The release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is just around the corner, and excitement is high for Marvel's next film.
Shang-Chi looks set to be a game-changer for the studio as it brings Marvel's first Asian lead superhero to the big screen and also marks the first kung fu film in the MCU. The film's premiere has been met with positive reviews from critics and sets up Shang-Chi as Marvel's next big star.
While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will serve as a solo origin story for Simu Liu's character, it opens up a world of potential for future Marvel appearances; there have already been talks about where audiences might see the titular hero next.
SIMU LIU HOPES TO JOIN THE AVENGERS
As the press tour for Shang-Chi ramps up ahead of its theatrical release, star Simu Liu spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his future with Marvel.
The actor said the reaction to Shang-Chi has been something he "never could've imagined experiencing" and that he hopes it could lead to "an Avengers in the future, somewhere:"
"In terms of what's next, I know what's on my mind is that same as what's on everybody else's mind, and hopefully, there's an Avengers in the future, somewhere. Obviously, I don’t know anything about that, but being such a big fan of the whole franchise, I know that that’s the gold star."
Liu said he was excited for "the media frenzy" that surrounds a franchise with such popularity as Avengers:
"All of the media frenzy that surrounds one of those properties is going to be a whole beast unto itself, so it’s certainly what I hope for. Do I know how to prepare for it? Absolutely not."
COULD SHANG-CHI BE THE NEXT AVENGER?
Marvel Studios spent years building up a roster of heroes to fill the screen in its Avengers movies. However, following the events of Avengers: Endgame, there are a few gaps in the lineup.
Phase 4 of the MCU will introduce a number of new heroes to the scene including Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and the Eternals, but one of the most exciting is the Master of Kung Fu himself, Shang-Chi. The hero would undoubtedly make a great addition to the Avengers, and there is precedence in the comics for him to join the superhero team.
Little is known about the next Avengers film except that there are plans to make it happen. Simu Liu has definitely shown he is keen on joining the world's mightiest heroes, so here's hoping Marvel will make it happen in Avengers 5.
Given the positive reactions Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has already received, the future certainly looks bright for the Marvel hero.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings debuts in theaters on September 3, 2021.
