Simu Liu, star of the upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is interested in working behind the camera, as well as in front of it, and even has plans for a series starring X-Men mainstay Sunfire.
In an interview with Men's Health, Liu expressed that he wished to advance Asian American representation in entertainment, which means that he will need to produce, direct and write in order to create opportunities for others. It was revealed that Liu had even developed a multi-season bible he wrote for Sunfire that he wrote in 2020, meant for publication in 2022. Liu explained, "Ultimately, when it's all said and done... it will be more than just the roles that I took on as an actor. It'll be what I'm able to contribute to the world in terms of stories, in terms of culture."
Debuting in January 1970, Sunfire is the superhero alias of Shiro Yoshida, a Japanese mutant with the power to fly and shoot fire. He has joined multiple teams since his debut, including the X-Men, the Uncanny Avengers and Big Hero 6, but has just as often clashed with other heroes due to his short temper.
Liu has starred in a project he both wrote and directed: The Crimson Defender vs. the Slightly Racist Family is a short comedy film in which Liu plays a superhero who saves a family that doesn't really believe a Chinese-Canadian could be their rescuer. "It's always been a part of my life," Liu explained. "Just that idea of being a superhero."
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Daniel Callaham, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Tony Leung as Wenwu/The Mandarin, Awkwafina as Katy, Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, Meng'er Zhang as Xialing, Ronny Chieng as Jon Jon, Fala Chen as Jiang Li and Florian Munteanu as Razor Fist. The film arrives in theaters Sept. 3.
Source: Men's Health