Asian Marvel Film Rising to Historical Monuments in Entertainment

The highly anticipated film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings made its way into theaters September 3 and made history being the first Asian-led Marvel superhero film to make an appearance. But, the release of the Marvel film didn’t sit well with fans or the actors in the “experimental” film. 

Amid the pandemic and Delta variant strand, Disney CEO and investors made the decision to release films in theaters and on Disney+ for $30 and a subscription to the streaming app. However, Shang-Chi is the first film since the pandemic to be in theaters only.

Simply put, Disney is expecting fans to watch a long-expected film in theaters during an ongoing pandemic. While other Disney films like Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, and Cruella were released in theaters as well as Disney+. 

Disney CEO Bob Chapek commented that the film’s release is “an interesting experiment” for the company. He states, “…the prospect of being able to take a Marvel title to the [streaming] service after going theatrical at 45 days will be yet another data point to inform our actions going forward on our titles.” 

Lead actor in Shang-Chi, Simu Liu, responded to Chapek with, “We are not an experiment. We are the underdog; the underestimated…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

Moreover, Chapek tried to smooth over his statement explaining that the theatrical release is not ideal and was imagined to be released in a healthier environment. In addition, Chapek noted that Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon were released in theaters and on Disney+. Chapek also included that the studio was unable to make last-minute changes for the film to be on Disney+. Now, Shang-Chi is reported to arrive on Disney Plus on October 18.

Chapek’s statement is only one example of the continual underestimating acts against the Asian community. Despite the success of Raya and the Last Dragon, with $122.7 million from the box office, Disney underestimated the predicted success of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Liu used his platform to voice the value and strength of the Asian community. He shows that the community continually celebrates culture despite being repeatedly suppressed. Overall, Liu is one of the strong Asian representatives of the community to showcase perseverance and relentless pride. 

Already, Shang-Chi has broken Labor Day opening weekend records with $60 million from the box office. The film is the third-highest for opening days during Covid, behind Black Widow and F9.

Critics rave about the film, giving it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. Every specific detail created an authentic sense of connection and mainstream representation in entertainment. 

Asian Americans across the country, and all over the world, are feeling pride for their culture and being represented in entertainment. Not only did they make history with the first Asian-led Marvel film, but also rose above the challenges and setbacks in the way of success.

When Chapek saw the film as an experiment, Simu Liu and the all-star cast proved it was a historical moment deserving of much more.