Warning - This article contains spoilers for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Fans are finally getting the chance to see Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, with the film having finally made its theatrical debut. It seems that it’s yet another hit for the folks at Marvel Studios, one which adds a lot to the overall mythology of the world.
While it was basically revealed in the marketing for the film, by the time the credits roll, Simu Liu’s titular hero has the Ten Rings in his possession––and they seem to have become a key part of his arsenal.
The Rings were shown to be an important part of Shang-Chi’s legacy, and that of the history of which his father Wenwu created as he used the weapons to satiate his thirst for power; a tirade only cut short thanks to Fala Chen's Jiang Li, the titular hero's mom.
She was very adamantly against the use of the mystical artifacts, so what would Li think about her son now having them?
The Direct got to sit down with Fala Chen, the actor who brought Shang-Chi’s mom to life, and ask that very question.
Mom and the Ten Rings
At the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi is officially in possession of the legendary Ten Rings; all thanks to the sacrifice of his father.
But what would Shang-Chi’s late mother think about her son's questionable decision? After all, Jiang Li was always adamantly against Wenwu using the weapons—which is what led to his temporary retirement.
According to Fala Chen, the actor that brought Shang-Chi and Xialing’s mom to life, “it’s all part of a plan…:”
“I think in some ways, it’s all part of a plan, in a way. At least that’s my personal interpretation from the story, because you know there’s… the dragon scale suit that I prepared for him and for Xialing. So in many ways I feel like it’s all part of mom’s plan [teasing face].”
Of course, Chen had to make sure and clarify that the answer which was given “doesn’t represent the official answer,” but instead basing a lot of it on her own experience as a mother, and how they “kind of intuitively know a lot of things…”
“...that’s my personal feeling, it doesn't represent anybody’s opinion—it doesn’t represent the official answer, but I think in many, many ways, you know, just like how mothers kind of intuitively know a lot of things about... Especially kids, now I’m a mom myself… There’s just some times where I’m like ‘is that my baby,’ like I know certain things instinctively, that I feel like… yeah… that Li is the same. "
Fala Chen ends on an intriguing note, concluding that “she knows a lot, maybe even like before anything happens:...”
"She knows a lot, maybe even like before anything happens, she has a sense of what would happen, and she kind of wants to protect and prepare her kids for that. But use them well kids! [wags her finger].”
A Mom's Intuition
Fala Chen seems to clearly know a lot more than what is revealed during Shang-Chi, which only goes on to hint at some fun things to come. From her answers, Chen seems to be implying that she knew her son would end up with the Ten Rings––it’s all part of the plan.
It wouldn’t be all that surprising if, in the future, Shang-Chi becomes very hesitant to even use the Ten Rings at all, given all of the horrors they were responsible for in his father’s hands. The hero could eventually then go through a spiritual journey that brings him back into contact with his mom––leading to a more comfortable ownership of such power.
Needless to say, there’s a lot to explore there for future installments or even other projects where the character may pop up. After Shang-Chi’s debut, there’s no doubt that fans will be dying to see the character start meeting up with other heroes around the world.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is now playing exclusively in theaters worldwide.
