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Actor Simu Liu has responded to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who called “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” an “interesting experiment” in a recent comment.
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…..
— akshay (@A_K_Verm) August 15, 2021
You’re damn right You’re not an experiment!
— John Campea (@johncampea) August 15, 2021
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
— DragonLord72 Tarot (@Dragonlord72T) August 14, 2021
- 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
— Brian K. Shea (@IcarusStandard) August 14, 2021
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.
— Kevin O'Riley (@slantost) August 15, 2021
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.
— Christopher Frost (@Frostradamus) August 15, 2021
“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.
— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) August 16, 2021
Featured Image via Marvel Entertainment
