Before making a significant impact in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Simu Liu had a brief but notable role in the critically acclaimed series The Expanse. His performance as Paolo Mayer, a lieutenant in the Martian Marine Corps, occurred three years prior to his breakout role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which catapulted him to mainstream fame. Although Liu’s filmography is not extensive compared to some of his MCU peers, he has established a commendable presence in both film and television. Furthermore, Liu recently gained attention for his portrayal of Ken in the highly anticipated film Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig.
The Expanse, based on the acclaimed novels by James S.A. Corey, experienced a tumultuous journey following an initial cancellation by SyFy after three seasons. However, the show’s dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim ultimately led to its revival on Amazon Prime Video, where it continued for three successful seasons. Liu made his debut in this celebrated series during its third season, contributing to a cast renowned for its diversity and star power.
Simu Liu’s Brief Appearance in The Expanse Season 3
Liu’s Role in The Expanse is Highly Remembered
Shang-Chi premiered in 2021 and quickly shattered box office records, including the highest-grossing Labor Day weekend. Yet, Liu’s roots in acting can be traced back to earlier TV roles. In Season 3 of The Expanse, Liu appeared in two episodes, specifically in episode 10 titled “Dandelion Sky.”He portrayed Lieutenant Paolo Mayer, who met a tragic fate during an encounter with a prominent character, James Holden, played by Steven Strait.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KXO2Sn4L4Q
Despite the brevity of his role, Liu’s performance was a highlight of his early career in television, marking The Expanse as his highest-rated series to date. Liu adeptly portrayed Mayer as a character imbued with both compassion and determination, successfully merging these dual aspects. While Mayer’s role was pivotal in certain scenes, it was not critical to the overarching narrative of the season finale.
Prominent Guest Stars in The Expanse
The Expanse’s Success with a Strong Ensemble Cast
The Expanse is notable not only for its gripping storytelling but also for its remarkable ensemble cast, which features numerous renowned actors, often in minor yet impactful roles. The series initially faced cancellation despite its popularity but was revived on Amazon Prime, where it garnered continued admiration and acclaim.
Notable guest appearances include Jonathan Banks, famous for his role in Breaking Bad, who made an unforgettable cameo as the first officer of the Canterbury. Others, like Jay Hernandez and Jared Harris, also contributed their talent to the series, with Harris portraying Anderson Dawes over eleven episodes. Such notable performances have solidified The Expanse‘s reputation for attracting major Hollywood talent, even in concise roles that resonate with audiences.