paid so much attention to detail in the original. The jaegers looked so real fighting kaijus. Story was decent as well. The sequel feels like an insult to the first movie. Animated show on Netflix was interesting though.

[@shumayelkhan8154]

I really liked the movie and love Simu is from my hometown. However I definitely think his acting could improve; Awkwafinas acting was much better! Must respect to the athleticism and getting the role though :-] ps. I’m comparing him to world class actors, I don’t see him winning an Oscar…. YET. :D

[@360.Tapestry]

oh.... and my boy is super smart, not just a funny guy

[@vetavadeo6574]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@wispral7739]

is it just me or is this the guy that was on survivor- 😭

[@cash_eye]

Yul works for google now Cool

[@mahadihasankhan2227]

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 😀😀😀😀❤️

[@emilaubry6856]

So charming, has so much depth, and hot af 🔥

[@potatopie8833]

Yul

[@stawbewii]

Just discovered my super power! My ethnicity!

[@fgabrieltomas]

Why isn't marvel marketing the movie???

[@sunnysied713]

Marketing for Shang Chi will pick up after Black Widow is released.

[@CrystalLynn1988]

Marketing is already picking up. It's going to be a tsunami of Shang chi in the coming weeks.

[@jastaykotuce2249]

The movie is releasing in days and i still haven't seen interviews on youtube like with the other movies🤔 I NEED a wired autocomplete interview

[@SB-ev2yl]

It shows majority people see thing's on a surface level.

[@jastaykotuce2249]

What does

[@andychan3994]

They look like brothers.

[@keys723]

59:58 when mankind reaches max level at disagreeing with each other we have world peace because everyone learned to mind their own business

[@INXIETE]

Are they Twins?

[@yerrollaanasuya2819]

We want an indian marvel superhero film please

[@thewayithappens469]

24:00

[@user-fh5ov4tu2j]

He used to work at Deloitte but then got fired and became an actor instead... if i did that my parents would definitely kick me out of the house

[@Halausher]

JUNG?!???

[@smsig2420]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o17MmGSmeqijicU

[@henry2188]

The rich stay rich by spending like the poor and investing without stopping then the poor stay poor by spending like the rich yet not investing like the rich

[@clarkkenneth2229]

Stocks are good, crypto is better

[@zekeroberts8569]

I wanted to trade crypto but got confused by the fluctuations in price

[@mariopaolo93]

I heard his strategies are really good

[@bobby-pt4xi]

@@mariopaolo93 yeah My first Investment with Mr Thomas Richard got me profits of over $24,320 US dollars and ever since then he has Been delivering

[@mariejohnson9384]

He's obviously the best I invested 2000USD with him and in 9 days I made a profit of 9101USD

[@WhoAreYou905]

lol

[@flippoy]

AGEnts of atlas in the mcu

[@ssotkow]

Came to search up Simu after MCU head Kevin Feige raved about him in this talk: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4u9kIONrMedmJY

[@mattu5888]

Simu is such an interesting guy and this had the potential to be a really interesting interview if Yul hadn't shoehorned race into every question. All the questions that were not about racism we're SUPER interesting and compelling. It just felt like Yul was being a lazy interviewer, and it felt like Simu was kind of put off by it too. Like this wasn't an interview of the new superhero Simu Liu, this was a track on repeat of Yul saying there are no opportunities for asian actors and Simu going "...yeah that's so true".

[@yuliu2307]

5 岁出国的 不知道他中文咋样

[@BellaSkyPhoto]

很好。戏里面有不少中文对白

[@yuliu2307]

@@BellaSkyPhoto 看了 还不错 梁朝伟还是亮点

[@cleenegame]

Kinda sad - as Asians they should both be exemplary by pursuing higher studies. Freddie Highmore pursued his studies even during his career.

[@wildcrocus]

The world is full of Asian-Canadian and Asian-American doctors, lawyers and engineers. The whole point is allowing new generations to choose whatever they feel called to do, not just one of the 5 careers their parents find acceptable.

