From ‘Shang-Chi’ to ‘Strained’ Dad: Simu Liu’s New Animated Film

Simu Liu is moving from Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi’ to the role of a “strained” dad in the new animated film “In Your Dreams.” Liu voices the father in a family struggling with marital conflict, a role he was “fascinated” to play due to its realism. The film, opening Friday, avoids “fairy tale” depictions of family life.
“The way that families are depicted… is this idea that families are always happy… It’s just not true,” Liu said. He insisted that “it’s important that kids have imagery of families that aren’t perfect.”
The film, directed by Alex Woo (Pixar’s “WALL·E”), follows the children, Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen), on a quest. They seek The Sandman to magically save the marriage of their parents (Liu and Cristin Milioti). The film, animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, also stars Craig Robinson as a stuffed animal.
Milioti, a Grammy winner, praised a “beautiful” duet she sings with Liu, which shows the “strained couple in harmony.” This moment highlights the love that is being threatened.
Ultimately, the film is about Stevie’s journey. She learns that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” Liu’s role as a “strained” dad is part of a powerful, honest story.