The Tom Holland Message That Made Simu Liu Beam — And Why He Shared It With the World
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, heroes don’t just fight alongside each other on screen — sometimes, they show up in ways that are deeply personal and unexpectedly heartwarming. For Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu, one such moment came in the form of a voice message from Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland — a gesture Liu says meant the world to him, and one he chose to share publicly as a way of inspiring others.
A Marvel Bromance, One Voicemail at a Time
The moment unfolded at the Havdalah & BBYO Honors ceremony in February 2022, where Liu was speaking to a crowd of Jewish teens about his journey from struggling actor to Marvel’s first Asian-led superhero. When asked if he knew Holland personally, Liu decided to have a bit of fun. He tried to call the Spider-Man star live on stage — but when the call didn’t connect, he pulled out the next best thing: a voicemail Holland had left after watching Shang-Chi.
“Dude, I just watched Shang-Chi bro, that film is so f**ing awesome,*” Holland’s voice rang out, sending the audience into cheers. Liu grinned and followed it up with a playful piece of advice: “Work really hard and follow your dreams and maybe one day Tom Holland will watch your movie and leave you a voice memo.”
Humility in the Face of Success
What stood out wasn’t just the message itself, but the way Liu framed it. Shang-Chi was a massive success, grossing $430 million worldwide and breaking pandemic box-office records, yet Liu’s focus wasn’t on boasting about his own achievement. Instead, he chose to highlight Holland’s support — a subtle reminder that even at the height of fame, celebrating others can be just as meaningful as celebrating oneself.
That humility is part of what has defined Liu’s rise. From his early struggles breaking into an industry notorious for typecasting Asian actors, to landing a role that shattered barriers for representation, Liu has always been quick to credit the people who’ve supported him along the way.
Representation and Resilience
For Liu, Shang-Chi wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a cultural one. The film’s mix of high-octane martial arts, lush visuals, and deeply rooted Asian cultural storytelling marked a step forward in Hollywood’s slow march toward more inclusive representation. By sharing Holland’s reaction, Liu wasn’t simply trading celebrity anecdotes — he was reinforcing the idea that diverse stories can resonate universally, even with fellow blockbuster headliners.
Liu’s own career path has been defined by persistence and self-belief, qualities he subtly underscored in that BBYO moment. His humor and charm may have brought the laughs, but the underlying message to the young audience was clear: success comes from resilience, and it’s worth chasing no matter the odds.
Building Bridges, On and Off Screen
The warmth in Liu’s delivery also revealed something else — his instinct to connect. Whether it’s expressing enthusiasm for a hypothetical Shang-Chi and Spider-Man crossover or openly supporting his Marvel colleagues, Liu consistently uses his platform to foster camaraderie in an industry that can often feel competitive and isolating.
That generosity extends beyond the MCU. From public gestures toward his fiancée to roles in diverse projects like Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Liu shows a willingness to embrace collaboration and celebrate the people he works with. Sharing Holland’s voicemail wasn’t just a personal win — it was a public thank-you, and a reminder that joy multiplies when it’s shared.
More Than a Marvel Moment
In the end, Liu’s decision to play that voicemail on stage wasn’t just about giving the audience a behind-the-scenes peek at Marvel friendships. It was about showing that humility, resilience, and generosity still have a place in Hollywood success stories.
Tom Holland’s words may have been simple — “f***ing awesome” — but Liu’s choice to share them turned a private moment into a public spark of inspiration. For a generation of fans watching him break barriers, that kind of authenticity might be the most heroic act of all.
