Simu Liu Recalls Time He Ignored Marvel’s Secretive Casting Process
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu admits that he defied Marvel's strict casting secrecy when he was first selected as the Marvel superhero. Liu, who previously came to the public's attention playing Jung Kim in the CBC sitcom Kim's Convenience, began his early career as an extra and a stuntman. In July 2019, Liu had landed the leading role as Marvel's martial arts superhero and his casting was officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con by Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige just days later.
Based on the Marvel comic character of the same name, work on a Shang-Chi film had begun as early as 2001, but serious work had only commenced when screenwriter Dave Callaham was hired in late 2018. Director Destin Daniel Cretton joined the project in March of the following year, and work immediately began on trying to find the film's lead. Marvel Studios were intent on finding an actor of Chinese descent, and in addition to screen-testing Liu, they had also auditioned Mortal Kombat's Lewis Tan as well. Ultimately Liu landed the role on July 16, 2019, just four days before the official announcement was made on July 20.
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It would seem those four days were not long enough for Liu, however, and he recently admitted to spilling the beans about his casting to his best friend before the official announcement was made. While speaking with Variety, Liu conceded that he's "not a great secrets guy," and that it was "too big of news to keep with you." Check out his full comments below:
I’m not a great secrets guy, when it comes to this stuff. [Kevin] was like, ‘We’re gonna fly you to Comic Con in San Diego in four days, just keep your mouth shut until
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