2020/2021 has been both a disappointing and exciting time for Marvel fans. Despite 2020 being the first year since 2009 that the MCU hasn’t been able to push out a new film instalment (due to the impact of COVID-19, ugh), Marvel hasn’t been slacking off. Not only have they announced multiple new projects – 12 new TV shows, new superheroes like Moon Knight, She-Hulk and Ms Marvel, confirmation that Deadpool is now part of the MCU – they’ve been quick to kick off these projects, with WandaVision hitting Disney+ earlier this month. Amongst these projects is the highly anticipated film: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”.
Not only does the upcoming movie signify the introduction of a whole new bunch of MCU characters, but it also pushes Marvel further in the forefront of representation in the film industry. “Shang-Chi” is a character that originates from a “Fortress in Honan”, located in the People’s Republic of China and with the decades of accusations of whitewashing in the film industry, Marvel takes on the challenge of breaking stereotypes with its choice to, a) turn the comics into a movie, and b) have an all Asian cast. Fronting the movie is Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu, who is best known for his role in the highly acclaimed Canadian sitcom, “Kim’s Convenience”.
The 31-year-old actor is obviously aware of the huge significance of his casting and role in the movie, as well as how important the movie is in expanding representation on the big screen. In an interview with Toronto Life, he shared the moment that stood out while filming the upcoming MCU movie.
“The first time I tried on Shang-Chi’s superhero suit. Marvel has never had an Asian lead, so that was such a rare and impactful moment, for me as an actor but also for people who look like me. I nearly cried. It was so emotional.”
He went on to jokingly share,
“And then of course by the fifth day, I was like, Oh my god, I hate this thing, why are there so many zippers?”
Liu’s character Shang-Chi was first introduced in the Special Marvel Edition #15 by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin. He is described as being proficient in numerous unarmed and weaponry-based wushu styles, including the use of the gùn, nunchaku, and ‘jian’. Later on in the comics, Shang-Chi is also able to duplicate himself (a little Naruto-like) and eventually joins the ranks of the Avengers. Marvel introduces the 5’10” character as:
“The undisputed Master of Kung Fu, Shang-Chi seeks peace and harmony in a weary world while opposing those who would tear it down.”
Writer Starlin has defined Shang Chi as being someone who transitions from “assassin to a hero”, who has “an indomitable will” and is guided by “a sort of religious discipline”. During a sitdown with ComicBook.com’s Phase Zero podcast, he elaborated:
“I think those are the three elements that make Shang-Chi more than any other character. He’s basically focused on the moment and what has to be done. That focus allows him to go on without being stopped, making it very hard to stop him at least.”
While the “Eternals” will have the most inclusive cast yet: a racially diverse group of heroes, as well as gender-swapped roles and the MCU’s first hearing-impaired superhero,’ Shang-Chi’ does an amazing job with casting as well. ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ will follow in those footsteps and feature a predominantly Asian cast including Awkafina, Michelle Yeoh, Ronny Chieng, and Tony Leung.
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ is currently expected to hit theatres on July 9th.
*Cover image credits: Instagram