Simu Liu is ready to make history when Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings hits theaters next month on Labor Day weekend, and this could be why recent comments from Disney CEO Bob Chapek have the actor a bit fired up.
The Chinese-Canadian actor posted an impassioned statement about the film on social media on Saturday, which appeared to be in response to a recent comment by the CEO in which he reportedly called the movie’s release “an interesting experiment” during Thursday’s Q3 earnings call. The Disney exec was most likely referring to the 45-day window during which the movie will be exclusively available in theaters before it streams on Disney+. In response, Liu said, “we are not an interesting experiment. We are the underdog; the underestimated. We are the ceiling-breakers. We are the celebration of culture and joy that will persevere after an embattled year. We are the surprise. I’m fired the f— up to make history on September 3rd; JOIN US.”
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is making history as the first installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an Asian lead and a predominantly Asian cast. In the film, Shang-Chi, the master of unarmed weaponry based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Tim Roth, Ronny Chieng, and Tony Chiu-Wai Leung.
This sounds like something that could be settled with a simple phone call. I highly doubt that the CEO’s comments were meant to be offensive, but I also respect Liu’s passion which makes him willing and able to defend his film at any cost.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings premieres in Hollywood tonight! Make sure to look for our review one week from today when embargo breaks!