Diving into the Unknown: Simu Liu’s Latest Role in The Last Breath
Simu Liu, the actor widely recognized for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has taken on a new challenge in the upcoming survivalist escape movie The Last Breath. The film, set to hit theaters in 2024, tells the harrowing true story of a deep-sea diver’s fight for survival and the camaraderie that binds a crew together in one of the most dangerous environments on Earth. Liu, who stars alongside Woody Harrelson and Finn Cole, dives deep—both literally and figuratively—into the world of saturation diving, a specialized form of deep-sea diving used for underwater engineering and exploration.
The movie is based on the real-life ordeal of Chris Lemons, a deep-sea diver who survived 40 minutes at the bottom of the North Sea with only 10 minutes’ worth of oxygen in 2012. Lemons’ story is one of resilience and perseverance, and Liu, who plays co-diver David Yuasa, was drawn to the project for its raw emotional power and the opportunity to shed light on a lesser-known profession. “On the surface, no pun intended, it’s this incredible story about survival in one of the most treacherous environments you can experience on the planet,” Liu shared with NBC News. “It’s a window into the lives of these people who work in a field that I don’t think anyone grows up thinking about or really knowing about.”
The Physical and Mental Rigors of Playing a Saturation Diver
To portray Yuasa convincingly, Liu underwent extensive training to prepare for the role. The film required him to perform complex underwater sequences, often diving multiple times a day for weeks. The physical demands of the role were immense, but Liu found the mental challenges equally daunting. He had to overcome any fears or hesitations about diving, as the role demanded absolute comfort in the water.
Liu’s co-star Finn Cole, who plays Chris Lemons, became his dive partner during training. Together, they practiced the intricate procedures of saturation diving, which involves descending to extreme depths and working under pressure. Liu praised Cole for his dedication and enthusiasm, noting that their shared love for the water was essential for pulling off the role. “If you even have a slight hesitancy or the idea of scuba diving for two months straight, four dives every day feels even a little bit scary or claustrophobic to you, then you probably shouldn’t do a movie like this,” Liu remarked.
The training not only prepared Liu physically but also deepened his appreciation for the real-life saturation divers who inspired the film. These individuals work in one of the most dangerous professions in the world, often putting their lives on the line to complete critical underwater tasks. Liu hopes that The Last Breath will inspire audiences to recognize the unsung heroes who work in such extreme conditions.
Camaraderie and Sacrifice: The Heart of The Last Breath
At the core of The Last Breath is a story of camaraderie and sacrifice. The film follows the crew of divers as they risk their lives to rescue a stranded colleague, highlighting the unbreakable bonds formed in high-stakes environments. Liu emphasized that this sense of brotherhood was not just a plot device but a real-life dynamic that exists among saturation divers.
During filming, Liu, Cole, and Harrelson worked closely together to recreate the tight-knit relationships between the characters. The actors’ chemistry on screen was crucial, as the film’s tension and emotional weight rely heavily on their interactions. Liu recalled how the physical demands of the role brought the cast closer together, fostering a sense of trust and reliance that mirrored the relationships between the characters. “It’s a story about perseverance, the human spirit, and never giving up,” Liu said, encapsulating the film’s themes.
Simu Liu on Happiness, Policy, and Social Responsibility
Beyond his acting career, Liu has become known for his outspoken views on social and political issues. In recent years, he has used his platform to advocate for fairness, equality, and the rights of marginalized communities. Reflecting on the current state of the world, Liu expressed his concern for the challenges people face in achieving basic happiness and security. “The world is hurting right now, and I feel like it has never been more difficult for people to be alive and live their lives,” he said. “I’m not a fan of people who make it more difficult for people to live their lives.”
Liu has been particularly critical of former President Donald Trump’s policies, especially the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In a series of videos posted earlier this year, Liu denounced the tax reform plan, arguing that it disproportionately benefiting the wealthy while leaving others behind. “It looks like I will get a tax cut,” Liu said in one video. “I wanted to say that I don’t need a tax cut. I’m happy to pay taxes, and I actually believe that people like me probably should pay more tax. I’ve been very fortunate and very privileged, and I’m happy to pay my fair share.”
Liu’s perspective on taxes and social responsibility stems not only from his success as an actor but also from his background in business. Before becoming a full-time actor, Liu studied business administration at the Ivey Business School and worked as an accountant at Deloitte. While his economics background certainly informs his views, Liu emphasized that his advocacy is rooted in a desire to speak up for those who lack a voice.
From Accountant to Actor: Simu Liu’s Journey to Hollywood
Liu’s path to stardom was anything but traditional. Born in China and raised in Canada, he initially pursued a career in business, earning a degree from the Ivey Business School and working as an accountant at Deloitte. However, his passion for the arts eventually led him to leave the corporate world behind and pursue acting full-time.
Liu’s breakout role came in 2021 when he starred as the titular character in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, becoming the first Asian lead in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. The movie’s success marked a milestone in representation for Asian actors in Hollywood and cemented Liu’s status as a trailblazer in the industry. Since then, he has appeared in a string of high-profile films, including Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Kim’s Convenience, and Arthur the King.
Throughout his career, Liu has remained committed to using his platform to advocate for social justice and greater diversity in media. His journey from accountant to actor serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
As The Last Breath prepares to hit theaters, Simu Liu continues to redefine what it means to be a leading man in Hollywood. His willingness to take on physically and emotionally challenging roles, coupled with his commitment to social advocacy, has made him a standout figure in the entertainment industry.
Through his work on The Last Breath, Liu hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked world of saturation diving while inspiring audiences with a story of resilience and human connection. Off-screen, he remains a vocal advocate for fairness and equality, using his platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard.
As Liu’s star continues to rise, he is proving that success is not just about achieving greatness but about using that greatness to make a difference. Whether he’s diving into the unknown in his latest film or speaking out on pressing social issues, Simu Liu is leaving an indelible mark on both Hollywood and the world at large.
