Simu Liu Challenges Hollywood to Finally Deliver Real Asian Representation: ‘A White Dude Will Lose $200 Million Twice and Roll Right Into the Next Tentpole Lead’

Simu Liu is speaking up again about how Asian actors are treated in Hollywood, and this time his comments came after fans drew attention to Manny Jacinto’s struggles with typecasting.

The discussion started when Screen Rant published an interview with Jacinto, who said the roles he’s being offered do not match who he is as an actor. Jacinto explained that after appearing in Freaky Friday, the industry suddenly began sending him mostly father-figure roles.

He joked about the shift, saying, “Now I think I’m getting dad roles, or dad auditions. I’m like, ‘Guys, I don’t think that’s me yet. I’m sorry. Let’s pull it back.’” He added that he felt pushed into a box that didn’t reflect his abilities.

Fans quickly began talking about his comments online. Many said Jacinto deserved better opportunities, and the conversation grew from there.

That’s when Simu Liu stepped in and shared how he felt about the bigger issue at hand. In a post reacting to the situation, he said the lack of Asian representation is not new and that progress has slipped in recent years.

Liu wrote, “put some asians in literally anything right now. the amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f**** appalling. studios think we’re ‘risky’.” He then pointed out the box-office success of movies led by Asian actors, mentioning Minari, The Farewell, Past Lives, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and Shang-Chi. Liu said these films prove Asian-led projects work and that actors should not be treated like a risk.

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.” According to Liu, the issue reflects a system that has been unfair for a long time. He ended by saying, “we’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. and most days it SUCKS.”

Both Liu and Jacinto’s comments show how many Asian actors still feel limited by the roles they’re offered, even after years of conversation about diversity. And fans are once again calling for change from the people who run Hollywood.

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