Shang-Chi Star Simu Liu Fires Back At Disney CEO For Calling The Upcoming Film An ‘Experiment’

Simu Liu, the star of the highly-anticipated Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, did not appreciate some of the comments Disney CEO Bob Chapek made about the upcoming film!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the situation started on Thursday when the 60-year-old businessman was on a quarterly earnings call with investors. During the phone conversation, he confirmed that Disney decided to move forward with an exclusive theatrical release for Shang-Chi. This basically means that the movie won’t be made available on Disney+ Premier Access until sometime after the 45-day screening in theaters. Mind you, that’s down from the tradition of 90 days in Hollywood.

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That is also a different approach than Disney had for its other 2021 features, including Black Widow, which was released in theaters and on the streaming service simultaneously. But as we all know, the decision caused Scarlett Johansson to later file a lawsuit over lost income.

So are they trying to save the company from a future lawsuit by pushing Shang-Chi into theaters only???

According to Variety, Chapek claimed the reasoning for the exclusive theatrical release is due to “recent signs of increased confidence in movie going.” The media executive went on to describe the Marvel flick as an “interesting experiment” for Disney to test out the new strategy for movie releases. The publication also mentioned that he wanted to use the debut to provide the studio with “another data point” for future plans. Chapek also admitted that the movie “was planned on being in a much more healthy theatrical environment.” However, that was before there was an increase in coronavirus cases across the country.

However, it appears that Liu vehemently disagreed with Bob’s remarks! On Saturday, the 32-year-old actor penned a scorching tweet in response, writing:

“We are not an 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**k up to make history on September 3rd; JOIN US.”

We are not an 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**k up to make history on September 3rd; JOIN US. pic.twitter.com/IcyFzh0KIb

— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) August 14, 2021

Now, it is most likely that Chapek was simply just talking about the theatrical release, but he seriously had to diminish the Marvel’s first Asian led superhero movie to an “experiment” for Disney. Come on, now…

Since his response, there has been a debate on line of the meaning of the chief executive officers comments. Take a look at the reactions (below):

He never said they were an experiment…he meant the release was an experiment…come on guys…

— Jona of Nerd Age (@JonaGallegos8) August 15, 2021

Simu Liu deserves better than for his movie to be an “interesting experiment” for Disney’s finances ????‍♀️ https://t.co/s6oraSZnmE

— Gaby (@gabymstriano) August 12, 2021

I’m with you @SimuLiu. We are definitely not an experiment. #ShangChi https://t.co/Z21AJWoQf3

— Aeron Eclarinal (@aeronchino) August 14, 2021

Simu Liu responds to Bob Chapek’s callous comment about Shang Chi being an interesting experiment.

Proud of Simu for defending this film’s integrity, and looking forward to this Asian-led superhero film killing the box office.@GraceRandolph ???????? https://t.co/Eb2N6ccNBF

— Zachary Smith (@zacpatsmith) August 14, 2021

Simu liu clapped back on his ig about that post saying that Shang chi is an “interesting experiment” and said this:

And that’s on periodtttt!! pic.twitter.com/70ufo516B0

— wandalexia® (@wandalexia) August 14, 2021

Even if you’re all in on Shang-Chi being theatrical only you have to realize that “experiment” was a poor choice of words given the history, climate, and what’s riding on the film. There’s no need to try to justify it by being purposefully obtuse.

— Richard Newby (@RICHARDLNEWBY) August 14, 2021

What do you think, Perezcious readers? Do you plan on watching the movie? Let us know in the comments (below)! Also, ch-ch-check out the entire trailer (below):

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[Image via MEGA/WENN, Marvel Entertainment/YouTube]