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On the most recent episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, guest host Quentin Tarantino made comments regarding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) actors that were not well-received by many, especially not by Shang-Chi star Simu Liu.
On Monday's podcast, Tarantino said Marvel actors are "not movie stars"—it's just the superheroes they portray who are famous.
Tarantino stated:
"Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star."
"I mean, I'm not the first person to say that."
"I think that's been said a zillion times...but, you know...it's these franchise characters that become a star."
He also claimed he doesn't blame fans for flocking to see the films because not much else being made right now that excites them.
"...they're the only things that seem to generate any kind of excitement amongst a fan base or even like for the studio making them"
"That's what they're excited about."
"And, you know, so it's just the fact that they are the entire representation of this era of movies right now."
On Tuesday, MCU star Liu responded to Tarantino's comments on Twitter.
"If the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would never have had the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie."
"I am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs."
"But they don't get to point their nose at me or anyone."
\u201cIf the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would never have had the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie. \n\nI am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs. But they don't get to point their nose at me or anyone.\u201d— Simu Liu (@Simu Liu) 1669142428
In 2019, director Martin Scorsese said that Marvel movies are "not cinema," telling Empire:
"Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks."
Five minutes after his first tweet, Liu followed up:
"No movie studio is or ever will be perfect."
"But I'm proud to work with one that has made sustained efforts to improve diversity onscreen by creating heroes that empower and inspire people of all communities everywhere."
"I loved the 'Golden Age' too... but it was white as hell."
\u201cNo movie studio is or ever will be perfect. But I'm proud to work with one that has made sustained efforts to improve diversity onscreen by creating heroes that empower and inspire people of all communities everywhere.\n\nI loved the "Golden Age" too.. but it was white as hell.\u201d— Simu Liu (@Simu Liu) 1669142428
Many on Twitter agreed with Liu, especially with his "Golden Age" comment.
This. I grew up with mostly white male heroes. I'm thrilled kids growing up today can see people who look and sound like them being super heroes too.
— Yuletide Virago-ho-ho ☃️🖖🏻🍩♓🐟🐇😷🕎💉💉💉💉 (@ViragoX) November 22, 2022
It literally took Marvel over a decade to make a movie with a female lead. Only one out of 5 of the Avenger's line up was a woman and she got fridged.
— Stoner Weird (@StonerWeird) November 22, 2022
This is why I loved Ms. Marvel So much, It exposes, at least in some small way, cultural differences, and makes them seem relatable.
Shang Chi did the same, albeit a lesser extent, I hope we see more exploration on cultural characters naturally, when it feels natural it works!
— TheMarvelocity (@TheMarvelocity) November 22, 2022
The way diversity ceilings are being smashed by Disney/Marvel in the past few years has been terrific. Not only is it better storytelling reflecting society, it's also good business.
— Cathryn Atkinson (@cathrynatkinson) November 22, 2022
THIS!! Most of the "golden age" films are misogynist and racist in some way. Marvel is giving the opportunity to so many to see themselves in movies
— Valeria 🦋 (@AnchanteValeria) November 22, 2022
It's such a ridiculous arguement. I didn't start watching Kim's Convenience because it had "Shang-Chi", I started watching it because it had Simu Liu. Yes, I knew of you FROM Shang-Chi, but your performance still inspired me to check out your other work, not Shang-Chi comics.
— Mark Medina (@Mark_Medina) November 22, 2022
So tired of these snobby directors coming for Marvel movies and stars. Just worry about your movies and leave us alone 🙄
— 🇯🇲 Elizbeth_SS 🇨🇦 (@Elizbeth_SS) November 22, 2022
I agree with a lot of the discourse surrounding superhero and marvel movies, but I don’t know about this one
— Angelo (@AngeloGontier_) November 22, 2022
Some, however, agreed with Tarantino's claim Marvel actors are only associated with their characters.
Because as experts like Tarantino know, Academy Award nominees like Jeremy Renner, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannson and the late Chadwick Bozeman are only known as Hawkeye, Black Widow, Iron Man and Black Panther.
Men on Twitter offered up their highly qualified opinions as well.
I think it is the first time I agree with Tarantino.
— MatteoP (@MaP39008118) November 22, 2022
Funny how RDJ movie after avengers bombed hard. I guess nobody cared to see him outside his marvel movies.
— Nicholas David 🏳️🌈 (@dextersuburbia) November 22, 2022
Kind of true though, Downey last film outside of MCU Dolittle was a flop, Hemsworth last film Men In Black also flopped, Evans last film The Gray Man was Netflix release. Leo, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise are actual movie stars.
— Saket Sharma (@saketsharmaa) November 22, 2022
He's right about it
Hemsworth: each outing he's done outside the mcu has flopped really hard
RDJ: same (Doolittle was awful)
Evans: mid products at best (except for knives out, but that was an ensemble cast)
The truth is, no one goes to see a movie just because they're the leads
— jared (@PolJared) November 22, 2022
Everyone knows who played Ironman and the original Spider-Man. I couldn’t even tell you the rest of the cast. That’s Tarantino’s point
— Coach Harry Ellis (@Jetspete) November 22, 2022
Liu previously said playing the lead in Shang-Chi was even more than "a dream come true:"
"I used to love watching Marvel movies when I was a kid, even before, pre-MCU."
"If there was a superhero, I wanted to watch it."
"That's all I've ever wanted."
Though we don't have a release date yet, it was confirmed in December Liu will reprise his role in a second Shang-Chi film.