Simu Liu’s New Role Is an ‘Imperfect’ Father, and He’s Proud of It

Simu Liu is proud to be playing an “imperfect” father in his new animated film, “In Your Dreams.” The ‘Shang-Chi’ star was “fascinated” by the script’s realistic take on family, which shows a “real family that argues.” He believes this kind of representation is “important” for young audiences.
“The way that families are depicted… is this idea that families are always happy… It’s just not true,” Liu said. This new adventure-comedy, opening Friday, centers on the conflict between Liu’s character and his wife, voiced by Emmy winner Cristin Milioti.
The plot follows their children, Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen), as they seek The Sandman to magically save the marriage. The film, from Pixar veteran Alex Woo, balances this magical quest with grounded, adult emotions.
The cast is rounded out by “The Office” star Craig Robinson as a stuffed animal, Baloney Tony. The film also features a “beautiful” duet between the “strained couple,” Liu and Milioti, which the actress called a “really great” song.
The film’s message is a sober one. Stevie, the young hero, must learn that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” Liu’s “imperfect” father is part of a story that values honesty over “fairy tale” endings.