Simu Liu Breaks Down The Copenhagen Test’s Explosive Ending, Series 2 Chances & His MCU Return [Exclusive]

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Simu Liu, known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, recently starred in the Peacock thriller The Copenhagen Test, solidifying his position as a leading actor. The series, created by Thomas Brandon, centers around Alexander, played by Liu (who also executive produced), a government analyst working for a highly classified agency. When the agency suspects a leak, Alexander discovers his mind has been hacked, giving an unknown enemy access to his thoughts and perceptions. He’s forced to undertake dangerous missions to feed the perpetrator controlled information, but in the world of espionage, trust is a rare commodity. The shocking season finale reveals that Alexander’s mentor, Victor, is the one behind the hack, leaving viewers wondering what happens next.

In a recent interview with ComicBook, Simu Liu discussed his training for spy roles, the surprising plot twist in The Copenhagen Test, what options Alexander has moving forward, and the possibility of Shang-Chi appearing in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film, as well as future projects with director James Wan. Be aware that the following discussion contains major spoilers for The Copenhagen Test.

Most people think of James Bond or Ethan Hunt when they picture the ideal spy. Were there any lesser-known spy characters who really stood out to you when you were growing up?

I’m a big fan of both James Bond and the Mission: Impossible films. With our show, we were aiming for a blend of those styles, falling somewhere between the fast-paced action of The Bourne Identity and the intricate, spy-focused storytelling of John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The show’s design, especially the Orphanage, clearly shows le Carré’s influence, with its mid-century architecture and overall feel. Thomas Brandon, and I too, grew up reading and loving le Carré’s novels, and we consistently looked to his work for visual and atmospheric inspiration throughout the series.

The final showdown was full of action – everything from gunfights and knife skills to close-quarters combat and even running! What part of the fight choreography stood out to you the most? Did you see any moves that you’ve never tried yourself?

The biggest challenge and new experience for me was definitely the firearms training. My previous work in the Marvel films was mostly hand-to-hand combat, which I was very familiar with. This project required a lot more gun work, so I prepared by working with a shooting coach and talking to people with military and Special Forces backgrounds. We even had a former Canadian Special Forces operative on set as a consultant to ensure everything was realistic and safe.

We relied on a lot of helpful materials to accurately portray the character as a former Green Beret – someone with extensive weapons training who was completely comfortable handling firearms. That aspect was challenging, but also really enjoyable. We explored the practical details – different shooting grips, how to move through a space safely, and the techniques for both lethal and non-lethal shots. For example, in the Paris rooftop scenes, the character intentionally avoids hurting anyone, so we had to figure out how to show that in his shooting style. It was all new and fascinating to research.

The show is a suspenseful spy thriller full of unexpected turns. A major shock came when Victor betrayed Alexander. Were you surprised by that twist? Did the creators hint at it from the beginning?

I recall the early days in the writer’s room, when we were still brainstorming and nothing had really come together. We tossed around a lot of ideas – things like, ‘What if Rachel was secretly working against him?’ or ‘What if Victor had hacked him from the start?’ I found them all interesting, but I eventually moved on. The next thing I saw was the script itself. Reading the episode, I realized how much trauma the main character would experience – basically, everyone he trusted would betray him by the end of the first season. It was a really intense storyline.

The ending leaves Alexander at a fascinating turning point, with many potential paths forward if the show gets another season. It was great to see him take charge during the final action sequence and feel more powerful. The unexpected twist at the end was a real shocker, and I’m eager to see what he does next. Will he team up with Victor, or try to stop him? There are still so many unanswered questions and a lot more story to explore.

At the end of the story, Alexander is facing a difficult dilemma, torn between what he feels obligated to do and what he believes is right. After everything he’s been through, do you think he’s better able to make those tough moral choices?

Absolutely. Throughout the first season, Alexander’s main challenge is learning to trust his own judgment instead of just following orders or trying to please others. This desire to rely on himself is what drives his risky decision in episode seven and leads him to go into hiding, hoping the people at the Orphanage will understand his intentions. It really shows his growing confidence and willingness to take control. He starts prioritizing his own morals over the need for approval from those in charge and a sense of belonging. By the season’s end, he’s reached a point where he no longer needs that validation – he understands who he is. This is a compelling and potentially risky position for a character, especially as we uncover the truth about who’s behind the hack. It will be fascinating to see where Alexander’s loyalties lie once those people are revealed.

Alexander’s character shares similarities with Shang-Chi – both are suddenly thrown into situations they weren’t ready for. When Avengers: Doomsday and your role in it were revealed, were you intrigued by how Shang-Chi’s magical rings would fit into the larger story? The first Shang-Chi movie only hinted at the rings’ full power.

You’ve hit on a lot of things I’ve been thinking about too. After being so involved as an executive producer, it was really freeing to let go and trust the overall process, knowing I was part of something much bigger. I felt a strong connection to my character, but it was refreshing to realize they were just one piece of a larger story, especially after being so hands-on with a show like Copenhagen Test. I was very happy to have had that leadership role, but it’s also been great to step back and relax. Even though Doomsday was still a lot of work, it felt like a vacation in a way. I didn’t have to worry about post-production details or give further feedback – I could just enjoy the experience and contribute creatively.

Rumors suggest Shang-Chi will have a new outfit in the upcoming movie. What differences will audiences notice in his appearance and character compared to his last appearance?

It’s hard for me to talk about this now. I’m always worried about something I say being taken out of context. I remember being really cold on the Empire State Building when someone asked about my costume, and I just blurted out that it was new. That one little comment spiraled into a lot of confusion and misquotes. I’m hesitant to discuss it further.

Time has passed, and both I and my character have matured. It’s great to be able to portray that newfound self-confidence, especially since my character in ‘Shang-Chi’ felt so out of place. The story picks up some time later, so you’ll meet him at a point where he’s more comfortable and settled into his life and responsibilities.

So, I was just thinking about ‘The Copenhagen Test,’ and it’s cool to see James Wan – a true horror heavyweight – involved as a producer. It got me wondering, as a fan, if the director would ever be interested in collaborating with Wan on a horror project. It feels like a natural fit, and I’d definitely be excited to see that happen.

I constantly bring up James Wan in conversation, always asking when we’ll collaborate. I’m a huge fan of his work and storytelling, especially the story behind the original Saw. As someone who often feels like an outsider, I really connect with his journey. He came from Australia and made this small, unexpected movie that became a global phenomenon – that’s the ideal way to break through, and I always admire self-made people with no industry connections who create something truly remarkable. James embodies that perfectly. His intelligence and talent are clear even in how he speaks, and I’d jump at the chance to work with him again.

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2026-01-12 02:11