Simu Liu, widely recognized for his role in Marvel’s Shang-Chi, recently gave a revealing Simu Liu Copenhagen Test interview discussing both his experience on Peacock’s The Copenhagen Test and its dramatic season finale. In an exclusive conversation, Liu provided insight into the intense spy thriller and reflected on the emotional twists that capped off Alexander’s journey, leaving viewers eager for what’s next.
Liu Discusses Transition from Marvel to The Copenhagen Test
After leading Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Simu Liu has expanded his repertoire by starring in and executive producing The Copenhagen Test. The series, helmed by creator Thomas Brandon and premiering on Peacock, thrusts Liu into the role of Alexander, an analyst working for a covert agency called the Orphanage. In this high-stakes sci-fi spy thriller, Alexander must navigate a web of secrets after learning that a mysterious actor has hacked his mind, giving them access to his every thought, sight, and sound. To manipulate the enemy, Alexander undertakes perilous missions, all while the distinction between ally and adversary grows increasingly blurred.
The shocking twist in the season finale is that Alexander’s mentor, Victor, is exposed as the individual responsible for the invasive hack. This revelation forces Alexander to reconsider everything he believed about loyalty, trust, and survival in the cutthroat spy world. The events of the finale leave his future uncertain, prompting anticipation and speculation about the direction of a potential second season.
Mastering the Art of Spycraft On and Off Screen
Simu Liu shared his influences for the tone and style of The Copenhagen Test, citing iconic spy characters as inspirations. He openly expressed his admiration for classic figures when asked about his influences, saying he was drawn to both Bond and Mission Impossible, yet wanted the series to occupy a unique space influenced by mid-century spy tales like John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and the Bourne Identity. These nods are visible in the show’s aesthetic and narrative layers, due in part to Thomas Brandon’s appreciation for le Carré’s works, which Liu acknowledged as a core reference point throughout development.
When discussing the challenges of action choreography, Liu explained that while hand-to-hand combat felt familiar thanks to his Marvel experience, gunplay presented new hurdles. He trained with a shooting coach and consulted military experts, as well as an ex-Canadian Special Forces consultant on set, to convincingly portray a former Green Beret with elite training. Liu detailed his approach to preparing for the show’s intense combat scenes, sharing his appreciation for the nuanced tactics involved with gun handling.
He highlighted the learning process around specific combat skills:
How do you clear a corner? How do you take cover? How do you shoot to kill? How do you shoot to intimidate?
— Simu Liu, Actor/Executive Producer. Liu emphasized the practical considerations of scenes where Alexander is reluctant to harm anyone, such as the rooftop standoff in Paris, and relished the opportunity to immerse himself in the physical and psychological elements of the spy persona.
Reacting to the Finale’s Emotional Betrayal
The Copenhagen Test quickly developed a reputation as a labyrinthine espionage thriller, but nothing compared to the emotional blow delivered when Victor’s betrayal of Alexander comes to light. Liu recounted his experience learning of the twist, revealing that the creative direction was fluid in the early weeks of production, with several ideas under consideration in the writers’ room.
He recalled discussions about possible betrayals and character dynamics that left the fate of Alexander uncertain for much of the writing process. When the final script revealed the mentor’s duplicity, Liu described his strong reaction to the emotional weight of Alexander’s predicament:
Wow. He’s going to need a ton of therapy after this because all the people close to him have basically betrayed him by the end of the first season.
— Simu Liu, Actor/Executive Producer. Liu noted how this ending set up compelling storylines for a possible next season, and raised questions about whether Alexander would seek revenge, reconciliation, or a new path moving forward.
Exploring Alexander’s Moral Reckoning
Liu’s performance captures Alexander’s shift from a man following orders to someone empowered by his own conscience. Throughout the season, Alexander wrestles with the tension between loyalty to his organization and adherence to his internal values. By the finale, Liu suggests that the character’s journey is about trusting his judgment and no longer needing external validation from superiors or his mentor.
The final moments of the season find Alexander at a crossroads, forced to make difficult choices in a world full of moral ambiguity. Liu affirmed his belief in Alexander’s personal growth, indicating that the character is now ready to rely on himself and confront the deeper forces behind his ordeal. The unraveling of the story promises more revelations as Alexander peels back the layers to uncover who orchestrated the hack, foreshadowing further intrigue.
Connecting with Marvel and Looking Ahead
The parallels between Alexander and Liu’s Marvel character, Shang-Chi, are striking. Both characters are thrust into extraordinary circumstances that challenge their identity and beliefs. In discussing his part in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, Liu reflected on the difference between his dual roles as an executive producer on The Copenhagen Test and as an actor within the vast Marvel universe.
Liu recounted the sense of relief that came with stepping back from production duties to focus purely on performance, especially within the Marvel regime. He likened this to taking a creative “vacation,” expressing appreciation for contributing to a larger cinematic tapestry:
Oh, I don’t have to worry about this is going to cut anymore. I don’t have to give notes on something later.
— Simu Liu, Actor/Executive Producer.
Anticipation also surrounds Shang-Chi’s new journey, with reports of a fresh costume and a more mature, assured demeanor for the hero. Liu addressed fan curiosity, explaining that the time jump between films will allow both him and Shang-Chi to bring nuanced growth and self-confidence to the story, especially as the character takes on new responsibilities and faces high-stakes threats alongside the Avengers ensemble.
Creative Partnerships and Future Aspirations
The Copenhagen Test also marked a meaningful collaboration with horror maestro James Wan, who serves as executive producer. Liu enthused about their working relationship and expressed excitement at the idea of working together in other genres, specifically horror. In sharing his admiration for Wan’s journey from indie success in Australia to international prominence, Liu stated:
James, when are we going to do something?
— Simu Liu, Actor/Executive Producer.
Liu praised Wan’s talent and the authenticity of his ascent in the film industry, highlighting their shared outsider background and the impact of self-made filmmakers. He made it clear that he would not hesitate to collaborate with Wan again, underscoring the respect between the two creatives.
A Streaming Hit and What Comes Next
With Peacock’s The Copenhagen Test gaining traction as a notable streaming release, the attention surrounding Alexander’s fate and the involvement of figures like Simu Liu and James Wan has captivated both critics and fans.
Peacock’s New Sci-Fi Series is An Instant Streaming Hit
— Unattributed. The intricate plotting, intense performances, and unresolved storylines position the show as a standout in the ever-expanding canon of sci-fi thrillers.
As speculation builds over the potential for a second season, the trajectory of Alexander’s character remains central to audience anticipation. Simu Liu’s careful portrayal of a spy navigating both psychological peril and personal transformation, coupled with the creative team’s layered storytelling, signals that The Copenhagen Test will continue to generate conversation and excitement in the months ahead.
