Simu Liu Supports Marvel Fans In China After Shang-Chi Release Debate

[Animous]

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star, Simu Liu, voices his support of Marvel fans in China following the film's controversial release debate. The film itself is the twenty-fifth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is the first production in Marvel Studios' history to feature an Asian lead. The film follows the story of the titular protagonist, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), as he reconnects with his estranged father and immortal crime lord, Wenwu (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai).

While Shang-Chi has largely been praised for its depictions of Chinese and Chinese American culture, public reception toward the film hasn't been quite as positive in mainland China. The film has yet to release in the country due to the government's strict policies surrounding foreign films and censorship. To complicate matters further, Chinese netizens recently unearthed comments made by Liu that bluntly criticize China. All these issues are compounded due to the United States' turbulent political relationship with China in recent years. Needless to say that the odds of Shang-Chi finally securing a release in the country are diminishing with each passing day.

RELATED: Every Martial Arts Style Used In Shang-Chi

Liu recently weighed in on the discourse surrounding Shang-Chi's release debate. In an Instagram story post, Liu says that the film received support "from all parts of the world - including people from China!" He then goes on to condemn exaggerated media narratives that turn "us against each other." Check out the actor's full comments below:

Liu is no stranger to controversy. Ever since his previous role portraying Jung on the Korean Canadian sitcom, Kim's Convenience, the actor earned a reputation for earnestly speaking his mind on contentious subjects. Fortunately, Liu seems to understand the weight of his platform as he often uses his social media channels to shed light on issues and injustices confronting Asian (and diasporic Asian) communities. This has especially been the case since the rise of the #StopAsianHate movement.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes targeting Asian communities skyrocketed. Liu was among the many voices denouncing Anti-Asian violence earlier this year; now, his comments indicate that he will continue to be an active voice in the community. In this case, Liu's post highlights the agency of Chinese Marvel fans in order to dismantle the problematic notion that a country's people are but mindless extensions of their government. Marvel fans in China are obviously capable of forming their own opinions outside of the ones held by the Chinese Communist Party. Even if Shang-Chi never releases in China, Liu's comments show how powerful of a tool cinema can be in sparking complex conversations

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