Marvel's next big movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, opens in theaters this weekend--and it's projected to break box office records.

　　Deadline reports that Shang-Chi is expected to make between $45 million-$50 million in the US and Canada over the long weekend at 4,200-plus theaters. This would set a new record for Labor Day weekend--and not just during the pandemic but of all time--easily eclipsing the previous record-holder, 2007's Halloween ($30.6 million). As Deadline reminds us, movie studios historically tend to not release new films over the Labor Day weekend. "No one goes to the movies" over the Labor Day weekend, some argue, the site reported.

　　"However, Disney believes that it's possible to open a Marvel movie anywhere on the calendar, even during a pandemic," Deadline said.

　　Internationally, Shang-Chi is projected to make $40 million or more over its opening weekend. In total, estimates are putting Shang-Chi's first weekend numbers at $90 million as the "hopeful" number but with the possibility of stretching to $100 million globally.

　　Unlike Marvel's last big release, Black Widow, Shang-Chi will not debut on Disney+ with Premier Access. "When we planned Shang-Chi, it was planned being in a much more healthy theatrical environment," Disney CEO Bob Chapek said. "Due to the distribution agreements and due to the practicality of last-minute changes, it wouldn't be possible [to go to Disney+]."

　　Shang-Chi is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (The Glass Castle) and stars Simu Liu in the lead role.

　　For more, check out GameSpot's Shang-Chi review and our feature, "Who's Who In Shang-Chi? Every New Character In The Upcoming Marvel Movie (That We Know Of)."

　　Microsoft teamed up with Marvel to create a special edition Shang-Chi Xbox Series X, and you can enter a contest to win it.