Simu Liu calls out Hollywood’s limited Asian representation amid calls for better roles

Liu joins debate about Hollywood's representation of Asians as fans urge more leading roles for Manny Jacinto

Simu Liu is speaking out about Hollywood’s restricted Asian representation as fans call for more leading roles for Manny Jacinto.

The actor responded after audiences highlighted Jacinto’s comments about being typecast, arguing that the industry continues to sideline Asian performers despite the success of films led by Asian talent.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Canadian-Filipino actor Manny Jacinto said that ever since Freakier Friday he has mostly been offered “dad roles,” a direction he feels does not reflect his range. “This industry is always a little weird,” he said. “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.' Put me back in the box, actually.”

After fans shared his remarks, Simu Liu joined the discussion, stressing that the issue reflects long-standing systemic bias.

Simu Liu criticizes the setback in Asian representation in Hollywood.

“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.” pic.twitter.com/2ciOizkoEM

— best of manny jacinto (@mannyfiles) November 23, 2025

 

Liu has spoken before about his own early experiences of being cast in “low-status” roles and has criticised shows with writers’ rooms lacking Asian voices.

He has also pushed back against suggestions that his success is tokenistic, noting that his post-Shang-Chi roles were not written specifically for Asian actors.