Why Simu Liu Congratulating Ludi Lin’s Casting in ‘Mortal Kombat’ is So Important for Asians

Liu congratulated Lin on Twitter after news of the casting hit online entertainment news sites last week, Huffington Post reported.

Then on Friday, Lin announced the casting confirmation while also showing his respect for Robin Shou, the actor who portrayed Liu Kang in the 90s adaptation of “Mortal Kombat.”

“Much luv to all the MK fans button mashing that kept the series thriving. Respect to Robin Shou for portraying the OG LK. An unshakable source of pride for countless of us,” he said. “Times are changing but the challenges keep coming. I’m so ready for the fight.”

Asians and Asian Americans are often underrepresented in Hollywood as they are frequently given stereotypical roles or no roles at all, according to a paper published in the Dominican University of California titled “The Marginalization and Stereotyping of Asians in American Film.”

As a result, actors and actresses would then be rendered invisible not just to Hollywood, but to the mass audiences as well.

Showing support for each other, like what Lin and Liu and countless other Asian actors and actresses have done in the past, will greatly help to elevate the level of visibility of Asian communities.

Take for example Awkwafina and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” — many actors and personalities have all shown their support for the Asian talents and creatives by renting out theaters as part of the #GoldOpen movement, which greatly contributed to the film’s box office success.

Featured image via Instagram / ludilin, (inset) via Twitter / SimuLiu