Some of Hollywood’s best and brightest turned out for the premiere of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Ring in Los Angeles on Monday evening.
The film’s stars Simu Liu and Awkwafina led the charge as they donned their red carpet best along with other celebrities including Chrishell Stause and Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao.
The Marvel film, which is the first of its kind with an Asian lead (and predominantly Asian cast), recently made headlines after Disney CEO Bob Chapek called the project ‘an experiment’ which prompted the lead Liu, 32, to fire back.
Awkwafina rocked an edgier take on a pant suit as she walked the carpet in nude trousers with a kimono inspired tie and a matching red lapelled blazer with a red bralette.
The 33-year-old Crazy Rich Asians star wore her hair straight down and was seen flashing a big smile and a wave ahead of the screening at the El Capitan Theatre.
In the film she plays Katy a hotel valet and close friend of Shang-Chi (Liu) who is unaware of the martial-arts master turned assassin’s past.
Heritage: Like Liu, Awkwafina’s look was also inspired by her Chinese heritage
Serious: The funny woman also served up a bit of attitude with a more straight faced pose
And Liu who was tapped as lead in the Marvel Universe’s 25th film paid homage to his Chinese heritage as he also donned a kimono inspired tuxedo.
The black jacket featured a waist wrap which he paired with classic black trousers and a high neck white button down with a gold medallion.
The Kim’s Convenience star had to put on 10 pounds of muscle for the role and he did many of his own stunts in the action-adventure film.
Other film stars in attendance were Meng’er Zhang who plays Shang-Chi’s estranged sister in the film, Ronny Chieng and Fala Chen.
Clapping back: As the first Asian lead in a Marvel movie he recently spoke out after Disney CEO Chopek called the film an ‘experiment’
Dolled up: Meng’er Zhang who stars in the film wore a velour and purple gown
Ethereal: Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo wore a very ornate pleated gown at the event
Red carpet debut: The Selling Sunset stars made their first red carpet appearance as a couple
And Selling Sunset star Stause made her first official red carpet appearance with boss turned boyfriend Jason Oppenheim.
The two went public with their romance a mere weeks ago during a stunning European vacation as they continue to film the hit Netflix show’s fourth season.
Filipino-American singer Bella Poarch wore a very edgy latex look to the event which showed off her tattoos.
Daring: Bella Poarch wore a very edgy latex look to the event which showed off her tattoos
Other attendees: Fala Chen walked the red carpet with Bubble founder Emmanuel Straschnov
During an earnings phone call on August 12, Disney CEO Chapek said that the movie was ‘an interesting experiment for us,’ as it only has a 45-day theatrical window before it will be made available Disney+.
‘The prospect of being able to take a Marvel title to the service after going theatrical for 45 days will be yet another data point to inform our actions going forward on our titles,’ Chapek said on the call.
The statements prompted Liu to tweet about the matter.
‘We are not an experiment. 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.’
Also present: The oscar-winning Nomadland director was also present at the eventread more
Awkwafina and Simu Liu attend the premiere of their film Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings
