If you’ve ever searched for business or corporate stock images, chances are you’ve seen the famous Simu Liu stock photo—long before he became a Marvel superhero. Before landing his breakout role as Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Simu Liu actually modeled for stock photography. Those images later went viral, turning a humble modeling gig into one of the internet’s favorite stories of unexpected fame.
In this article, we’ll explore how the Simu Liu stock photos came to be, where you can find them, and why they’ve become such a key part of pop culture online.
Who Is Simu Liu stock photo?
Simu Liu is a Canadian actor, writer, and stuntman best known for his roles in Kim’s Convenience and Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Born in Harbin, China, and raised in Ontario, Canada, Liu started his career far from Hollywood. After working briefly as an accountant, he pursued acting and modeling gigs to support himself — one of which was posing for stock photography shoots.
Those early stock photos, taken around 2014, were meant for generic use — office teamwork, diversity in business, technology meetings, and smiling employee shots.
At the time, Liu had no idea these images would one day resurface all over the internet — in memes, ads, and even news articles — once he became a global star.
The Origin of the Simu Liu Stock Photo
The Simu Liu stock photo collection was shot for a Canadian image agency. Like many aspiring actors, Liu did modeling to pay bills and gain experience in front of the camera. These photos were sold to stock sites such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, and iStock.
The images featured Liu in classic corporate scenes:
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Smiling in a group of coworkers
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Typing at a desk or in a meeting
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Standing confidently in an office hallway
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Shaking hands or brainstorming ideas
When Marvel announced Liu as Shang-Chi in 2019, internet users quickly recognized him from these stock images — and they went viral overnight.
Why the Simu Liu Stock Photo Went Viral?
The reason the Simu Liu stock photo collection became a phenomenon is a mix of humor and timing. Fans loved the idea that a Marvel superhero was once “that guy” from cheesy business stock images.
Key reasons for its viral fame:
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Relatability – Everyone has seen those “generic business” photos online.
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Unexpected twist – The idea that a future superhero once modeled for stock photos was too good to ignore.
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Meme potential – Social media turned the photos into jokes about work life, hustle culture, and “before fame” glow-ups.
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Simu Liu’s own response – He embraced the meme with humor, tweeting that he got paid “$120 for that shoot.”
This self-aware humor made the internet love him even more.
Where to Find the Simu Liu Stock Photos?
You can still find Simu Liu’s stock photos on several major image sites. They’re often labeled under business or teamwork themes.
Common platforms:
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Getty Images – Search for “Simu Liu business team” or “Asian business meeting.”
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Shutterstock – Many of his office group shots appear under general corporate categories.
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iStock – Contains licensed versions of the original photo sets.
Always check licensing terms if you plan to use these images for commercial purposes. Even though they’re memes now, they’re still copyrighted material.
Cultural Impact of the Simu Liu Stock Photo
The “Simu Liu stock photo” moment represents more than a viral laugh — it’s a story of hard work, persistence, and humility. Liu’s openness about his beginnings reminds aspiring actors that success often starts small.
He’s turned the meme into motivation, proving that no path is too humble. What began as a $120 gig became a part of Marvel history and pop culture legacy.
The images also highlight a broader truth: representation matters. Seeing an Asian actor’s face in both everyday media and blockbuster films reflects real progress in entertainment diversity.
Lessons from the Simu Liu Stock Photo Story
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Every start counts – Even small roles or side gigs can lead to something big.
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Embrace your journey – Liu didn’t hide his stock photo past; he celebrated it.
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Representation has power – His rise shows how visibility in all forms of media matters.
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Humor wins hearts – Liu’s easygoing reaction to the viral trend built stronger fan loyalty.
FAQs About Simu Liu Stock Photo
1. Are the Simu Liu stock photos still available online?
Yes, many of his photos are still available on stock websites like Getty Images, Shutterstock, and iStock under business and corporate categories.
2. How did people realize it was Simu Liu in the stock photos?
When Marvel announced him as Shang-Chi, fans recognized his face from common business photos they had seen online and shared them across social media platforms.
3. Did Simu Liu make money from those viral stock photos later?
No — he was paid a one-time modeling fee when the photos were taken. Stock models usually don’t earn royalties when their images are reused.
4. Can I use the Simu Liu stock photo in my project?
You can, but only by purchasing the proper license from official stock image platforms. Unauthorized use could violate copyright laws.
5. What does Simu Liu think about the viral photos?
He’s taken it with good humor, tweeting about it multiple times and even referencing it during interviews as a reminder of his humble beginnings.
Conclusion
The Simu Liu stock photo story is one of the most charming examples of how persistence and authenticity can turn any moment into inspiration. What began as a small stock modeling job became a viral symbol of hard work paying off.
Today, Simu Liu stands as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars — yet those stock photos remind everyone where he started. Whether you’re browsing for memes or motivation, these pictures capture a true success story: from office model to Marvel superhero.
