Hold on to your hats, Marvel fans! Shang-Chi himself, Simu Liu, is officially suiting up for Avengers: Doomsday, and he's not just excited – he's ready to defend the entire superhero genre! It's been a hot minute since we last saw Simu Liu kicking butt as Shang-Chi in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and the news of his return has the internet buzzing. But it's not just about his comeback; it's about his passionate defense of the very movies that inspired him.
Speaking with Variety during the press tour for his new Netflix animated film, In Your Dreams, Liu gushed about joining the ensemble cast of Avengers: Doomsday. "It was really awesome, exciting," he said, emphasizing the surreal experience of working alongside actors he admired growing up. For Liu, these movies aren't just entertainment; they're powerful symbols. "I grew up watching superhero movies and wanting to believe that the outcasts and the nerds and the weirdos could find it in themselves to have superpowers and save the day," he explained. "That’s what 12-year-old me clung on to. I still believe, for better or for worse, in the power of what those movies stand for today."
But here's where it gets controversial... Not everyone shares Liu's rosy outlook. The dreaded phrase "superhero fatigue" has been thrown around, and some argue that the MCU has lost its spark. Are they right? Well, Liu isn't having any of it. When asked about the critics who claim the superhero genre is creatively bankrupt, Liu didn't hold back. "It’s kind of fashionable now to hate on it," he stated. "I think there are valid critiques of the way that movies are made, the way that production budgets are handled, I think that there are a lot of valid things to say..."
And this is the part most people miss... Liu acknowledges the process of filmmaking can (and should) be critiqued. He's not blind to potential flaws in the system. But, he draws a line. "...but this idea of shitting on superhero movies as a genre, I don’t know. I don’t know because I am speaking as somebody who just absolutely loved watching them as a kid.” He essentially argues that dismissing an entire genre based on perceived missteps is unfair, especially considering the profound impact these stories can have on young viewers. Think about it: how many kids (and adults!) have been inspired by the courage, selflessness, and unwavering morality of their favorite superheroes?
I'm siding with Simu on this one. While constructive criticism is always welcome, writing off the entire superhero genre seems a bit extreme. Sure, we might not recapture the peak excitement of the pre-Endgame era, but the source material – the sprawling, imaginative world of comic books – is virtually limitless. There's always potential for fresh stories, innovative characters, and unexpected twists. Are we being too harsh on these films? Or is the criticism justified? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
