When Simu Liu won the leading part in Marvel’s latest extravaganza, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings , the significance was not lost on him. “It really is the biggest role I’ve ever had by a long shot,” he says.

Previously best known for the Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience , the Chinese-born Liu is all too aware that he’s been catapulted onto Hollywood’s A-list. More notably, he’s the first Asian to play a titular Marvel superhero. “It is the realisation of a childhood dream,” he adds, “and truly the opportunity of a lifetime.”