Entertainment

Shang-Chi star Simu Liu to host Saturday Night Live this month

Canadian "Shang-Chi" star Simu Liu is set to make his hosting debut on the NBC Series Saturday Night Live November 20. The episode will also feature U.S. rapper Saweetie as the musical guest.

Canadian actor will make his hosting debut on Nov. 20 with rapper Saweetie as musical guest

Shang Chi and Kim's Convenience star Simu Liu is set to host the NBC series Saturday Night Live for the first time on Nov. 20. (CBC)

Canadian Shang-Chi star Simu Liu is set to host Saturday Night Live.

The NBC sketch comedy series, created by Toronto-raised Lorne Michaels, says Liu will make his hosting debut on Nov. 20 with U.S. rapper Saweetie as the musical guest.

Liu, who was born in China and largely grew up in the Greater Toronto Area, stars in the blockbuster Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as the titular kung-fu master.

The Disney and Marvel superhero adventure has been a major draw at theatres since its release on Sept. 3, grossing $525 million worldwide, according to box office revenue website Box Office Mojo.

Liu is also known for his starring role in the now-ended CBC sitcom Kim's Convenience, which was recently referenced on SNL.

Actor Simu Liu attends the Canadian premiere of Shang-Chi
Liu attends the Canadian premiere of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in Toronto on Sept. 1. His turn hosting Saturday Night Live follows hot on the heels of his starring role in the Marvel Studios production. (George Pimentel/The Canadian Press)

In March, SNL cast member Bowen Yang told the audience "Save Kim's Convenience" at the end of a segment on anti-Asian violence.

He was referring to fan outcry after word the Toronto-shot show, about a Korean-Canadian family and their convenience store, was ending after its fifth season. Producers said it was because co-creators Ins Choi and Kevin White were moving on to pursue other projects.

SNL airs on Global in Canada.