“Barbie” actor Simu Liu had to cancel his appearance at Disney World’s 2023 Candlelight Processional after he had a health scare. Every year around the holidays, guests can experience the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra.
Liu was scheduled as one of the celebrity narrators for the 2023 event, however, the 34-year-old actor had to cancel due to a health scare, which he addressed in a statement on his Instagram story, admitting he was “absolutely gutted.”
Simu Liu Breaks Silence On ‘Health Scare’
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“For those who were looking forward to seeing me, know that I was equally looking forward to be a part of your holidays,” Liu wrote. “The health of myself and my family is of paramount importance to me. After all, that’s the spirit of the season!”
“And so after some health scares, I’ve made the difficult decision to stay home.”
He ended by stating, “Something tells me this isn’t the last you’ve seen of me at Candlelight though…let’s all keep fingers crossed for 2024!” indicating he may be part of Disney World’s 2023 Candlelight Processional next year.
Singer-songwriter Bart Millard has been tapped to replace Liu. “Got the last minute call yesterday to fly to Orlando to narrate the Epcot Candlelight processional tonight, Friday, and Saturday,” Millard, 51, wrote on Instagram. “ You don’t have to ask me twice to come tell the story of the birth of Jesus!!!!”
Although Liu canceled his appearance, those visiting Disney World in the near future will have the chance to see actors such as John Stamos, Brendan Fraser, and Neil Patrick Harris.
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“Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the incredible Voices of Liberty,” Disney stated regarding the popular event. “This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story.”
The remaining line-up includes:
John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16
Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30
Park-goers can also feast on holiday favorites such as Christmas cookies and hot cocoa at the over 15-holiday food booths located throughout the World Showcase at EPCOT — which is one of the four theme parks located at Walt Disney World.
Simu Liu Spotted On Crutches
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This news comes just a few months after the “Barbie” star revealed he tore his Achilles tendon in October.
“Basically, I had this crazy idea to bring 20 of my friends to Miami — half from my Canadian side and half from the American side, and to pit them against each other in an Olympic-style tournament of sports,” he told PEOPLE at the time in regard to his injury.
“All of a sudden I feel like someone has either shot me or kicked my shin out from underneath me or just barreled into me.”