Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

'Shang-Chi' Star Claps Back At Disney CEO In Fiery Social Media Posts For Calling Film An 'Experiment'

'Shang-Chi' Star Claps Back At Disney CEO In Fiery Social Media Posts For Calling Film An 'Experiment'
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Following Scarlet Johansson's lawsuit over the hybrid release of Black Widow, Disney is mired in yet another controversy with their latest Marvel venture featuring the studio's first Asian superhero.

This time, Disney CEO Bob Chapek was slammed for referring to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the 25th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), an "interesting experiment."


Actor Simu Liu, who plays the title role of Shang-Chi, spoke out on social media in a passionate response to comments made by Disney CEO Bob Chapek.

Chapek confirmed during Disney's quarterly earnings call on Thursday his studio will release the film exclusively in theaters for 45 days.

This strategy is a break from Disney simultaneously releasing previous blockbuster films, like Johansson's Black Widow, in theaters on the same day as well as on their streaming platform, Disney+.

Chapek said Shang-Chi was intended to be released in a "much more healthy theatrical environment," but when concerns around the surge of the variant virus grew, it was too late to modify plans for releasing the film because of "the impracticality of last-minute changes."

Studios typically commit money allocated towards advertisements and marketing campaigns at least two months prior to the release of a film.

Said, Chapek:

"On 'Shang-Chi,' we think it's going to be an interesting experiment. The prospect of taking a Marvel title to [Disney+] after just 45 days would be an interesting data point."

In response, Liu rebuked the notion that his history-making film was being labeled as an "experiment."

He took to social media and posted behind-the-scenes photos from the movie expressing his pride in his work in Shang-Chi.

"We are not an 'interesting experiment,'" he said, quoting Chapek's description of the film.

He continued:

"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."






Although much of the comments expressed support for Liu, not everyone was sure about the point of contention with the CEO's comment.



Others remained pumped to see the film, despite the controversy.




Liu had campaigned to play the titular kung fu master years before being cast to lead the film.

When it was announced he would play Shang-Chi, he told Huffington Post in an interview that the movie was "an opportunity to re-introduce ourselves to the world following years of stereotypes and caricatures and tired tropes."

He added:

"I think seeing yourself represented in that way can have a profound impact on how you view your place in society, your cultural identity and what you are capable of achieving."
"I'm honored that I played a small part in this fight, and I'm ready to bear that torch if and when it is asked of me."




Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings features a predominantly Asian cast, including Awkwafina, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung.

It will be released exclusively in theaters on September 3 for 45 days before becoming available for streaming on Disney+.

More from Entertainment/tv-and-movies

Screenshots from @sweetteataylor's TikTok video
@sweetteataylor/TikTok

Gay Man's Story About A Recent Hookup Takes An Awkward Turn At The Car Wash—And Yikes

We've all heard of the walk of shame, but have we heard of the car wash of shame?

TikToker @sweetteataylor found himself in a uniquely awkward situation after he hooked up with a guy a few nights before via Grindr. When the guy was getting ready to leave, he dropped his wallet, exposing a photo of him with his wife and children.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Jason Kelce
@newheightsshow/TikTok

Taylor Swift Just Appeared On Travis Kelce's Podcast—And Hilariously Trolled His Fans

There is one vital, earth-shattering, no-going-back difference between Swifties and a certain subgroup of male football fans: Swifties are big fans of Taylor Swift's relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. But this group of male football fans?

They hate the relationship so much, they're counting down the days until Kelce retires, just so they hopefully don't have to see Swift in the stands anymore. Talk about conditional love!

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt Rife
Gilbert Flores/GG2025/Penske Media/Getty Images

Fans Outraged After Makeup Brand Features Controversial Comedian Matt Rife In New Ad Campaign

Content warning: domestic violence, joking about domestic violence

From tasteless and harmful domestic violence jokes on Netflix to becoming the protector for haunted dolls, Matt Rife has been hot in the news lately, but honestly, not all news is good news.

Keep ReadingShow less
Skyler Gisondo; Ariana Grande
River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images; Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Ariana Grande Costar Offers Hilarious Reaction After Fan Claims She's Never Cast Opposite 'Hot' Actors

In our chaotic world, there are still a few things you can count on: the sun rising and setting, and "Stan Twitter" being unhinged.

After the announcement of him being cast next to pop diva Ariana Grande, actor Skyler Gisondo was the latest star to learn how pop stans just go on X and say anything that comes to mind.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nikki Hiltz
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Trans Nonbinary Track Star Nikki Hiltz Shares Powerful Video Documenting Their Top Surgery Journey

United States Olympian Nikki Hiltz is a middle distance runner who in 2021 came out as transgender and nonbinary on International Transgender Day of Visibility.

On August 6 of this year—four years after coming out and four days after winning the national title in the 1500 meter race at the USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon...

Keep ReadingShow less