In just a few short days, Marvel Studios is set to bring its 25th theatrical release to the public with Simu Liu's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This film will not only introduce the first new hero of the MCU's Phase 4, but will also take a deep look back at the earliest days of MCU history.
Early reactions to Shang-Chi have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the story of Simu Liu's hero's journey through the world away from his father, the real Mandarin. Throw in unexpected cameos from characters like the Abomination and Benedict Wong's Wong, and the stage is set for the MCU to add a new delicious flavor to its potpourri of irresistible content.
As is the case with all MCU outings, fans are already asking questions about what's planned for the post-credits scene, a theatrical technique revolutionized by Marvel Studios. While no details were given, Marvel's top executive teased the scale of what's coming on that front for Phase 4's second movie.
SHADES OF IRON MAN IN SHANG-CHI
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige spoke with ComicBook.com about the post-credits scenes for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which releases in theaters this weekend.
Always one to keep spoilers close to the vest, Feige did tease that the end of the movie "gives a pretty clear direction" on how Shang-Chi finds his way into the larger MCU. He revealed that fans will be reminded of the Nick Fury post-credits scene from 2008's Iron Man, hinting that a similar situation comes into play during Shang-Chi:
"Well, we don't want to spoil anything. But, I think the end of this film gives a pretty clear direction on, at least, how vital and how important and how directly Shang-Chi is stepping into this world. We are reminded of Nick Fury in the tag of Iron Man 1, telling Tony Stark, 'You're part of a bigger universe, you just don't know it yet.' And without giving away, a very similar thing happens to Shang at the end of this movie."
A SPECIAL MOMENT IN THE MCU
Iron Man took the superhero movie genre by storm in so many ways upon its release in 2008, with one of the biggest reasons being its use of an unexpected scene after the credits ended. The scene featured Samuel L. Jackson's debut as Nick Fury, who simply told Tony Stark he was "part of a bigger universe" before asking to speak with him about "the Avengers Initiative."
This scene set up the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by teasing a world of heroes that spanned far past the confines of Malibu, California. The possibility of something like this happening to Simu Liu's Shang-Chi only builds up a new level of hype for what fans are set to see in the next theatrical movie.
Currently, there are no plans announced for when Simu Liu will reprise the role of Shang-Chi in Phase 4 or beyond, although it seems clear that he will be sticking around for a long time. With Feige teasing a scene that will introduce the hero to something far beyond his own world, Marvel looks to continue its wild run of success with yet another thrilling tease after the movie's core plot.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings debuts in theaters this Friday, September 3.
