All the way back in 2008's Iron Man, the world was introduced to the terrorist organization known as the Ten Rings. That group was led by an even more ominous leader: The Mandarin. However, throughout the Iron Man trilogy, the group never got their due—ending their stay with what is still to this day one of the most decisive twists in all of the MCU.
Thankfully, Marvel has seen it fit to properly explore both the Ten Rings and its fearsome leader. Its vehicle in doing so? The upcoming film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which, more importantly, introduces a brand-new hero to the world: Shang-Chi.
Played by Simu Lui, who is always excited to talk about the role, Shang-Chi will be joining the MCU as the Master of Kung Fu—introducing an entirely new world to the audience. Before he gets there, though, the up-and-coming hero has an ordinary life.
That ordinary life can be seen in the trailers for the film, which showcase his job as a valet, and Simu Lui's Shang-Chi hanging out casually with friends. Apparently in this normal life, Shang-Chi is known by a vastly different name.
SHANG-CHI GETS AN ALTERNATE NAME
Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, fans now have a brand-new look at the upcoming film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—and it comes with a surprise.
The Marvel Studios photo comes from the valet scene in the trailer, and fans can get a clear look at Simu Liu's Shang-Chi living a normal life alongside Awkwafina's Katy. Shang-Chi's name tag can be clearly seen, revealing his name to be "Shaun" in this scenario.
SHAUN THE HERO
Of course, the name Shaun is likely his anglicized name, something that the character likely felt pressured to do for the benefit of the Americans—a topic that is all but guaranteed to be addressed over the course of the film.
For those that may not be familiar with the term, anglicizing is a process where one makes something more English in quality or characteristics. It adapts foreign concepts, ideas, names, etc. into something more English in nature, such as converting the name Shang-Chi to Shaun.
Who would want to ditch a name like Shang-Chi? It's one of the many twisted pressures of America that will likely be a focal point from Shang-Chi's father Wenwu, also known as The Mandarin, as he tries to convince his son to return home to inherit the power of the Ten Rings.
It's not long before fans will be able to see Shang-Chi aka Shaun in action, and they can witness his journey into becoming the Master of Kung Fu and truly becoming a force of nature.
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings debuts in theaters on September 3, 2021.
