‘Shang-Chi’: Simu Liu Responds To Bob Chapek’s ‘Interesting Experiment’ Comments

Simu Liu is determined to make history!

Simu Liu Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Marvel Studios MCU Disney CinemaCon Bob Chapek

Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu responded to Disney CEO Bob Chapek describing the new film’s theatrical release as an “interesting experiment.”

During a quarterly earnings call for Disney, CEO Bob Chapek discussed the upcoming release of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which stars Simu Liu in the titular role. The film will be Disney’s first release in 2021 to remain exclusively in theaters following the company’s dual-release strategy with both theatrical distribution and Disney Plus Premier Access, the latter of which allows subscribers to watch new releases such as Raya and the Last Dragon, Cruella, Black Widow and Jungle Cruise at home for $29.99. This new release strategy, which kicked off in 2020 with the release of Mulan, came in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bob Chapek described the upcoming 45-day exclusive theatrical window for Shang-Chi as an “interesting experiment,” which some took as dismissive of the film’s cultural significance of being Marvel Studios’ first film with an Asian superhero lead and a majority Asian cast. That at least seems to be the case for Simu Liu.

In response to Bob Chapek’s description of Shang-Chi’s theatrical release, Simu Liu reaffirmed that the film shouldn’t be underestimated given its significance:

Although Black Widow is the first official film of Phase 4 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the first film to introduce audiences to a new hero in the Master of Kung Fu. The film not only serves to introduce the character to MCU fans, but also to bring in some long-desired Asian representation in comic book films – a genre that has historically fallen short in that regard. Here’s to Simu Liu, director Destin Daniel Cretton and the rest of the cast and crew!

Here is the synopsis for Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings:

“Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.”

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a script written by David Callaham, the Marvel film stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Ronny Chieng, and Dallas Liu. The upcoming movie will hit theaters on September 3, 2021.

Stay tuned for all the latest news surrounding Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Disney CEO Bob Chapek as we learn it, and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content.

Source: Twitter

Noah Villaverde

Noah Villaverde

Cinema lover. Saxophone player. Coffee consumer. Chronic complainer. Oh, I also write. #TeamHeroic