The hype for Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is building ahead of the film's September 3 theatrical release.
Due to a promotional blitz of action-packed clips, glowing reviews following the film's world premiere, and buzz about its "exciting" post-credits scene, the MCU looks to have yet another hit on its hands and a new fan-favorite hero on the roster.
Even though Shang-Chi has yet to officially debut, fans are already wondering which movies or Marvel Disney+ series Shang-Chi may appear in next and the timing of a sequel. According to Shang-Chi's own Simu Liu, he too is hoping to return to the MCU soon as well.
MARVEL'S SIMU LIU & AWKAFINA TALK SHANG-CHI 2
In an interview with Radio Times, Simu Liu admitted that he doesn't only "hope to be back" but that the ending of the film actually "alludes" to the very possibility of a Shang-Chi 2.
“Certainly I hope to be back. Where we leave off in the movie certainly kind of alludes to it. Fingers crossed.”
As such, fans can expect a final scene or a post-credits sequence that hints at characters or plot points that a sequel could potentially explore.
Awkwafina, who plays Katy - Shang-Chi's friend in the film - admitted that she would "love" to do a Shang-Chi 2 and expressed her own interest in discovering "where her and Shang's relationship goes:"
“I think it would be cool to see if [Katy] develops any interests in anything. But I think, really, I want to see where her and Shang’s relationship goes.”
SHANG-CHI 2 FOR MARVEL'S PHASE 5?
To borrow a quote from a fellow tentpole franchise, "No one's ever really gone," and that couldn't be more true for characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cameos, crossovers, sequels, and ensembles are part of the DNA of the MCU. Given this, it wouldn't be surprising at all if Marvel had already shot a scene or scenes involving Simu Liu as Shang-Chi for another upcoming film or series.
Now, there has been some concern about Shang-Chi's box office numbers due to rising COVID-19 concerns and how that could hinder future Shang-Chi projects.
However, due to the current global situation, it would be difficult to attribute a lackluster box office to the film itself. Even Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has expressed that it's been a goal of his to bring Shang-Chi into the MCU.
Therefore, it seems safe to say that Marvel fans won't only be seeing more of Shang-Chi in the future, but also the sequel to his first solo movie in Marvel's Phase 5 or beyond.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to premiere in theaters on September 3, 2021.
