Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced Tuesday afternoon that Marvel Studios’ feature film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” would land on Disney+ as part of Disney+ Day on Friday, November 12. That date marks the second anniversary of the initial launch of the service.
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“Shang-Chi” has already hauled in more than $320 million at the box office, which is a strong showing in the midst of a pandemic. The film is closing in on “Black Widow’s” haul of $377 million, but that Marvel film was simultaneously released on Disney+ as a Premier Access title. In August, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said Premier Access was in limbo. Chapek said Disney would consider future Premier Accessofferings on a film-by-film basis to do what is in the “best interest of the film and the best interest of our constituents.”
Chapek said releasing “Shang-Chi” as a theatrical-only property would be an “interesting experiment,” which drew backlash from star Simu Liu. “We are not an “interesting experiment,” Liu said on social media. “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.”
Keep in mind that “Shang-Chi” had some things going for it other films may not. For starters, “Shang-Chi” was released on Labor Day weekend after months upon months of advertising hyping up the film. Travel is decreasing due to rising Delta numbers, so the local theater offers a “safer” experience for those looking for something to do on a long weekend. Oh, and the film's getting rave reviews from critics and fans alike, which always helps.
It will be interesting to see if the film’s arrival on Disney+ drives additional subscriptions in the last months of the year.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.