Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images
- Simu Liu, who stars in "Shang-Chi," appeared to respond to Bob Chapek's remarks about the film's theatrical release.
- The Disney CEO called the movie's release model "an interesting experiment," Deadline reported.
- Liu wrote of the movie, the first Marvel film with an Asian lead: "We are the ceiling-breakers."
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"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" star Simu Liu responded to Disney CEO Bob Chapek's comments that the upcoming movie's release will be an "interesting experiment."
During Disney's Q3 earnings call on Thursday, Chapek discussed the company's theatrical release model amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Deadline reported. While films like "Black Widow" have premiered in theaters and on Disney+ on the same day, "Shang-Chi," the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an Asian lead character, will have a staggered release.
The movie will premiere exclusively in theaters before premiering on Disney+ 45 days later – a move that Chapek, during the Disney Q3 earnings call, said was "an interesting experiment" and "another data point" for the studio, Deadline reported.
Liu took to Instagram and Twitter to seemingly address Chapek's recent comments about "Shang-Chi." On Instagram, the "Kim's Convenience" star wrote: "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," Liu continued.
Liu, 32, finished his message by saying: "I'm fired the f**k up to make history on September 3rd; JOIN US."
A representative for the Walt Disney Company did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
Liu has been candid about the need for diversity and representation in Hollywood. In June, Liu said the "overwhelmingly white" writers of "Kim's Convenience" did not give Asian actors the chance to pitch stories.
He also acknowledged to Variety that although "Shang-Chi" is Marvel's first Asian American-led film, anti-Asian racism won't be solved by "an opulent rom-com or Marvel superhero."
Marvel
Liu said that he cried when he first donned the superhero suit.
"Marvel has never had an Asian lead, so that was such a rare and impactful moment, for me as an actor but also for people who look like me. I nearly cried. It was so emotional," Liu told Toronto Life.
"Shang-Chi" is set to premiere in theaters on September 3.