Walt Disney World’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT has returned with plenty of great talent to host it this year. However, one notable star recently canceled his appearance at the event.
Marvel actor Simu Liu pulled out of the Candlelight Processional due to a health scare. Nevertheless, he made an appearance at another notable event days later.
Simu Liu as Shang Chi
Simu Liu played the lead role of Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film titled Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). The character Shang-Chi is a skilled martial artist who becomes entangled in the clandestine Ten Rings organization, led by the mysterious Wenwu (played by Tony Leung).
In the film, Simu Liu’s performance as Shang-Chi received praise for his martial arts skills, charisma, and the emotional depth he brought to the character. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was notable for being Marvel’s first film to feature an Asian lead character and explored themes of identity, family, and the legacy of the Ten Rings organization.
The movie was well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning positive reviews for its action sequences, cultural representation, and the cast’s performances. Simu Liu’s portrayal of Shang-Chi played a significant role in the film’s success.
However, the film entered theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also a new superhero movie in a Marvel phase that struggled to find the success of the Avengers saga.
While Marvel definitely caused Liu’s career to soar, he also made a name for himself in series such as Kim’s Convenience and recently appeared in the Barbie (2023) movie.
Simu Lui and the Candlelight Processional
Disney World’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is no stranger to showcasing talented hosts. Among the many listed this year was Simu Liu, who was set to host from November 30 to December 2. However, he canceled at the last minute, citing health reasons.
“I’m so absolutely gutted to have to drop out of this year’s Candlelight Processional at Disney World,” he said in an Instagram post earlier this week. “The health of myself and my family are of paramount importance to me. After all, that’s the spirit of this season! And so, after some health scares I’ve made the difficult decision to stay at home.”
Simu Liu at the Game Awards
On December 7, Simu Liu appeared in a leg cast at the 2023 Game Awards. The actor was present to announce a new game he is featured in called Stormgate. He also didn’t waste any time explaining why he was in a boot. The star had an injury in October and was still dealing with it.
“My foot is fine. I did tear my Achilles (tendon),” he explained. “I wasn’t riding a dragon. I was playing pickup basketball in Miami.”
Hopefully, Liu will manage to recover quickly. Marvel has announced a Shang Chi sequel after the success of the first, but no new information has come out since the reveal. The actor also stressed that he wanted to return to host the Candlelight Processional next year.