While Marvel fans await the sole theatrical release of the year i.e. Deadpool & Wolverine, one particular film sequel has been on the minds of fans since the original’s success three years ago. Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was a huge hit upon release and earned over $432 million amidst the global pandemic.
While a sequel was announced a while ago, there have been no updates regarding the film. Director Destin Daniel Cretton was previously attached to Avengers: Kang Dynasty before stepping down to concentrate on Shang-Chi 2. Despite there being no updates, actor Simu Liu recently mentioned that the sequel was definitely in the works.
Simu Liu Promises Fan That Sang-Chi 2 Is In The Works
The Simu Liu starrer Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the most important films in the MCU for several reasons. It was the first Marvel film to have a predominantly Asian cast and it was lauded for rightly representing the culture of the Chinese. The film was regarded as one of the better MCU entries after Avengers: Endgame.
Soon after the success of the first film, a sequel was reported to be in development with Destin Daniel Cretton set to return to helm the project. The filmmaker also was chosen to direct Avengers 5. Cretton mentioned that he was told by Marvel that Shang-Chi 2 would follow the Avengers film, which was scheduled to release in 2025 back then (via Threads).
Cretton has since stepped down as the director of Avengers 5, which was delayed again due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The film’s future has also been uncertain due to Kang actor Jonathan Majors being fired from the role. However, lead actor Simu Liu recently gave hope to the fans when a Threads user lamented about a lack of update on the sequel. The post said,
“I feel like Marvel has abandoned the Shang-Chi fan base. There has been no effort by the studio to get the sequel filming or even include the character in other Marvel films. Frustrating as hell.”
Simu Liu responded to the post with, “I proooomiss it’s happening.” The actor’s response seems to have put the Internet in a frenzy as fans became more excited for the sequel.
Will Marvel Really Make Shang-Chi 2?
While a sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was said to be in development, Marvel does not seem to have set date for the film to release. Director Destin Daniel Cretton had mentioned that the film would follow Avengers 5, which would put the release of the sequel in either late 2026 or 2027. Despite a lack of updates, Marvel has always been enthusiastic about the sequel.
In 2021, Marvel chief Kevin Feige mentioned to ComicBook.com that early reactions to the film have given him ideas on how to position the future of the IP. He said,
“We certainly have many ideas of where to take them and where to put them. And as exactly as you say, what’s so fun, we know the movie’s working when it’s not just the title character that people ask about, but it is the co-stars or the supporting players that people ask about. And in this movie in particular, that’s heartening because we think they’re spectacular, and we think they have great potential in the future.”
Despite Cretton exiting from Avengers 5, the filmmaker is still attached to Marvel to co-create the Disney Plus series Wonder Man and Shang-Chi 2. Simu Liu’s promising update has also given confidence to the fans that Marvel is serious about developing a sequel for one of its most treasured franchises.
