Karl Ting Had Auditioned for “Shang-Chi”
Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings earned over US$432 million globally, becoming the eighth highest grossing film in worldwide box offices this year. With an all-Asian cast, many Asian actors had auditioned for the movie, including TVB’s Karl Ting (丁子朗).
Realizes Acting Needs Improvement
Lead actor Simu Liu’s (劉思慕) plain looks were hotly contested when the cast was initially revealed, and it was rumored that Ludi Lin (林路迪) lost out on the role because he was considered too good looking. It turns out that two years ago, Karl Ting received a mysterious audition request. He later learned that it was for Shang-Chi.
Starring in the movie would have been a chance of a lifetime. Karl has been practicing Choy Li Fut and Shaolin kung fu since a young age, and can definitely handle action scenes. However, he was still relatively inexperienced at the time. Sharing his audition clip on Instagram, Karl self-deprecatingly remarked that his acting back then was nothing special.
Hoping to improve his skills, Karl enrolled in Chung King Fai (鍾景輝), Kearen Pang (彭秀慧), and Rosa Maria Velasco’s (韋羅莎) acting classes. “I remember when I was filming The Offliners <堅離地愛堅離地>, it was already 5 a.m. and there was a scene where I had to give a laughing reaction. I thought I had already done it, but the director was not happy with my performance. Afterwards, someone yelled out, ‘Just open your mouth!’ At that moment I realized that I needed to take classes.”
Enjoys Working Out
Karl’s physique caught public attention after appearing shirtless on travelogue, Sammy on the Go <森美旅行團> and being nicknamed the “Hidden Muscle Boy”. Karl excitedly stated, “Filming travel shows is like going on a company paid vacation!”
Due to the pandemic, Karl could only spend time outdoors to curb his cravings. Growing up in Canada, he was very anti-social, “After entering the industry, I realized how fun working out was. Hong Kong’s winter weather is also very comfortable, so you can continue outdoor activities all year round.”
With his toned physique and bronzed skin, Karl is viewed by many as a male god. In his eyes, he considers Roxanne Tong (湯洛雯) and Louisa Mak (麥明詩) as female goddesses, but he joked that he can admire them only from afar. He is looking for someone who is presentable, nice, and filial. It does not matter to him if she is sporty or not.
Sees Tony Leung as His Role Model
Landing more roles in dramas including: The Battle of the Seven Sisters <七公主>, The Line Watchers <把關者們>, and youth drama Freedom Memories <青春不要臉>, Karl said, “I really like acting, because interchanging emotions is very natural and calming for me. I hope that I can continue to grow my career in this realm.”
In The Battle of the Seven Sisters, he plays a Chinese-Korean character and in real life, Karl is a big K-pop and K-drama fan. He had even learned Korean in university. Karl disclosed that he had previously thought of joining the Korean entertainment industry. “In 2014, I had auditioned for SM Entertainment but I was not successful. Red Velvet’s Wendy was from my year! I am envious, having a bigger platform and audience is every artiste’s dream.”
Promoted as the Millennial Five Tigers, Karl has been receiving many opportunities from TVB and has successfully transitioned from a host to an actor. With his interest in acting only growing every day, Karl views Tony Leung (梁朝偉) and Park Seo Joon as his role models. “I saw that Tony started his career in TVB, and slowly grew his career in China, Asia, and now Hollywood. As an actor, I really hope that I can follow in his steps. As well, I want to marry a very smart [woman like] Carina Lau (劉嘉玲) haha!”
Source: Sing Tao
This article is written by Kiki for JayneStars.com.
Ludi would have been a great choice for shangchi. The picture would have been nicer and easier on the eyes had he been cast instead
I know right? I just goggled Ludi Lin. Wow, call me shallow but he does seem pretty good looking. lol haha…. Even Karl Ting is pretty cute but perhaps a bit too young since he’s only in his 20’s compares to the chosen one.
They definitely didn’t cast Ludi Lin cause he has way too much plastic surgery and it’s very obvious. Simu liu is very plain looking but he feels more down to earth and suitable for the role.
Oh is that it? That’s a fake face? I can’t really tell from the pictures but does seem much better looking than the chosen one at a glance. haha lol…
Still think Simu was the best for this role. They needed someone relatively known and Simu had that through Kim’s Convenience. His physique was good for the role. I guess you can say he’s not good looking enough but he checks off enough boxes for the first Asian superhero film.
Nah, Daniel Wu would have been perfect playing shang, basing it by comic appearances, alas his age is what I’m sure ruled him out for it…
Nah… just googled Ludi Lin up and his face looks weird. Like his cheekbones protrude out and he always seems to be wearing too much makeup or something. He isn’t easy on my eyes for some reason or maybe like someone said here, he has had tons of plastic surgery. I don’t know. Anyway, I agree the younger Daniel Wu would have been an excellent casting choice but now he is too old. Simu Liu’s looks are too plain and simply not memorable enough to propel into stardom imo beyond that of Shang Chi. Unfortunately there isn’t enough of a pool of Asian American actors to choose from when casting calls for it so I would say Simu Liu definitely lucked out.
I just google ludi Lin… He look so plastic, Asian Kent for me… hahaha
LOL please don’t make me laugh, I doubt he received a “mysterious audition request” let alone it happened 2 years ago when he was basically unknown. Trying desperately to garner buzz for a TVB award.
Lol why is everyone so shallow, always wanting a handsome looking face for their super heroes?
When Simu Liu was chosen over Ludi for the leading role, some netizens were so
mean and critical of his looks. Despite his average looks, he has all the qualities to take on the titular role. As it turns out, the movie was a box office hit and even propelled him to instant stardom.