25 actors that could play Luke Skywalker next in Star Wars

17. Simu Liu

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to be September 2021’s hottest film, and Simu Liu is the man behind Marvel’s latest hero. His journey there is made even more special by its organic origins: a simple tweet Liu sent out to Marvel nearly three years ago now. That little story shows that Liu is ready to take on any task in front of him, even if it may seem out of reach at the time.

Liu has been working toward such a role all along, however. His career began with background credits in big projects such as Pacific Rim and Taken and transitioned to television with the likes of Orphan Black and The Expanse. That small sample size gives a little taste of Liu’s science fiction interest and how it translates on screen.

Now, we’re about to get our first real bite of how Liu will fair as the main man in a major franchise. Considering his deep passion and, like Sterling K. Brown, the joy that he brings to his work, there is little doubt that Liu will do a fantastic job as Shang-Chi. And, perhaps his Kim’s Convenience co-star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee gave an inside scoop on what it’s like to be in Star Wars after his appearance in The Mandalorian.