Simu Liu, the Chinese-born Canadian actor who played Shang-Chi
in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, hit out at ace filmmaker Quentin
Tarantino for the latter’s comments on “Marvelisation of Hollywood.” Tarantino,
who was directed films such as Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, said in a podcast
that there were no new movie stars in Hollywood because actors are now playing
Marvel characters.

“You have all these actors who have become famous by playing
these characters. But they’re not movie stars. Right? Captain America is the
star. Or Thor is the star. I mean, I’m not the first person to say that. I think
that’s been said a zillion times…but it’s like, you know, it’s these franchise
characters that become a star,” Tarantino said at the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast.

The ace director added that he does not “hate” Marvel
films but dislikes their current ubiquity. “My only axe to grind against them is
they’re the only things that seem to be made,” he said.

Responding to Tarantino’s comments, Simu Liu tweeted, “If
the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would
never have the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie. 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.”

“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. I loved the ‘Golden Age’ too…but it was white as hell,” Liu wrote
on Twitter.

Martin Scorsese, whom Liu referenced in his tweet, has
been a frequent critic of the Marvel brand of cinema. Scorsese has called
Marvel films “theme parks and not cinema”. The comment had prompted responses
from actors and directors working with the studio. Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios
president, had said: “I think that’s not true. I think it’s unfortunate.”