[@sunnysied713]

Simu Liu and other cast members tried to hijack the creative process for Kim's Convenience. They wanted to determine character arcs and plotlines. Actors bring a character to life. Directors have to translate the script to film and manage performance. Writers have to write the script. And producers have to follow the guidelines set by the creators. Ins Choi is a Korean playwright who adapted his play for the TV show. He was a creator, producer, writer and, most importantly, the showrunner. He said that the show 'died from within' (his words) due to infighting, egos and conflict. Simu Liu was arrogant and naive to think that he was entitled to creative control of someone else's show. In his Facebook rant, he admitted that he was a 'problem child', 'odd man out' and did 'stupid things that didn't help the situation'. He acted like a bratty actor and diva. Both creators and writers walked away from the show. That speaks volumes. The cast tried to hijack the show and the showrunners ended it. Show. Ended. The CBC and Netflix don't own the rights to the show. The creators do.

[@tothesurface5692]

Yes. Freaking thank. You. Like if anyone is to blame its simu and his diva complex. Like he hides behind this "asian representation" thing - (which i agree we need more asian reps but he uses that and takes advantage) when really he cares about "simu rep" and how he can he in the spotlight. Like reading that fb post made me realize how like unprofessional he is. Hes not a real actor he just got lucky and i hope ppl see him for what he is.

[@sunnysied713]

@@tothesurface5692 No problem, I'm glad other people see how disingenuous and insincere he is. I've occasionally checked him out on twitter, facebook and twitter. He comes across as very artificial and self-serving, where he always takes about himself and his 'platform'. In interviews that include other cast members, he'll often answer questions first and talk about the show as if it was HIS show. He definitely gives off this vibe of 'fake it till you make it'. That Facebook rant revealed a lot about his angles and mindset. I feel bad for Ins Choi because he worked hard to create something special. Simu Liu caught a lucky break and it went straight to his head. He's got Shang Chi, gets paid huge money and then fake complains that he needs 'therapy' after he crashed the show.

[@fictionalcharactermov7471]

nah you sound ignorant because the creative behind the show wanted enforced negative stereotypes which is why he had an issue with it

[@fictionalcharactermov7471]

@@sunnysied713 that's just a lie

[@fictionalcharactermov7471]

@@tothesurface5692 again that ain't true

[@wolverineiscool7161]

I just don't think he has the "it" factor, the could have gotten a younger and better looking actor to play the superhero

[@fictionalcharactermov7471]

shallow

[@CrystalLynn1988]

I think he's sexy af

[@360.Tapestry]

you must be deaf and slow if nothing he said and how he said it made a good impression on you. let's get some super model asian guy who has the personality of a concrete slab... i think marvel made a wise choice

[@jastaykotuce2249]

You haven't seen the movie yet shut up

[@cash_eye]

Wow... Don't judge a book by its cover & younger doesn't always mean better

[@illimattic]

This guy is too woke for my tastes. He tried to shame Mark Whalberg for what he did as a teenager on his social media.

[@sunnysied713]

He is definitely an arrogant actor and diva. The dude pretends that Shang-Chi is this huge moment for Asian actors, but he forgets about Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, etc. Simu is doing an action movie about a Chinese martial artist. He's not breaking any new ground for Asian actors or representation. Many giants have walked before him. He's super pretentious.

[@illimattic]

@@sunnysied713 Agree 10000% and I'm asian myself and want to like the guy but he is super pretentious. Even Maggie Q came before him being the 2nd Asian (half) in history to headline her own American show as Nikita. And then her ex Daniel Wu star in his own show in Into The Badlands. But yea this fool trying to shame Mark Whalberg who is in his 50s now for what did he 4 decades ago. He needs to GTFO.

[@illimattic]

@@sunnysied713 Hes even trying to be the poster boy for Kim's Convenience but he was only a minor character on that show. I would rather have Henry Golding in this role than Mr. Lu.

[@sunnysied713]

@@illimattic I know. He's got a huge chip on his shoulder. Mark Wahlberg was given his punishment for his offenses as a teenager and then spent his whole life trying to be a better person and did so much community outreach. Liu still went after him as if he was some kind of war criminal.

[@forwhy8723]

@@sunnysied713 did you even get to 5:18 before commenting?