The upcoming Netflix animated film has offered fans a surprising emotional insight into the life of Marvel star Simu Liu, as Simu Liu In Your Dreams reveals not just a new role for the actor but also a deeper reflection on the kind of father he hopes to become. Playing a dad of two in In Your Dreams, Liu found himself reconnecting with memories from his childhood many of them tied to struggle, resilience, and the imperfections that shape real families.
In the film, Simu Liu voices the father of Stevie and Elliot, two siblings who fear that their parents’ marriage is falling apart. Directed by Alex Woo, In Your Dreams blends fantasy, heartfelt storytelling, and emotional themes that struck a personal chord with the actor. Speaking to People magazine, Liu said this role reminded him of the emotional challenges he faced growing up and gave him a fresh perspective on parenthood. It’s one of the reasons why Simu Liu In Your Dreams has become more than just another animated project — it has become a mirror for self-reflection.
Liu explained that the story’s embrace of imperfection was what truly drew him in. The film portrays a family that is far from flawless, a family that argues, worries, and deals with uncertainty. According to Liu, that level of honesty is rare in children’s movies, where families are often shown as cheerful, conflict-free units. “No family actually looks like that, divorced or not,” he said, emphasising how important it is for children’s stories to show authentic relationships.
As Liu discussed the film with director Alex Woo, the two realised they had shared similar fears during their own upbringing — moments when they weren’t sure if their parents’ relationship would survive. That vulnerability echoed in the script and made the role deeply relatable for Liu. This connection helped shape the emotional depth he brought to the character, making Simu Liu In Your Dreams more meaningful than a standard voice acting job.
Reflecting on his own childhood, Liu opened up about the struggles his family faced after immigrating to Canada. Growing up in poverty meant he couldn’t enjoy the kind of toys or comforts many other children took for granted. When asked about his favourite toys during childhood, Liu laughed as he recalled the broken and mismatched toys he played with. Yard sales and second-hand items made up most of his collection.
He described being a devoted Power Rangers fan, even though his prized Megazord was missing both an arm and a leg. He also remembered having a headless He-Man figure and an assortment of incomplete action figures — a far cry from the shiny, neatly packaged toys sold in stores. These imaginative, “ragtag” play sessions were a defining part of his early years and played a role in shaping the creativity he brings to his work today.
These personal stories add emotional layers to Simu Liu In Your Dreams, showing how the actor’s own experiences with hardship and imperfection shaped the empathy he brings to the role. Rather than portraying a picture-perfect father, Liu brings nuance — a man who loves his children but is struggling, a man who is trying his best despite life’s pressures.
The film’s message seems to align strongly with Liu’s own life philosophy: families are messy, but love holds them together. In many ways, the movie encouraged him to think deeply about how he wants to show up as a father in the future. Although he does not yet have children, he shared that this role made him more aware of the values he wants to embody someday — patience, acceptance, honesty, and a willingness to grow.
As Netflix prepares to release the film worldwide on November 14, anticipation is building not just among fans of animation but also among admirers of Liu’s work in Hollywood. In Your Dreams promises humour, emotional depth, and meaningful storytelling, much of which comes through in Liu’s performance.
With Simu Liu In Your Dreams attracting attention for its heartfelt themes and family-centered message, the movie is expected to resonate with viewers of all ages. Whether you connect with its portrayal of imperfect families, its magical adventure, or its emotional honesty, the film demonstrates that even animated stories can spark deep reflection.
