Simu Liu Shares Why He’ll Never Be James Bond

Simu Liu, best known for his roles in Shang-Chi and Barbie, has never shied away from discussing the lack of Asian faces in big-budget films. In a recent chat, Liu spoke candidly about the slim chances of seeing an Asian actor take on iconic roles like James Bond or Jason Bourne, despite his own success in Hollywood blockbusters.

Facing Barriers in the Industry

Liu admitted that, even after his breakout performances, he’s well aware that casting directors aren’t likely to consider someone like him for such legendary parts. He described landing a character whose background is woven into the story as a rare stroke of luck, saying:

Knowing that I would never get an opportunity to play a role like Bond, something like the Alexander Hale character is such a blessing because his cultural identity is really baked into his character.

He also pointed out the ongoing struggle for fair representation, noting:

Fighting for representation for all marginalised communities is important, but it can sometimes suck if you’re not a part of that conversation.

Despite the hurdles, Liu is confident that Asian actors aren’t to blame for any box office flops in major franchises, referencing recent films that have struggled financially.

Speaking Out on Representation

Liu has been vocal on social media about the challenges Asian actors face in the industry. He’s highlighted how Asian-led projects often miss out on funding, while white actors are given more leeway even after costly failures. On Threads, he remarked:

Put some Asians in literally anything right now. The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is f*cking appalling. Studios think we are risky…

He didn’t hold back, adding:

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. We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. And most days it SUCKS.

Liu’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the way studios view Asian talent, with some still seeing them as a gamble, which limits opportunities for actors like him.

Daniel Craig’s Take on Iconic Roles

Back in 2021, Daniel Craig wrapped up his stint as Bond in No Time to Die. When asked about the idea of a woman stepping into the role, Craig offered a different solution. He suggested that instead of recasting Bond, the industry should create equally strong roles for women and people of colour. As he put it:

There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?

Perhaps, as Craig suggests, the answer isn’t to change who plays Bond, but to develop new heroes who reflect the diversity of today’s audiences. That way, actors like Liu could headline their own franchises, showing what’s possible when the industry broadens its horizons.

Latest Bond Film at a Glance

No Time to Die, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, featured Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and Rami Malek. Released in late September 2021, the film scored 7.3 out of 10 on IMDb and an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It pulled in $774 million worldwide and was produced by Eon Productions. The film is available to stream on Amazon.

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