Simu Liu and Awkwafina will star in upcoming Marvel film Shang-Chi
THR reports that Kim’s Convenience actor Simu Liu and Crazy Rich Asians actress Awkwafina will star in Marvel’s upcoming superhero film Shang-Chi.
Just a few days ago, it was reported that Marvel was looking for a Chinese-only actor to take on the role of Shang-Chi.
At Marvel’s presentation at Comic-Con in San Diego on Saturday, Liu was announced as the Chinese actor to be taking on the role of Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Awkwafina and actor Tony Leung will also be starring in the film, which has a release date of 12 February 2021.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film will follow the comic book hero Shang-Chi, AKA Master of Kung Fu. The Marvel Comics character was created in 1972 who eventually joins the Avengers.
He was born in China to a Chinese father and white mother. The character had his own series that ran for 125 issues and had a love interest with Deadpool’s ex, Domino.
Just before making the announcement about Liu, Cretton told the Comic Con audience, “it’s been an in depth search to find somebody who will capture this character with all the dimensions that he deserves and it’s going pretty well. We found him!”
After speaking to the crowd in Mandarin, Liu revealed that he was only cast earlier in the week. “I was cast on Tuesday,” Liu said. “I screen-tested on Sunday in New York. This is the the craziest, craziest dream.”
He went on to say s that his parents came to Canada 25 years ago and he just wanted to make them proud, as well as adding, “I’m really happy that I’m not a doctor, take that mom and dad.”
On Twitter the Canadian Chinese actor has been responding to his tweets to Marvel from years ago. In 2014, Liu tweeted, “Hey @Marvel, great job with Cpt America and Thor. Now how about an Asian American hero?” – he now simply replied to his own tweet, “LOL”.
In 2018 Liu tweeted to the comic book studio, “OK @Marvel, are we gonna talk or what #ShangChi” – he replied to himself saying, “Thanks for getting back to me”.
Liu also tweeted, “I have stared into Tom Hiddleston’s eyes and forgotten how to form sounds with my mouth.”
Click here to read our full interview with Liu.
I have stared into Tom Hiddleston’s eyes and forgotten how to form sounds with my mouth.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) July 21, 2019
Thanks for getting back to me https://t.co/FFRuM03p20
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) July 21, 2019
LOL
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) July 21, 2019
