In addition to breaking down buses, “Shang-Chi” is busting through glass ceilings.
Although initially predicted to close out its opening weekend with under $55 million at the domestic box office, by Sunday night “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” had already set new Labor Day weekend records with earnings of $71.4 million, easily beating the previous record holder, 2007’s “Halloween.” The groundbreaking Marvel film further surpassed Disney’s expectations by raking in a cool $94.4 million in the first four days after its release.
These numbers are especially impressive considering that both Labor Day and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have historically kept audiences out of theaters. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first film to feature an Asian lead and a primarily Asian cast (plus a killer soundtrack from AAPI music collective 88rising), this massive success also signals the necessity of diversity within the MCU, particularly as box offices around the globe struggle to regain their footing.
“Shang-Chi,” starring Simu Liu as a young martial arts master trying to escape his family’s violent past, will bow out of theaters after a 45 day theatrical run. Viewers can then stream the film on Disney+.
In the meantime, you can check out our exclusive interview with the cast and creators.
