Simu Liu has shown he’s not afraid to speak his mind.
This time he’s going after Bob Chapek, the CEO of Walt Disney-the studio set to release Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, reports Entertainment Weekly.
During the Disney earnings call, Chapek made the comment that the release of Shang-Chi will be “an interesting experiment for us.”
Chapek was referencing Disney’s decision to release the movie exclusively in theaters for 45 days before streaming it on Disney+. Previous big budget movies such as Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon have been released simultaneously in theaters and Disney+ for an additional charge beyond the monthly subscription.
Liu took exception to Chapek’s use of the word “experiment” tweeting “we are not an experiment. I’m fired the f*ck up to make history on September 3. Join us.”
We are not an experiment.
— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) August 14, 2021
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
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Critics have questioned Liu’s motives and accused him of taking Chapek’s words out of context. Some speculate he’s trying to drum up controversy to boost ticket sales.
“Uhhhh he wasn’t calling you an experiment man. He was calling the 45-day theater-exclusivity deal an experiment. Taking that comment way out of context,” replied one.
“Stop victimizing yourself! Jeez!” wrote another.
Still other fans backed Liu, accusing Disney of not properly promoting the movie the way it has other Marvel features.
“I guess the ceo of Disney is also thinking Black Panther was an experiment too. Movies that have minorities as lead should never be referred to as a experiment #ShareHoldersUnite,” tweeted one.
“I’m sorry, I want to join, and support more diversity in movies, and also not have the movie spoiled but I live in Portland area, Delta is firing up, and my wife is disabled and immuno-compromised. We cannot justify going to a theater and risking it. Streaming is our only option.”
Shang-Chi will be Marvel’s first movie with an Asian lead.
Recently, Scarlett Johansson sued Disney accusing the studio of costing her earnings by releasing Black Widow on Disney+ and theaters. Disney responded by accusing the actress of ignoring the reality of COVID-19.
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