Test for moviegoers: On Thursday, Chapek confirmed that the upcoming Marvel Studios film would be released with 45 days of theatrical exclusivity, amid the current increase in COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and other parts of the world, reported The Wrap.
“On ‘Shang-Chi,’ we think it’s going to be an interesting experiment,” Chapek said during Disney’s quarterly earnings call. “The prospect of taking a Marvel title to [Disney+] after just 45 days would be an interesting data point.”
According to Chapek, the studio’s decision to put “Shang-Chi” in theaters only — rather than a hybrid release on Disney+ — was made when infection rates were much lower.
He stated that the film will now be an opportunity to test both the film’s box office and streaming performance under a period shorter than the 90-day theatrical window that other movies in the U.S. originally used before the pandemic.
Not an experiment: Liu, who stars in the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film as the titular hero Shang-Chi, countered Chapek’s statement via Twitter on Saturday saying, “We are not an experiment.”
“We are the underdog; the underestimated,” the 32-year-old actor continued. “We are the ceiling-breakers. We are the celebration of culture and joy that will persevere after an embattled year. We are the surprise.”
He then called upon moviegoers to join him in order to “make history on September 3rd” when the film officially hits theaters.
Twitter reacts: While Liu’s post generated support from his followers, some Twitter users pointed out that Chapek’s statement was directed toward the release strategy.
Supporters agreed with Liu that the film should be seen more than a test for audiences:
Not really… Disney is putting ShangChi on + in 45 days, and call it an experiment, but they would never do this for a Spiderman movie, or an Iron man film or a Thor movie. Basically they just don’t have faith in this movie, and it’s the first movie that’s a full Asian cast…..
I guess the ceo of Disney is also thinking Black Panther was an experiment too. Movies that have minorities as lead should never be referred to as a experiment #ShareHoldersUnite
Meanwhile, others said that Chapek was merely discussing the new release window the film is falling into:
Pretty sure the comment was about the way it’s being released, 45 days in theaters only, then it becomes available on Disney+, & not the subject/ethnicities involved in the film. I want to see the film, hope you guys do well, but won’t because of the bs Disney pulled w/ release
Chapek called your movie an “interesting experiment” because of the new 45-day release window before it hits the streaming service. I’m very stoked to see it, but I really dislike seeing one’s comments taken out of context… especially during these times we’re living in.
— Regular Everyday Normal Guy (@RegEvrdNormGuy) August 14, 2021
Correct. He said they were going with an experimental release. Shortening the theatrical release to 45, and then putting it on streaming. It is still a risk with the delta variant surging throughout the world.
Wow man, I’m a big fan, and can’t wait for your movie, but you got this all backwards, and you are making a huge deal out of something that wasn’t said. I don’t know if you misunderstood or what…you should really reconsider what was said and what you’re saying.
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is having its highly-anticipated premiere in Los Angeles on Aug. 16, 2021, as part of the MCU’s “Phase Four.”
It’s PREMIERE DAY!!!!!!!
Ask me a question so I don’t start to fixate on the nerves and the anxiety and the insecurity. I’ll answer them throughout my day as I’m getting ready.
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