Shang-Chi star Simu Liu has hit back against Martin Scorsese & Quentin Tarantino’s comments regarding Marvel films. The MCU actor criticized the auteur filmmakers by claiming their works or in general, the golden age films were “white as hell” but praised the Marvel Cinematic Universe projects for playing a role in improving diversity on screen. However, the internet is divided over his opinion by pointing at Disney’s errors over the years.
Liu is attracting a large wave of pushback from cinephiles on Twitter since Tuesday after sharing his perspective on Scorsese & Tarantino’s criticism of Marvel projects, calling them “gatekeepers”. The Shang-Chi and legend of the Ten Rings star became one of the few Asian actors in Hollywood to lead a $400 million plus movie, a counterpoint he mentions in his opinion in regards to the two legendary’s directors condemning the superhero genre.
This comes after the Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood director recently said, “Look, I used to collect Marvel comics like crazy when I was a kid,” Tarantino said. “There’s an aspect that if these movies were coming out when I was in my twenties, I would totally be fucking happy and totally love them. I mean, they wouldn’t be the only movies being made. They would be those movies amongst other movies. But, you know, I’m almost 60, so yeah. No, I’m not quite as excited about them.”
Simu Liu also appreciates Scorsese & Tarantino and acknowledged no studio is perfect
While he also acknowledges them, Simu Liu doubles down stating, “I am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs. But they don’t get to point their nose at me or anyone.” In addition, he also in some measure admits Marvel has not had a clean slate saying, “No movie studio is or ever will be perfect.”
The internet was quick to react to Simu Liu’s response and some have taken offense to his perspective that Scorsese & Tarantino’s movies haven’t aided in diversity. Some also shared images of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho praising Scorsese as an inspiration. Readers can check out the reactions below.
If the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would never have had the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie.
I am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs. But they don't get to point their nose at me or anyone.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) November 22, 2022
No movie studio is or ever will be perfect. But I'm proud to work with one that has made sustained efforts to improve diversity onscreen by creating heroes that empower and inspire people of all communities everywhere.
I loved the "Golden Age" too.. but it was white as hell.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) November 22, 2022
Director Bong thanked Scorsese and Tarantino when accepting his Oscars and their support of Directors Bong Joon Ho and Wong Kar-wai means more to Asian cinema more than Shang Chi ever will https://t.co/hjaCoikhOB pic.twitter.com/IEHVBudWL6
— dongwon (@ohhdongwon) November 23, 2022
Scorsese and Tarantino tend to catch the ire of superhero movie fans, but their arguments aren’t off-base.
Hollywood and general audiences favor characters and IP over actors and directors.
For better or worse, it doesn’t matter who puts the cape on, the IP brings the audience.
— Sheraz Farooqi (@SherazFarooqi_) November 22, 2022
Scorsese made a movie with an entirely Tibetan cast 25 years ago.
The movie studio you’re “proud to work with” has spent the last 25 years intentionally making sure its audience remains as small as possible. pic.twitter.com/MfdqX3RH5u
— LeSubstack Triller Moth (@legotrillermoth) November 22, 2022
no one – and I mean no one, especially Scorsese and Tarantino – has seriously suggested that they be film's "gatekeepers." you literally made that up.
their beef with the current state of cinema is that big studios increasingly make one kind of movie – glorified children's films
— Mr. Sparkle (@upperweirdside) November 22, 2022
yes, sure, scorsese and tarantino are the problem with movies now pic.twitter.com/SqPxa6HFwr
— Chad Perman (@everybody_cares) November 23, 2022
“Scorsese and Tarantino are cultural gatekeep—“
Film Twitter pic.twitter.com/yiitY7eiXP
— Film Daze (@filmdaze) November 22, 2022
scorsese and tarantino: https://t.co/pldLZqxoI4 pic.twitter.com/L2Hg0r1GMu
— sean yoo (@SeanYoo) November 22, 2022
Scorsese and Tarantino are two of the most vocal champions of non-white cinemas and have frequently used their own reputation to raise the profile of less known voices. https://t.co/0WZjzUjqwO
— Dan Spade (Simpson) (@danpgsimpson) November 22, 2022
1. Scorsese and Tarantino aren't from Golden Age Hollywood
3. If you call Tarantino movies "white as hell" then you know nothing
4. Disney has recently jumped on the diversity bandwagon to make $. Before that they used to exploit the prejudices, you guessed it right, just for $ https://t.co/Kj3xxAEwiH
— DJ Bulbul Stan Account🌹 (@CommenterSerial) November 22, 2022
Scorsese and Tarantino have done more to expose American audiences to world cinema than just about anyone else in the American film industry. Disney edits LGBT content out of their films to sell more tickets abroad. https://t.co/gk6BBFNUlh
— Wesley Seaberg (@WesleySeaberg) November 22, 2022
my pithy contribution to this idiocy is that Scorsese and Tarantino have likely led more people to watch international film, from all eras, in other languages, than Marvel/Disney has.
— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) November 23, 2022
Your 400m dollar movie came at the hands of a megacorp that frequently erases/marginalizes LGBT and racial minorities to appeal to foreign markets.
Scorsese and Tarantino have done more for the film industry than Marvel.
Your singular success does not erase their contributions. https://t.co/2KThuPw0jV
— Shuunnico (@shuunnico) November 23, 2022
It should be noted Marvel Studios have also faced backlash for stumbling to include LGBTQ representation. In fact, the latest Black Panther 2 was called out by MCU fans for queer baiting as was Thor: Love and Thunder and many other past titles. Though features like Doctor Strange 2 and Eternals faced hurdles for featuring gay empowering elements.
What do you think of Simu Liu’s reaction to Scorsese & Tarantino’s comments on Marvel movies? Let us know in the comments below or hit up our writer @RAKarthikPrasad on Twitter to discuss this ongoing dissent and all things concerning movies.
