Simu Liu is no stranger to the spotlight, but his latest venture into the world of animation might just be his most personal yet. In a world where superhero movies are often dismissed as mindless entertainment, Liu is here to remind us why they matter.
In a candid conversation, Liu opens up about his love for animated films, particularly his latest project, In Your Dreams, a Netflix family movie that’s as heartwarming as it is imaginative. Directed and co-written by Alexander Woo and Erik Benson, the film follows two siblings, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport and Elias Janssen, who encounter the mythical Sandman (Omid Djalili) in their dreams. Their mission? To convince him to keep their parents (played by Liu and Cristin Milioti) from splitting up. But here’s where it gets emotional: the film explores the fragility of family bonds and the power of hope.
Liu’s character, a musician, even gets to showcase his vocal talents alongside Milioti in an original song. “I didn’t realize we’d be singing when I signed on,” Liu admits with a laugh. “But working with Cristin was incredible. She’s a Broadway-level talent—a Grammy winner, no less!” When reminded of Milioti’s Grammy for Once: A New Musical, Liu jokingly contrasts it with his own MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Fight, which he lost to Sydney Sweeney. And this is the part most people miss: even in lighthearted projects, Liu brings a depth of emotion and authenticity that’s hard to ignore.
The film’s theme of dreaming big prompts a deeper question: what does Liu envision as a perfect world? His answer is both poignant and provocative. “A world without the internet or phones,” he muses. “Where people actually talk to each other, listen to each other, and lead with acceptance and curiosity instead of trying to tear each other down for likes.” Bold statement? Absolutely. But it’s a reflection of Liu’s unwavering commitment to authenticity in an increasingly digital world.
This commitment extends to his outspoken views on social media, where he’s unafraid to challenge right-leaning politics. “I probably should be more scared of the backlash,” he admits. “But the need to speak my mind outweighs the fear.” Liu criticizes the toxic culture of the internet, where people thrive on putting others down. “I’m so not for that energy,” he asserts. Controversial? Maybe. But Liu’s stance sparks an important question: can we use social media as a force for good instead of division?
He applauds colleagues like Melissa Barrera, his co-star in The Copenhagen Test, for her courage in speaking out. Barrera was fired from the Scream franchise in 2023 after her pro-Palestine posts were deemed antisemitic. “She’s the bravest woman I’ve ever met,” Liu says. “Regardless of whether you agree with her, you have to respect her fearlessness.” This is where it gets controversial: should artists be punished for their political beliefs? Liu’s admiration for Barrera challenges us to reconsider the boundaries of free speech in the entertainment industry.
Earlier this year, Liu reprised his role as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday, a dream come true for the lifelong superhero fan. “It was surreal to work with actors I grew up watching,” he gushes. “Superhero movies were my escape as a kid—a reminder that even outcasts and weirdos could be heroes.” But here’s the kicker: Liu isn’t afraid to defend the genre against its critics.
He addresses the wave of superhero movie hate head-on. “It’s fashionable to bash them now,” he notes. “There are valid critiques about budgets and production, but dismissing the entire genre feels personal to me. These movies gave me hope as a kid, and I still believe in the power of that message today.” Thought-provoking, right? Liu’s defense of superhero films isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a call to recognize their cultural impact.
As In Your Dreams debuts on Netflix, Liu’s message is clear: whether it’s through animation, superheroes, or social media, storytelling has the power to unite us. So, here’s the question for you: do superhero movies deserve the hate they get, or are they still a force for good? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
