If things had gone the way he had originally expected, Simu Liu might not be someone fans around the world have heard of. Born in China, but raised in Canada, the 35 year-old originally found himself trying to live up to his parents’ high expectations instead of pursuing his own dreams. By doing so, he earned an accounting degree from the University of Western Ontario. His passion for acting however wouldn’t go away. After losing his full-time accounting job through layoffs, he started taking small roles and stunt work, which eventually led him to Kim’s Convenience. During his panel at FanExpo 2024, Sim Liu took a moment to talk with his fans, and tell them all about life he eventually found himself leading.

While it can arguably be said the role of Shang-Chi was the role that made his career, Simu Liu doesn’t believe that to be the case. To him, it was the role of Jung Kim on the hit CBC show Kim’s Convenience that “gave him everything.” During his panel at FanExpo 2024 Liu explained that no matter where he goes around the world, people come up to him and talk to him about the show. He said that it continues to touch families, and that he’s grateful to have been a part of it. Shang-Chi however did give him wider appeal and helped to make him feel the most accomplished.

Shang-Chi was a character that came about in the 70’s during North America’s obsession with martial arts films. Back then the Marvel comic book character was very clearly written by white people, causing certain elements of his back story to feel less than authentic.  Liu explained that director Destin Daniel Cretton wanted to change that.  Cretton wanted to bring the character into the modern age and make him more authentic and relatable to Asians. Enter Simu Liu to help.

As Shang-Chi, Liu drew on his family to create the character you see on the screen. It wasn’t just a character piece though, and Liu admitted that he did some of the hardest, most physical stuff he’s ever done. The bus scene in the film in particular allowed him to showcase his abilities. Many actors would be calling for a stunt man to take over. However, Liu performed most of the stunts in that scene himself. Part of it he said, is because he is very competitive. He believes he can do everything, even when he knows he can’t. He did admit, however, that there are harder scenes. There are the ones that call for his character to be wrecked and he let a stunt take over.

Liu does put on a brave face for stunt work. However, he said that working with his Shang-Chi co-star Michelle Yeoh made him nervous. The reason for his jittery feeling wasn’t just because she was a legend in martial art action movies. Liu also recognized that she comes from a dance background. He felt like a big lumbering oaf when working with her. He did say however that even though she is strong and assertive, that she is a bit of a goofball, which helped ease the tension.

While many people put their heroes on pedestals, Liu doesn’t seem like he’d feel at home on one. He comes off as being very humble and down to Earth. During his panel he talked about his love for Karaoke (including singing songs like A Whole New World or rapping to Eminem).  He even discussed how he fanboyed over seeing Henry Cavill earlier this year at the Superbowl. Just like us, he didn’t know how to approach the guy. It’s admissions like this that help humanize the star. And he give fans a little more than what they see on the screen.

As these panels go, Simu Liu eventually wrapped up his FanExpo 2024 panel. By then, it was clear that his journey from accountant to international superstar is one of passion, perseverance, and humility. His down-to-earth nature shined on stage, and he clearly showed his fans that he remains a grounded and relatable figure. He is thus a hero both on and off the screen.