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One of the most significant implications of Shang-Chi's success is its impact on Scarlett Johansson's ongoing legal dispute with Disney over Black Widow. Johansson's team argued that releasing the film simultaneously on Disney+ hurt its theatrical box office potential, and many believe that Black Widow could have performed better had it been exclusively released in theaters.
The robust theatrical showing of Shang-Chi—a film with a relatively unknown character—underscores that strong box office numbers are achievable even during a pandemic and with less-promoted titles. It suggests that Disney's choice of a mixed-release strategy for Black Widow may have limited its potential, and the success of Shang-Chi could serve as additional ammunition for Johansson's legal case.