Simu Liu Asked Marvel for an 'Asian American' Hero in 2014 — Now He Is One!

Marvel’s new Shang-Chi, Simu Liu, spoke his historic casting into existence.

The Chinese-Canadian actor, 30, was announced as Marvel’s pick for the role of the kung fu master in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings at Saturday’s panel at San Diego Comic-Con.

The upcoming film marks Marvel’s first feature with an Asian lead.

While it may be surreal for Liu, he’s been reaching out to Marvel since July 2014 when he tweeted, “Hey @Marvel, great job with Cpt America and Thor. Now how about an Asian hero?”

The actor is best known for his role as Jung Kim on the CBC Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience. He has had credits on Fresh Off The Boat, Orphan Black, Slasher and Bad Blood among other series.

Awkwafina was also announced to be cast in the film, although she wasn’t present in Hall H. Liu tweeted, “Now that the craziness is over, the work begins. There is so much at stake here; we are fighting for our identity, for our right to be seen, to BELONG.”

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