'I'm not out to cancel anyone': when Shang-Chi star Simu Liu addressed the backlash from Kim's Convenience fans over a social media post

From a convenience store in Toronto to the heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Simu Liu's journey has been anything but conventional. As the star of the groundbreaking superhero film, 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,' Liu is carving a path for East Asian representation in Hollywood. He candidly discussed the fallout from his comments about the cancellation of the much-loved Canadian comedy, 'Kim's Convenience,' at the virtual Banff World Media Festival.

A Superhero's Stand: Liu's Take on 'Kim's Convenience' Fallout

"I'm not out to cancel anyone, to end anybody’s career by singling any one person out,” Liu clarified. The 'Kim’s Convenience' co-creators, Ins Choi and Kevin White, had faced media scrutiny following Liu's comments on the lack of representation and inclusivity behind the scenes.

Reflecting on his transition from Canadian celebrity to international stardom with 'Shang-Chi,' Liu expressed a sense of melancholy over the termination of 'Kim's Convenience.' "**To see what our show originally stood for and to see such a Canadian success story snuffed out in such an anti-climactic and almost pathetic way, it did not befit a show of that caliber,**" he lamented.

Beyond 'Kim's Convenience: Liu's Crusade for East Asian Representation

While his Instagram post caused a stir, Liu insisted that his intent was not to be incendiary. His motive was to advocate for more onscreen East Asian representation. "People have been telling me to suck it up and be grateful for my entire career...But I built a brand and a career on being outspoken," Liu stated.

While his Instagram post caused a stir, Liu insisted that his intent was not to be incendiary. His motive was to advocate for more onscreen East Asian representation. "People have been telling me to suck it up and be grateful for my entire career...But I built a brand and a career on being outspoken," Liu stated.

Liu's diverse career path, from being an extra in Guillermo del Toro’s 'Pacific Rim' to receiving accolades for the Canadian crime drama 'Blood and Water,' underscores his commitment to authenticity and representation in the industry.

At the core of Liu's success lies the highly anticipated 'Shang-Chi,' a film that Marvel Studios hopes can replicate the cultural breakthrough achieved by 'Black Panther.' Liu expressed his admiration for the collaborative spirit embodied in the production of 'Shang-Chi.' "What surprised me was, from day one, we were a part of the conversation," Liu recounted.