'Shang-Chi' star Simu Liu blasts Quentin Tarantino's criticism of Marvel movies: Old Hollywood 'was white as hell'
- "Shang-Chi" star Simu Liu reacted to Quentin Tarantino's recent criticism of Marvel movies.
- The actor said that though he respects Tarantino and Martin Scorsese, old Hollywood wasn't diverse.
There's been plenty of discussion about Marvel Studios and its place in cinema over the last few years after Martin Scorsese made some scathing remarks about superhero movies.
The "Taxi Driver" and "The Departed" director criticized the genre in 2019, telling Empire magazine superhero movies are "not cinema," and compared them to theme park rides.
Although the conversation has died down recently, director Quentin Tarantino stoked the fire again this week, saying the studio doesn't make movie stars like the industry used to. He explained that characters like Captain America (Chris Evans) or Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are what really draw audiences in.
But "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" star Simu Liu has spoken out about the "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" director's comments on Twitter, pointing out that he wouldn't have been able to star in a hugely successful movie if people like Tarantino and Scorsese were the ones in charge.
Liu tweeted on Tuesday: "If the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would never have had the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie."
The actor went on to say that he's still "in awe" of what the two directors have achieved over the years, but they shouldn't be dismissive of actors in Marvel movies.
He added: "I am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs. But they don't get to point their nose at me or anyone."
The "Shang-Chi" star also noted that no Hollywood studio is perfect, but Marvel is diversifying its output. The recent releases of "Shang-Chi" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" are just two examples.
Liu continued: "No movie studio is or ever will be perfect. But I'm proud to work with one that has made sustained efforts to improve diversity onscreen by creating heroes that empower and inspire people of all communities everywhere."
Finally, the Chinese-born Canadian actor said that the "Golden Age" of Hollywood was great, but it wasn't diverse whatsoever, meaning someone like him would never have been able to succeed as an actor.
Liu added: "I loved the 'Golden Age' too.. but it was white as hell."