While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - officially confirmed for a September 3, 2021 theatrical release - looks to be another home run for Marvel, it's also a first for the studio in several important ways.
In addition to being Marvel's first Asian superhero movie, Shang-Chi is the MCU's first martial arts film and its first Phase 4 solo origin story.
It's also Marvel's first film since 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home to receive an exclusive theatrical release.
Shang-Chi is a departure from 2021's steady stream of Disney+ content as it's dominated by a cast of MCU newcomers; and while its director Destin Daniel Cretton has said the film is a post-snap story, fans don't yet know if it takes place before or after Loki and the now-liberated multiverse.
Where fans are likely to receive answers (and a slew of new questions), the great MCU tradition of the post-credits scene is set to continue.
MARVEL DIRECTOR TALKS SHANG-CHI'S POST-CREDIT SCENES
In an interview with Fandango, Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton was asked to confirm if audiences should stay for the credits in hopes of a post-credits scene(s).
While the director didn't provide much detail, he did say that "Audiences should most definitely stick around!"
SHANG-CHI'S PLACE IN MARVEL'S PHASE 4?
Even though Marvel fans can almost always count on some sort of mid or post-credits scene, the studio seemingly enjoys keeping fans guessing.
For instance, while Black Widow's post-credits scene laid the groundwork for Yelena Belova's next move and the upcoming Hawkeye series for Disney+, some post-credits are just for fun, like Captain America's PSA about patience following Spider-Man: Homecoming.
For Avengers: Endgame, there was no post-credit scene at all - only the sound of Tony Stark building his suit from the original 2008 Iron Man.
While fans are eager to see how Shang-Chi's origin story plays out, they're also interested in how he factors into the greater MCU and the current Phase 4 story.
Again, if the film doesn't answer that question, hopefully, the post-credits scene will.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will premiere exclusively in theaters on September 3, 2021.
