Shang-Chi is finally back in the spotlight for Marvel Studios, but not in the live-action form that many fans might expect. Simu Liu found massive success with his first MCU solo movie, as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is still one of the Multiverse Saga's highest-rated projects four years after its premiere. Now, while fans are still eager to see a sequel to that movie, its leading hero is finally back for more action under Marvel Studios' watch.
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi returned to the MCU Multiverse as an alternate universe variant in Episode 2 of Marvel Studios' Marvel Zombies. One of the show's leading heroes, the martial arts master joined Kamala Khan's entourage to attempt to contact the Nova Corps while avoiding Scarlet Witch's zombified grasp.
Rather than his MCU origin established in his solo movie, this version of Shang-Chi obtains the Ten Rings when his father, Wenwu, arrives in San Francisco to fend off the zombie horde.
After being bitten by one of the undead, Wenwu bestows the Ten Rings to his son in order to stop the spread of infection. This ultimately leaves Shang-Chi's father defenseless though, with Wenwu sacrificing himself in order to save his son.
Alongside Shang-Chi, Awkwafina's Katy returned to the MCU for her second appearance and her first since debuting in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
While Shang-Chi is known for his mastery of the Ten Rings, Katy adopted the powerful weapons as well in the five years since the outbreak started.
Shang-Chi is one of the few heroes to make it to the show's finale, but he is unable to survive against Wanda's horde. The hero's fate is sealed when he is overwhelmed by zombies, ultimately becoming one with the undead.
This also marks Liu's second appearance in the MCU since Shang-Chi, as the character also had a couple of episodes of work in Season 3 of What If...? in December 2024.
Marvel Zombies is Marvel Studios' latest R-rated project, spinning off from Season 1, Episode 5 of 2021's What If...?. The show centers on a group of surviving Avengers taking on a zombie apocalypse, bringing copious amounts of death, blood, and carnage. Marvel Zombies is streaming now on Disney+.
When Will Shang-Chi Return to the Live-Action MCU?
Considering that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the MCU's biggest recent successes, cries for a sequel have been rampant over the last four years. Unfortunately, due to other releases and changes to the schedule, the expectation is that this movie is still a ways out.
Liu is at least confirmed to play Shang-Chi again in Avengers: Doomsday, teaming up with the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four in his second live-action appearance. While Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom is expected to be the leading character, Liu's Shang-Chi is sure to be an important player, especially now that he has possession of the Ten Rings.
As for his solo sequel, Liu said in 2023 that Shang-Chi 2 would have to wait until after at least one of the new Avengers films. This most likely means that he will not get another solo adventure until after the Multiverse Saga, although there is a slim chance that this movie could be added to Marvel's largely empty 2027 slate as well.
No matter how the details play out, the hope is that Liu's Shang-Chi will be one of the prevalent faces helping drive Marvel Studios' narrative forward for the next few years.
Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.
