‘Shang-Chi’: Simu Liu Recalls Awkward Encounter With Fan Dressed As Iron Fist

Someone didn't read the room!

Shang-Chi Simu Liu Iron Fist

Shang-Chi star Simu Liu recalled an awkward encounter he had with a fan cosplaying as Iron Fist.

Simu Liu has been promoting his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and in much of his journey on the press circuit, he’s had the opportunity to meet with fans excited to see the first Asian-led superhero film in the MCU. As one could imagine, Marvel fans are quite passionate, but sometimes things can get awkward – especially if you decided to dress up as Iron Fist.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Simu Liu was asked about some of the fan interactions he’s had while promoting Shang-Chi. Naturally, much of the fan response – particularly from Asian audiences have been cathartic, but an awkward encounter he had with an Iron Fist cosplayer caught him by surprise:

“I did get the one guy who didn’t read the room, and he dressed up as Iron Fist. I wonder if he knew what he was doing, if he was a just a giant troll trying to get a reaction trying to get a reaction out of me, but I made sure to give him plenty of shit… He had the headpiece and everything… Dude, read the room! Understand the assignment!”

Simu Liu’s sentiment that the cosplayer should’ve “read the room” reflects something quite fascinating. Iron Fist was introduced as part of Netflix’s shared Marvel Universe of TV series alongside Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, The Punisher and The Defenders. Actor Finn Jones portrayed the Immortal Iron Fist in the series, which was derided by critics and fans alike, with some expressing disappointment over the series missing out on an opportunity for quality Asian representation.

Marvel fans that felt disappointed by the portrayal of martial arts action in Iron Fist now have a new MCU film that not only features some incredible hand-to-hand combat, but also an authentic presentation of Asian identity rarely seen on the scale of a superhero film. In regards to Shang-Chi, Simu Liu’s future in the MCU looks bright, and whether or not Iron Fist may be implemented in the future remains to be seen.

Here is the synopsis for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings:

“Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.”

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a script written by David Callaham, the Marvel film stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung. The film is now in cinemas.

Stay tuned for all the latest news on the future of Shang-Chi, Iron Fist and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content!

Source: BBC Radio 1

Noah Villaverde

Noah Villaverde

Cinema lover. Saxophone player. Coffee consumer. Chronic complainer. Oh, I also write. #TeamHeroic