Shang-Chi: Simu Liu says he wasn’t reprimanded for criticizing Disney CEO

Simu Liu is set to lead the Labor Day weekend box office with the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings but the film found itself under a different spotlight when Liu took issue with comments made by Disney CEO Bob Chapek. The general public viewed the whole situation as a misunderstanding and while Liu is certainly passionate about the project and felt the need to speak his mind, the actor has revealed he wasn’t reprimanded for his criticisms.

This all started when Disney CEO Bob Chapek made a comment during an earnings call in regards to the release of their recent Marvel films. Black Widow was released in both theaters and streaming, which has led to its own share of headaches, while Shang-Chi was given an exclusive theatrical release. Chapek called releasing the film that way an “interesting experiment” and that soundbite alone, fired Liu up. You can check out Liu’s initial response below!

“I just wanted people to know that I was fired up about it. If it’s true that I wouldn’t have had a career if it weren’t for these conversations about diversity, the importance of representation, then I need to continue to fight that battle for the people that come after me. All around me, I saw people who were taught by their parents, as I was, to just toe the line, not ruffle the feathers, not rock the boat too much and just put your head down, do your work and that’s it. And I think that as a community, we’re reaching the limitations of that kind of thinking. I know just how much this movie could mean to so many people.“

Marvel boss Kevin Feige eventually clarified Chapek and Liu’s comment by noting that the former was speaking on the release pattern for Shang-Chi and not the fact that it was led by a predominately Asian cast. Despite pointing out the misunderstanding, Feige didn’t put down Liu’s comments either and pointed out that the actor is passionate about the project and it’s something that they respect. I’m sure this was all cleaned up behind the scenes because it really does feel like a total misunderstanding.

Any comments aside, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a solid effort for the MCU and probably the best standalone origin film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2008’s Iron Man. All should be happy with the work that was put in and how the film turned out because it really is something to be celebrated.