What is the opinion of one of Marvel Studios’ top execs with Simu Liu’s casting to play Shang-Chi? Read on for the details.
Funny story of Simu Liu casting
It is interesting to note that Simu Liu’s casting is almost a manifestation of destiny. In 2014, the actor made a Twitter comment about Marvel’s superhero success with the likes of Captain America and Thor. Simu Liu pointed out the lack of an Asian American superhero in the Marvel Studios’ film franchises:
— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) July 17, 2014 At the time, the closest Asian representations as superheroes in the MCU were Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). But that would not be the only time Simu Liu would comment about the lack of Asian representation in Marvel Studios projects. In 2018, the actor made a more specific dig at Marvel Studios regarding a certain Asian superhero in their pantheon:
— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) December 3, 2018 This may have been the prophetic clincher, as soon after, Simu Liu was cast for the role of Marvel’s Master of Kung Fu. He would later be announced as taking the role of Shang-Chi during the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Marvel Studios Executive Praises Simu Liu
Speaking to Variety during the red carpet premiere of Shang-Chi and the Legend on the Ten Rings, Marvel’s executive vice president Victoria Alonso was quoted as saying Simu Liu was effectively not just the right choice, but the only choice to play Shang-Chi: Alonso’s comment appears to confirm that there was no second choice to take on the role of Shang-Chi. Could this have been the case prior to Simu Liu’s prophetic tweets? Not according to someone higher in the executive ladder. Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige, stated that he never read that tweet and instead pointed out that choosing Simu Liu for the role was based on his talent and professionalism: Regardless of whether these tweets from the actor had any effect on his getting the role, they have certainly become amusing anecdotes among fans.
Shang-Chi comic origins
Shang-Chi was created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin for Special Marvel Edition #15 (December 1973). At the time, Marvel Comics lobbied to do a comic book based on the then-popular Kung-Fu show starring David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, a Westerner who was adopted by a Shaolin monastery and wanders the Old West helping people along the way. However, Marvel was unable to secure the rights. Coincidentally, Marvel was able to get the comic book rights for Sax Rohmer’s classic pulp villain Fu Manchu. Shang-Chi was then created based on the Fu Manchu lore, including the Asian criminals’ supporting cast and antagonists. With artist Paul Gulacy providing the visuals, Shang-Chi was envisioned as the heroic estranged son of Fu Manchu, fighting against his father’s criminal empire. Shang-Chi was based on the looks of Bruce Lee and other 1970s Asian martial arts actors, including the young Jackie Chan. Thus, the moniker Master of Kung Fu was added to his name. He proved to be quite popular, with the comic Special Marvel Edition being renamed to The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu. The comic book ran until June 1983, ending with issue #125. After Marvel lost the licensing to use the Fu Manchu material, Shang-Chi was revised to have a more mystical origin, with his father being an undead sorcerer. The character would also become more connected to the Marvel Universe at large, joining teams like the Avengers and Heroes for Hire. The MCU version makes multiple changes to Shang-Chi, particularly with his parentage. Instead of Fu Manchu or the sorcerer Zheng Zu, his father in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be Iron Man’s arch-nemesis, The Mandarin.
Is Simu Liu a case of “perfect casting”?
Based on Shang-Chi’s original and recent comic book designs, Simu Liu does not exactly fit the bill. But to be fair, being based on Bruce Lee, whose martial arts skills and screen presence are nothing short of legendary, is a tall order to live up to. As far as Marvel is concerned, they made the right choice with casting Simu Liu for the role. Simu Liu himself is confident with his performance and the movie they worked on. This comes despite the comment made by Disney CEO Bob Chapek that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is one of the films being released as “an interesting experiment” in returning to a theatrical exclusive release during the COVID pandemic. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu, a Tony Leung, Awkwafina , Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, and Ronny Chieng. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the movie kicks off its theatrical release on September 3, 2021.
