Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu is in hot waters after his harsh criticism of Warner Bros. Discovery for the Batgirl fiasco. The MCU star spoofed the DC Film’s shelving with a sarcastic tweet stating Marvel Studios has canceled the Shang-Chi Holiday Special even after filming the entire project. Is Disney taking notes from WBD? Not quite, rather it’s Liu taking a jab at the studio’s cold-hearted move to cancel the Leslie Grace starrer – which would have been one of DCEU’s first Latino-headed superhero franchises.
Liu’s jab has received mixed reactions from his fans with some coming to terms with his joke as criticism aimed at the studio while others found it offensive at a time when the Batgirl cast & crew are still reeling from the regretful news.
From the likes of Doctor Strange screenwriter C. Robert Cargill to Disney Plus’ What If…? writer A.C Bradley, several personalities in Hollywood have criticized Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent move to can Batgirl. Now, Joining in on the conversation is the titular star of Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings though his response has backfired after many took offense to his ill-timed joke. Readers can see reactions below.
I'm sorry to inform you guys that Disney has decided to scrap the Shang-Chi Holiday Special due to quality control concerns. I had already filmed the entire thing. I even designed an all-gingerbread Ta Lo. RIP Shang Chi and the Legend of the TEEEN GOLDEN RIIIIINGS
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) August 5, 2022
Damn tax write-offs
— BSL 🔜 #TIFF22 🧩 (@bigscreenleaks) August 5, 2022
pretty sure the guy is making fun of WB and not Batgirl
— Patrick Nestor III (@PattyNest) August 5, 2022
I think it's a joke about the Batgirl situation cause I don't think a Shang-Chi Holiday Special was announced? 🤔 Tho I'd like to see it now pic.twitter.com/YUVwPzZGrg
— Y | Playing AC Odyssey 🏺 (@Korudoesitwork) August 5, 2022
People. Simu is dragging the ridiculousness of WB’s decision to cancel a $90 million movie. He’s not dragging the cast, crew or fans. I get there’s valid outrage but you’re directing it at someone who likely agrees with you.
— Wilson Cleveland (@WilsonCleveland) August 5, 2022
…. really? YOU know Alot of People are Suffering. And You have to make a JOKE OF THIS. NOT IT…… be THANKFUL of what You Have. And that Your movie is Not getting Cancelled For Now. . This is Shamefull
— Carlos Gzz (@carlosgzz03) August 5, 2022
The amount of people thinking you're mocking Batgirl, not WB, is ridiculous!
— Shang-Chi Brasil (@ShangChiBR) August 5, 2022
I understand Simu Liu is trying to be funny and address the WBD – Batgirl joke here but I don't think this is going to go well ……
— Gokzilla (@gokz888) August 5, 2022
Simu, I love you. But please delete this, it's not a pleasant situation for the entire creative team behind these projects at Warner. Apology video immediately.
— Manolo (@yo_elmanolo) August 5, 2022
I mean I wouldn't be joking about this, is their even plans for you character to return?
— Joshua Reiss 🎃🎃🎃🎮🎮🎮 (@IntenseReiss) August 5, 2022
I love you but this isn’t something to make light of. People got their dreams crushed for corporate greed. Every actor should be concerned.
— Brooks Is Tired (@brookstweetz) August 5, 2022
Some people lost their years working on Batgirl and all you have to worry about is trolling?
— Batgirl 🦇 (@cyberfrenzy) August 5, 2022
Lot of people in this thread… pic.twitter.com/8EDiogqaAp
— Timothy Alvarez (@Father2Abby) August 5, 2022
To clarify, there is no Shang-Chi Holiday Special in development rather the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special from James Gunn, which will be an epilogue of Phase 4 is expected to land sometime in December this year. Though speaking of the Ten Rings user, Liu will return in the Shang-Chi sequel, currently in development with Destin Daniel Cretton, who will also reportedly helm Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
Batgirl movie was reportedly axed for the purpose of tax write-off and the new leadership deciding not to release the movie due to its low test screening score. Earlier today, WBD’s CEO David Zaslav provided a response to the cancellation decision suggesting the HBO Max DC movie project was not up to par in terms of the quality they aimed for.
