Simu Liu makes his mark in the tech-driven espionage series The Copenhagen Test, now streaming on Peacock, with his portrayal of Alexander Hale, an intelligence agent plunged into a world of surveillance and uncertainty. The series, featuring Liu at the center, takes viewers through an intense ride as his character’s mind becomes a battleground for secrets, marking a significant turn in his career and exploring the timely question of personal identity in a hyper-connected world.
A New Vision for Espionage Drama
Simu Liu The Copenhagen Test introduces a narrative where espionage is not just about gadgets and action but also about vulnerability in the digital age. The show, crafted by creator Thomas Bradon, delves deeply into the fears and consequences of compromised privacy. After Alexander Hale has classified information forcibly extracted from his mind by an unknown adversary, he becomes both an asset and a liability to his own agency, navigating mistrust and uncertain loyalties.
Why Simu Liu Chose This Role
Liu was immediately drawn to the project, citing both the story’s premise and how it reflects current societal issues:
“I think on the one hand, it was definitely the premise and the world-building, just dealing with themes of surveillance and technology. I feel like a lot of those things are really just topical and relevant today,”
Simu Liu, Lead Actor and Executive Producer
He expressed admiration for the creator’s approach to near-future storytelling:
“I really appreciated Thomas’ take on this 5 minutes into the future, set in this world of intelligence.”
Simu Liu, Lead Actor and Executive Producer
Emotional Depth and Representation
Beyond its suspense-driven plot, the series also foregrounds themes of identity, particularly the immigrant experience, through Alexander Hale’s backstory. Liu discussed how this cultural element resonated with him personally and professionally:
“I really was struck by Alexander’s backstory in the script and felt like he was somebody who, in a fully three-dimensional way, kind of embodied what it was like for someone from an immigrant family to be in a situation… where they’re constantly being second-guessed, constantly being overlooked and underestimated,”
Simu Liu, Lead Actor and Executive Producer
This storyline is designed to connect with viewers from similar backgrounds:
“It’s something that a lot of people who grew up in those immigrant families… I think resonates a lot.”
Simu Liu, Lead Actor and Executive Producer
Pushing the Boundaries of Genre Television
Serving as both star and executive producer, Liu reflected on the broader significance of the show:
“doing my part and trying to get things made that feel kind of universal but also culturally specific and just my own unique brand of different.”
Simu Liu, Lead Actor and Executive Producer
The ensemble cast includes Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant, each bringing complex characters to life and expanding the scope of the story.
Setting a High Bar for Future Spy Thrillers
The Copenhagen Test carves out a distinctive space within the espionage genre by blending technological paranoia with honest examinations of cultural identity. Simu Liu’s portrayal of Alexander Hale, layered with the emotional realities faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds, signals a new era for television thrillers—one where character depth and timely issues go hand in hand. As the season unfolds on Peacock, the series may well influence the direction of future dramas that explore the intersection of technology, trust, and selfhood.
