Simu Liu talks about the second part of Shang-Chi and the character in the MCU
When “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was released in 2021, no one thought that the cinematic journey had just begun. Despite the turmoil and uncertainty in the air in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Simu Liu has given fans a glimmer of hope.
Hope remains
Three years ago, “Shang-Chi” hit theaters around the world and was a critical and box office success, grossing more than $430 million worldwide, with 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. This was a remarkable achievement, especially considering the questions over the future of film screenings due to the financial devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic. In December 2021, Marvel confirmed the sequel, with Destin Daniel Cretton expected to return as writer and director.
However, the silence of Marvel Studios and Disney in recent years has raised concerns among fans. One user on Threads, an Instagram X/Twitter alternative, expressed his frustration: “Looks like Marvel has abandoned Shang-Chi fans. There have been no efforts by the studio to launch a sequel or include the character in other Marvel movies. “I promise it’s happening,” Liu replied.
This exchange of words on social media has given hope to many. From the critical and commercial failure of films like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “The Marvels” to allegations of domestic violence against Jonathan Mears, who plays Kang Conqueror. These events caused Marvel Studios to rethink their plans. In addition, Disney CEO Bob Iger recently criticized the decline in quality of its Marvel episodes, which he attributed to a lack of oversight and the decision to flood the Disney+ streaming service with Marvel content, a policy led by former CEO Bob Chapek.
A hero who transcends culture
Shang-Chi is not just another character in Marvel’s vast arsenal of heroes. It is a cultural icon that transcends the barriers of cinema to strike a chord with diversity and representation. In the year Since his debut in comics in the 1970s, the character has evolved from a hateful martial hero to a cinematic protagonist, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Asia and offering a new perspective to superhero narratives.
Compared to other characters who have made the leap to the big screen, such as Doctor Strange or Black Panther, the martial arts master is distinguished by his connection to both mystical and earthly elements, combining his action and the emotional depth of his path. Especially suited to an international audience. Filled with personal challenges and triumphs, their stories provide not only entertainment but also a mirror of the struggle for identity and recognition in an ever-changing world.
What awaits Shang-Chi in the MCU?
Meanwhile, Krayton is attached to the fifth Avengers installment, with a planned release date of May 1, 2026, and is also attached to the live-action adaptation of the “Naruto” anime series. On the other hand, Liu recently played the role of Ken in the blockbuster phenomenon “Barbie”.
The road to the sequel seems strewn with obstacles, but Liu and Crayton’s commitment suggests there are still plenty of stories to be told in this corner of the MCU. Fans are on the edge of their seats for more details, as the character’s legacy grows, not only as a hero on the big screen, but as a symbol of the MCU’s resilience in a time of change.