Jackpot’s Awkwafina on Simu Liu as a baddie: “Shang Chi, what happened to you?”

As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for character development and a soft spot for unexpected twists, I must say that Jackpot! is a refreshing addition to the action-comedy genre. The dynamic between Awkwafina and Simu Liu, who I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is a fascinating shift from their previous camaraderie.


Previously, Awkwafina and Simu Liu shared the screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ from 2021; at that time, their characters were clearly friends and partners.

However, in the recently released action-comedy “Jackpot!”, now streaming on Prime Video, the duo exhibit a unique dynamic. In this film, Liu portrays a villain who plots to kill her character after she wins an ominous lottery prize in a dismal near-future Los Angeles.

“She explained, ‘Regarding Simu, I must say it’s a distinct tale compared to Shang-Chi. Given his impressive acting skills, it feels fitting.'”

Sometimes, while filming scenes with him being exceptionally wicked, I’d have strange recollections, and I found myself asking, “Shang Chi, what transformed you into this villain?” However, I must say, he plays the villain superbly.

In the movie, Awkwafina worked alongside John Cena, another prominent actor. She shared that she gained a significant amount of knowledge from the professional wrestler, who is known for his action roles, marking one of the most action-packed parts of her acting journey so far.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve picked up a valuable lesson from John: the importance of unwavering dedication to safety. In his world, it’s crucial that everyone stays sharp and vigilant, for if even one detail is overlooked, an accident could occur during those intricate scenes.

“In essence, he truly showed me the significance of this, given that it’s the most physically demanding role I’ve undertaken so far. While I’ve been in action films before, I didn’t need to specifically prepare for those. However, for this one, I did take it seriously and there was a lot of action involved.”

In a twist of fate, the film “Jackpot!” is brought to us by the director behind Bridesmaids and A Simple Favour, Paul Feig. Here’s the gist: in the year 2030, an actress named Katie, who’s struggling to make ends meet, miraculously wins the lottery in California. But here’s the catch – anyone with a losing ticket has the right to take her life before sunset and legally claim her winnings!

“Noel, a hobbyist safeguard for lotteries, assists in ensuring this person survives till sundown, with the promise that she’ll receive a portion of any potential winnings.”

Jackpot! is now streaming on Prime Video.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d recommend diving deeper into our film reviews. To stay updated with the latest shows and streaming content, don’t forget to check our TV Guide and Streaming Guide! For exclusive insights from the biggest names in television, be sure to tune into The TopMob Podcast. Enjoy your cinematic journey!

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2024-08-15 15:03