ICYMI, Marvel announced a SLEW of new movies and TV shows for the MCU’s Phase Four at Comic-Con, including Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Marvel
Known as the Master of Kung Fu, Shang-Chi is the son of Fu Manchu, a crime boss who groomed his son to follow in his footsteps. But, being more of the pacifist type, Shang-Chi chose good, making his father his first nemesis.
Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu will star in the titular role, becoming the first Asian superhero to lead a Marvel feature film.
Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images, Marvel
Asian-American actor Chloe Bennett has played Daisy “Skye” Johnson / Quake in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. since 2013.
You may recognize him from CBC’s Kim Convenience. The comedy series follows a Korean-Canadian family that runs a convenience store and it’s so, so good.
CBC
If you don’t watch, what are you even doing? Seriously, it’s been on for three years. Where have you been?? You can stream it on Netflix, here!
The film will also star Awkwafina in an undisclosed role, and Tony Leung as The Mandarin.
Rich Fury / Getty Images, Vcg / Getty Images
The Mandarin was first introduced as the villain in Iron Man 3, played by Ben Kingsley. But, as it turns out, he was an imposter. Marvel president Kevin Feige told Comic-Con’s Hall H, “An awesome short we did called All Hail the King [revealed] that there is a real Mandarin and he was quite upset with the shenanigans that they pulled in Iron Man 3.”
What’s cool about the casting announcement is that Simu has shown an interest in playing a superhero since the very beginning.
People ask why I go shirtless a lot; look, I’m just waiting for Hollywood to make me a superhero suit. #stillwaiting #sunfire #namor #terrymcginnis #amadeuscho
And yes. Yes, that is what he looks like. We are blessed.
Way back in 2014, he tweeted asking when we were finally going to get an Asian-American hero.
And when the making of Shang-Chi was announced back in December, he showed his interest again tweeting, “OK Marvel, are we gonna talk or what?” After he was cast, he replied, “Thanks for getting back to me.”
Tweet your dreams into existence, people!
Speaking of his casting, it happened insanely quickly. Simu told Hall H, “I was cast on Tuesday. I screen-tested on Sunday in New York. This is the the craziest, craziest dream.”
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images
During the panel, director Destin Daniel Cretton said they had conducted a “really in-depth search to try to find somebody who will capture this character with all the dimensions that he deserves.”
Simu’s Kim’s Convenience co-stars were quick to congratulate him on social media, as were other celebs…
4 years ago, @SimuLiu and I went to see an X-Men movie before filming S1 of #kimsconvenience. Afterwards he told me he was going to play a superhero someday. That day is today. Congrats brother! You made this happen and I’m so proud of you! #SDCC0219 #MCUphase4 #ShangChi
My tv brother is a superhero! He still grosses me out. CONGRATS dude!!! ??? Can’t wait to see you on the big screen! https://t.co/tcz0prVy66
My TV son is going to be a Superhero like he’s always wanted. Whoohoo! Congratulations @SimuLiu ! https://t.co/MzeVOw7WaO
Couldn’t happen to a more deserving person. So happy for you, brother. @SimuLiu #ShangChi
Congratulations to fellow #Canadian @SimuLiu ! You’re going to kill it man ?? https://t.co/N19i4eunlF
…while many others expressed how much having an Asian superhero and more diversity in the MCU was important.
#ShangChi starring Tony Leung, @awkwafina, @SimuLiu.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.As a kid, I couldn’t have even imagined a superhero movie with Asian leads. I can’t believe it’s really happening.
The movement is real. It’s not stopping. Representation matters today.
WE’RE GETTING TEN MOVIES CAPTAIN AMERICA IS BLACK RICHARD MADDEN AND ANGELINA JOLIE ARE IN THE MCU WERE GETTING AN ASIAN SUPERHERO. MARVEL STANS WE ARE THRIVING
shang chi is the first major asian superhero in the mcu and he’s getting his own solo movie, this is really big for me lemme go cry rq
Simu himself even tweeted that there was “so much at stake” in regards to the film.
Now that the craziness is over, the work begins.
There is so much at stake here; we are fighting for our identity, for our right to be seen, to BELONG.
Eternally grateful to Marvel, to Kevin, Jonathan and Destin for this gift.
@awkwafina LET’S GET TO WORK BABYYYYY!!!
“It’s the fulfillment of my dreams, but I can’t help but think about my parents,” he told Hall H.
Simu on his MCU casting, basically:
CBC
And all I can say is THANK YOU!
The film is expected to hit theaters February 12, 2021.
