Marvel Studios' second film of 2021, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, was a definite hit with fans and critics, not to mention the box office. The movie raked in a highly respectable amount considering it dropped in the middle of a pandemic. Featuring a mostly-Asian cast, Shang-Chi delivered memorable character work and top-notch martial arts sequences.
Based on the film's success, a sequel has been confirmed to be in development with star Simu Liu set to return to the title role of Shang-Chi, or as he's also called in-universe, Shaun.
Of course, Shang-Chi now finds himself in possession of the ancient and immensely powerful Ten Rings, mysterious artifacts that serve equally well as protective tools or dangerous weapons. How will he choose to harness this power? And will he participate in any superhero team-ups going forward? Liu has some ideas.
Simu Liu Discusses Shang-Chi Sequel
Speaking to Complex, Shang-Chi star Simu Liu spoke on what he hopes to explore in the forthcoming sequel to his Marvel blockbuster, including "what Shaun decides to do with all this newfound power:"
"I think just what Shaun decides to do with all this newfound power, you know? It kind of consumed his father, consumed Wenwu. I’m curious as to how someone much younger, much more inexperienced, would fare against the rings."
Liu implied that the Ten Rings coming into Shaun's grasp could become perilous for him or his friends, since "just this idea of all of a sudden being gifted something that’s so powerful but also so dangerous" is now in play.
The actor also talked about his other hopes for the second film and where Shaun "fit[s] in with the rest of the MCU." Liu expressed interest "crazy team-ups" and crossovers involving Avengers and other MCU characters:
"And then the other big question I have is, you know, in what way does Shaun fit in with the rest of the MCU? Who are you going to see? What kind of crazy team-ups? What kinda tie-ins, Easter eggs? I’m just as much in the dark and everyone else, so I don’t know anything, but I’m excited to dive into that process"
Is Shang-Chi Ready To Wield the Ten Rings?
As fans will recall, the mid-credits scene of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings saw Sorcerer Supreme Wong analyzing the Ten Rings as Shaun, his friend Katy, and Avengers Carol Danvers and Dr. Bruce Banner looked on. With all that knowledge and brainpower in one room, they still couldn't figure out exactly where the Rings came from, ruling out Kree and Chitauri origins.
Of course, Shaun received the Rings from his dying father, Wenwu, who used them for thousands of years to amass his criminal empire. During the movie's final battle, Shaun managed to gain control of the mystical artifacts and used them to defeat a malevolent creature known as the Dweller-in-Darkness. So who knows what's in store after that?
What's more, Simu Liu clearly wants to get more MCU star power into the second movie. The first one included the aforementioned cameos of Wong, Banner, and Danvers, not to mention Emil Blonsky aka, the Abomination, but who else could be added?
For one, it'd certainly be a hoot for fans to see Tom Holland's Spider-Man crop up. In Marvel Comics, Shang-Chi instructed Peter Parker in improving his fighting skills. The MCU incarnation of Peter seems to be a pretty skilled combatant already, but there's always room for improvement.
On top of that, Wong returning for the Shang-Chi sequel could prove a nice addition, especially considering the character's current status of Sorceror Supreme. Perhaps he has learned the answer by that point of the true nature of the Ten Rings.
The sequel has yet to receive an official release date, but the first film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is now streaming on Disney+.
