Simu Liu'S Star-Studded Return: From Nba Celebrity Game To Broadway Dreams

  • By Miles
  • Feb. 21, 2026, 10 a.m.

Simu Liu Shines on Multiple Stages

Simu Liu, known to many as the fearless face of Marvel's Shang-Chi, is embracing the spotlight once again, swapping between the hardwood courts of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and the dramatic flair of Broadway. The Canadian star is set to light up Los Angeles at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, hosted at the iconic Kia Forum. This isn't his first rodeo, as Liu previously showcased his hoops skills in Salt Lake City, making a splash with nine points, including a coveted Ruffles four-point shot.

"This is my way of living out kind of my NBA dream, knowing that I'm 5'11" and 36 years old, so I probably have to put my pro dreams to rest," Liu humorously revealed to Men's Journal. "However, I think I can still give people the business on any court on any given day. I'm excited for this opportunity. I'm excited to see so many familiar faces and to get to put on a jersey and a hoop at my age."

Despite an Achilles tear back in October 2023, Liu has bounced back with the energy of a true Angeleno. His love for basketball remains undeterred, as he continues to reignite his athletic prowess. "I've definitely felt myself coming back," he explained. "I worked hard to get myself back because I didn't want to kind of give up that part of my life."

Fitness and Wellness – A Hollywood Lifestyle

For Liu, staying in shape isn't just about looking good on the red carpet – it's a part of his identity. After becoming the first East Asian man to grace the cover of Men's Health in over a decade, Liu's fitness journey has inspired many. Whether he’s prepping for his Avengers role or any other project, his regime is all about mixing strength, cardio, and plyometrics to maintain explosive energy.

"For Avengers, it was a lot of prep leading up to and it was a lot of training the flexibility and the explosiveness," Liu explained. "We're kind of always trying to hit on this mix of strength, cardio and plyometrics because I've been very adamant with my trainer that the explosiveness is something that I really treasure and something that I don't want to fade away as I get older."

It's not just about reducing body fat – Liu emphasizes knowing how to push your body safely. "Being athletic, going from a zero to a sprint, feeling comfortable in knowing how to give yourself the the resources to be able to do that," he shares.

Stepping into the Limelight on Broadway

Simu Liu has added another feather to his cap with his Broadway debut in Oh, Mary!, a comedic take on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln. Taking on the role of Mary's Teacher, Liu shares the stage with some of theatre's finest, bringing a unique blend of humor and vulnerability to his performance.

"I would say it's everything I expected and more. I feel acting, we're a lot more vulnerable on stage. You can't just yell cut. You kind of have to see it through," Liu reflects on his Broadway experience. "But it's such an amazing experience."

Written by Cole Escola, Oh Mary! promises to keep audiences entertained until July 5, 2026. Liu's dedication to maintaining his physical readiness, even on double show days, highlights his commitment to both his craft and his well-being.

The Spy Thriller Anticipation on Peacock

Capping off his list of achievements, Liu stars in the gripping series The Copenhagen Test on Peacock, portraying Alexander Hale, a Chinese-American intelligence analyst. The show debuted on December 27, 2025, with all eight thrilling episodes ready for binge-watching.

"I'm really proud of it. It was my first lead role since doing Shang-Chi all the way back in 2021," Liu shared about the project, where he also served as an executive producer. "It was really just fulfilling. I think it really gave me a lot of tools which I hopefully get to apply to our second season if we're lucky enough to have one."

Simu Liu's journey from the silver screen to the Broadway stage and now the small screen with a leading role in a spy thriller illustrates his dynamic range and ambition, keeping fans eagerly watching his every move.

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Miles
Author: Miles