Celebrating the upcoming Marvel Studios tentpole, “Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings,” the film’s cast and crew gathered on Monday night in Hollywood. However, the premiere was held only 48 hours after the film’s star, Simu Liu, criticised Disney CEO Bob Chapek for calling Shang-release Chi’s plan a “experiment” for the corporation, a highly unusual occurrence for the Disney-owned studio.
In response to the tweet during the premiere, Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, said of Liu, “He is not a bashful man. You and I (and probably everyone else) can both detect a misunderstanding in that tweet. The opposite was intended. The film itself is the proof, and as always, we aim high. We’ve invested a lot of time and money into making this origin story a reality on the big screen, and we’re not holding back.
During a conference call with investors on August 12, Disney CEO Bob Chapek was asked why the studio wasn’t making the upcoming films Shang-Chi and Free Guy available on Disney Premier Access on the same day they opened in theatres, like it had done with Black Widow, Cruella, and Jungle Cruise.
Shang-Chi were Just as Powerful as those for Black Panther
With only a 45-day theatrical run, Chapek called Shang-Chi “an fascinating experiment for us.” Furthermore, “the possibility of taking a Marvel title to the service after going theatrical with 45 days will be yet another data point to inform our actions going ahead on our properties,” he said.
Feige also said the premiere festivities for Shang-Chi were just as powerful as those for Black Panther. “When you have the chance to highlight a hero that looks like a vast sector of the globe that feels like they haven’t been showcased, the magic may happen if you deliver. As far as I’m concerned, Daniel Cretton’s Destin and Simu’s score are what make this film.
After “a lot of reads, a lot of auditions,” Feige said he finally saw something in Liu that made him think of a Marvel superhero, while he acknowledged that “there’s no magic formula” for casting the ideal hero. It’s hard to put into words; it’s just a sensation. It’s the knowledge that you can be approachable and realistic while also being worthy of a spot in the pantheon of heroes should your origin story turn out to be a smashing success.
In Regards to Where Liu’s Shang-Chi could Go Next, Feige Said, “There is a Direct Line of Where He Heads to Next.”
With its predominantly Asian ensemble, Marvel’s Shang-Chi breaks new ground for the company. Other notable actors and actresses featured include Tony Leung, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, and Ronny Chieng.
Liu’s remarks come at a time when another Disney actress was at conflict with the company: Scarlett Johansson, star of Black Widow, who is suing Disney over the studio’s decision to release the Marvel film in theatres and on Disney+ Premier Access at the same time. The actor said the decision was made to benefit Disney’s streaming service at the expense of the box office.
