Simu Liu Dancing With the Stars is at the center of attention as multiple high-profile celebrities express their desire to join the hit competition, following a surge in the show’s popularity. After the record-setting November 2025 season 34 finale, several stars have publicly discussed their ambitions to step onto the ballroom stage soon.
Celebrity Interest Peaks After Record Ratings
With the resurgence of Dancing With the Stars, the buzz around potential contestants has reached a new peak. The show’s 34th season finale, which aired in November 2025, drew the largest audience in a decade, as reported by Deadline. This revival has sparked a wave of celebrities voicing hopes of being chosen for a future season and taking a shot at the mirrorball trophy.
Simu Liu, known for his work in Marvel films, notably opened up to Entertainment Weekly about his ongoing enthusiasm for the series.
“I think about it at least once a week. I don’t like follow them on Instagram, but I love dance, and I love watching people dance, and I love dancing,”
Simu Liu, Marvel Actor told the outlet. Liu described his habit of watching the most recent season and the excitement of following contestants like Dylan Efron and Robert Irwin, adding that he would consider joining the cast if scheduling allows in the future. He has become a prominent figure among fans speculating about who might join an upcoming cast.
Other Notable Stars Hoping for a Ballroom Chance
Simu Liu is far from the only celebrity to publicly express interest in competing. In the world of celebrity couples, Tay Lautner, married to actor Taylor Lautner, has also voiced her desire to join the Dancing With the Stars lineup. On a January 2024 episode of their podcast, The Squeeze, Tay shared her belief that being cast would be “really fun,” with Taylor echoing his wife’s statement and calling the opportunity her “dream.”
Efforts by Influencers and Twin Siblings
Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight, highly popular twin influencers, have invested significant effort to land spots on the show. Despite multiple appeals to the casting team, they have not yet succeeded. In October 2025, the sisters attended their first live taping of Dancing With the Stars. Bailey shared their experience, stating,
“The last two times we’ve applied, they have said they do not want to cast twins because they don’t want to split the votes,”
Bailey McKnight, Influencer explained via Instagram. She went on,
“We have even tried to convince them to do an iconic duos season. Our response to that was: ‘Then pick one of us.’ At this point, it’s just been such a lifelong dream. I don’t care if it’s Brooklyn or me,”
Bailey McKnight, Influencer added. Their story reflects the persistent appeal of appearing on the show, even for social media personalities with vast fan followings.
Reality Stars and Their Aspirations
Reality television has also provided hopefuls eager to compete in the ballroom. Taylor Frankie Paul, associated with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, pitched herself for a slot after seeing her costars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt’s participation in season 34. On TikTok, Paul posted,
“When DWTS asked [about] my dance experience? Umm … no but I am the creator of the Baja blast,”
Taylor Frankie Paul, Reality Star joked before stating,
“I’ll be there if you need people next season,”
Taylor Frankie Paul, Reality Star offered, aligning her ambitions with those of her costars and eager to embrace a new challenge.
Veteran Actors Express Their Desire
The allure of the competition is not limited just to rising stars or digital influencers. In 2019, Jennifer Love Hewitt, a longtime actress known for her work across TV and film, discussed her wish to be part of Dancing With the Stars.
“Oh my gosh, I’d pass out,”
Jennifer Love Hewitt, Actress confessed during an Entertainment Tonight interview. Though she admitted feeling she would be “way too nervous” initially, Hewitt emphasized her willingness by saying she’d jump at the opportunity “the second they ask.”
Disney Alumni Await Their Turn
Disney Channel veterans have long been favorites for Dancing With the Stars audiences. Fans have particularly called for Christy Carlson Romano, famous for Even Stevens, to appear on the program. Romano explained on the Big Name Bitches podcast in September 2023 how she attempted to join on two different occasions, only to be waitlisted. Recalling her pitch, she shared,
“had just had a baby, and I was like, ‘Guys, I’m gonna get my [pre] baby body back.’ They do Disney nights, I was like, ‘We could do a Kim Possible night where I’m dancing,’”
Christy Carlson Romano, Actress recounted. The casting team’s promise to call her never materialized, highlighting the challenges even well-known stars face in landing a spot.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
The growing list of celebrities, from Marvel’s Simu Liu to TikTok’s Taylor Frankie Paul and icons like Jennifer Love Hewitt, reflects the intense cultural pull of Dancing With the Stars as it maintains its position in the entertainment spotlight. The enthusiasm from notable individuals—spanning actors, influencers, and reality stars—signals strong competition for coveted slots in upcoming seasons. As the show continues to set ratings records and expand its reach, viewers can expect continued speculation, public campaigns, and perhaps surprise casting decisions that will keep the anticipation around Simu Liu Dancing With the Stars and other hopeful stars alive as the next ballroom chapters unfold.
