Part 3/10:
Contrary to early predictions and media spin, Shang-Chi overperformed expectations. It broke the Labor Day record floodgates—which was a mere $30.6 million—by achieving around $35 million at the low end, effectively surpassing some of the lowest estimates. As a result, the film’s actual commercial reception was better than many anticipated, marking a noteworthy success in a pandemic-affected theatrical landscape.
In a recent review, the creators noted that the film was "not that bad" and even called it a "win" for a pandemic release. Yet, the industry’s response has been uneven, with some outlets continuing to frame the movie as underwhelming or disappointing—a stark contrast to its actual performance.