Simu Liu responds to Quentin Tarantino's comments on "Marvel-isation of moviemaking"

The actor portrayed the titular role in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
(L) Simu Liu (R) Tarantino
(L) Simu Liu (R) Tarantino

Director Quentin Tarantino had recently made comments on superhero films and how the film industry is losing movie stars as the superhero characters they portray are more famous than them.

In the podcast 2 Bears, 1 Cave, Tarantino termed this as "Marvel-isation of moviemaking" and was quoted as saying, "Part of the Marvel-ization of Hollywood is… you have all these actors who have become famous playing these characters,” Tarantino said. “But they’re not movie stars, right? Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star. I mean, I’m not the first person to say that. I think that’s been said a zillion times… but it’s like... it’s these franchise characters that become a star.”

Responding to this, Canadian actor Simu Liu of Chinese descent, who starred in the titular role of Marvel's successful film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, reminded how these films and studios have given a chance for the underrepresented communities to be seen on big screens.

"If the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would never have had the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie. I am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs. But they don't get to point their nose at me or anyone," Simu tweeted.

He further wrote, "No movie studio is or ever will be perfect. But I'm proud to work with one that has made sustained efforts to improve diversity onscreen by creating heroes that empower and inspire people of all communities everywhere. I loved the "Golden Age" too.. but it was white as hell."

It is to be noted that legendary filmmakers Tarantino and Martin Scorsese have been receiving criticism for the lack in diversity in the cast and lack of female actors in their respective films.

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