Simu Liu recently performed I Am Just Ken from Barbie, and it has taken over the internet already. The actor has a rich acting pedigree with his work in the MCU’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Kim’s Convenience, and most recently Barbie. Simu Liu plays the role of a rival Ken to Ryan Gosling’s main Ken in the Greta Gerwig classic.

Simu Liu
Simu Liu (Image via. The Independent)

On December 13, 2023, Liu performed at the Hotel Cafe in front of a live audience. Liu and his band played a few original songs, Christmas songs, and two songs from Barbie, including I Am Just Ken. When he uploaded the video on social media, it had a hilarious reaction from the general public.

Simu Liu performing I Am Just Ken fails to hit the spot for many fans

Simu Liu performed I Am Just Ken, which is a signature song by Ryan Gosling from the movie Barbie, on Wednesday in Los Angeles at the Hotel Cafe. While introducing the song, he said to the audience:

“I want you to close your eyes, and I want you to put your hand on your heart, and I want you to repeat after me: I. Am. Kenough.”

Simu Liu
Simu Liu (Image via. LIfestyle Asia)

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He then launches into the hit song, only to forget, fumble a few words in the chorus, and stumble over the line, “where I see love she sees a friend.” While posting the video of the performance on social media, he acknowledged his mistakes and posted a hearty caption, saying:

“[The] most ken thing about this is that i forgot part of the words to ‘i’m just ken.’ what a great night!!!!”

Simu Liu
Simu Liu (Image via. NY Post)

In the video, one can see Simu Liu saying, “Are you ready to feel the Kenergy with me tonight? Let’s do this! You are Kenough, you are Kenough,” before hopping on to the second verse. He also mimicked the dance sequences of Ken’s Civil War and dream ballet sequences that the song featured quite well.

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However, it sparked a hilarious conversation online when Discussing Film posted the video on X, with many saying, “he thinks he’s Ryan Gosling” or “nah, this ain’t it.” Check out some of the reactions below: 

Simu Liu is a great performer, and his role in Barbie undeniably won some hearts. However, this performance may not have hit the spot with many audiences because Ryan Gosling as Ken has a special place in pop culture now, with many seeing the I Am Just Ken performance as a pop culture phenomenon. So, topping that level of popularity is always difficult, no matter how hard one tries.

Simu Liu takes to social media to share updates on the Shang Chi sequel

When the social media platform Threads was launched, Simu Liu did a Q&A with the users when he signed up. In that Q&A, one fan asked him when the Shang Chi sequel, which has been rumored to be under development for some time, was coming out. He opened up by saying:

“Was told it would follow Avengers. But that keeps pushing back due to circumstances beyond my control.”

Simu Liu
Simu Liu (Image via. NBC News)

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He did not give much indication as to what the circumstances were. Disney made major changes to its release calendar by pushing back Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the latter of which has an uncertain fate as Jonathan Majors faces assault charges in New York. Also, due to the Writer’s Guild Strike, many projects were delayed at the time like Thunderbolt and Blade. Liu ended his post by saying that he hopes “to have more concrete news to share soon.”

Shang Chi is available to watch on Disney+.

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