With the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings nearing, Marvel clarified that Simu Liu was its first and only choice to bring the Master of Kung-Fu to life.At the red carpet premiere of Shang-Chi, Marvel's executive vice president Victoria Alonso discussed casting for the film and Liu in particular. "There was never a Plan B with him. He was it," Alonso answered. "The passion this man has for the character is incredible. It's one of those things where you look at it and you go 'Wow, yes, he exudes Shang-Chi, he is the best one to play it,' and to have someone like that be part of the MCU? What a pleasure and what an honor to have it be the beginning of what Shang-Chi is."
At the premiere, Liu was asked about his response to Disney CEO Bob Chapek calling Shang-Chi's theater-exclusive release "an interesting experiment" for the company, which Liu took issue with. "I just wanted people to know how fired up I was for this movie," he said in the interview. "I mean, it's been a tough, tough time for everybody. And I think sometimes it's so important to get messaging through that... it's emotional, it's raw, and it shows the world just how I, and we all, believe in this movie and how incredible it's going to be. It's truly going to change the world."
Early reactions to Shang-Chi have been overwhelmingly positive, with praise going to the fight scenes, the family dynamic and Liu's performance as the lead. Critics say that he "fully embraces the Marvel superhero role," "literally kicks so much ass," and that he is "the perfect addition to the MCU." Brandon Davis of the podcast Phase Zero summed it up with "Simu Liu is a legend. He nails the action sequences, brings the heart, and has great timing with Akwafina."
As widely praised as the reception has been in the U.S, reception to Marvel Studios' latest release has been vastly different in China. It is uncertain whether or not the film has passed the government's censors and it has not yet received a release date. Marvel Studios President/Marvel Chief Creative Officer Kevin Feige addressed some of the concerns Chinese audiences expressed early on, such as Shang-Chi's connection to Fu Manchu and the framing of his relationship to China.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will release in theaters on Sept. 3.
Source:Â Twitter