WATCH: Simu Liu steps up as Marvel’s first Asian lead in ‘Shang-Chi’ teaser
Simu Liu as Shang-Chi in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” Image: screengrab from YouTube/Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Studios has released the first teaser trailer for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” as the franchise is set to introduce the superhero to the big screen this September.
“Kim’s Convenience” star Simu Liu will be playing the titular superhero, Shang-Chi, as he becomes the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) first-ever Asian lead.
With the 2-minute teaser released yesterday, April 19, Marvel showcased how “Shang-Chi” will heavily be drawing inspiration from classic Kung fu movies.
Aligning with the character’s comic origins, the film’s fight choreography focuses on traditional martial arts. Back in the 1970s, Marvel created Shang-Chi based on none other than cinema icon Bruce Lee.
Article continues after this advertisementA fight scene from”Shang-Chi” included in the trailer appears to be inspired by “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” with its epic and graceful choreography using wirework.
Article continues after this advertisementThe teaser also shows how the MCU will tweak Shang-Chi’s origins as they made the superhero the son of Wenwu a.k.a The Mandarin, who is played by Hong Kong star Tony Leung.
Marvel appears to be diving into the Ten Rings’ mystical origins as fans are set to be treated with flashbacks including epic large-scale battles involving giant lions.
The Ten Rings have been around in the MCU since “Iron Man” in 2008, although this is the first time the franchise will dive deep into the criminal empire. The title “The Mandarin” was also used by an impostor back in “Iron Man 3,” so fans are expecting to see how the film will deal with the previous movies.
The cast with Liu and Leung will be completed by Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh and Ronny Jieng, among others. With an Asian-dominated cast, fans are expecting “Shang-Chi” to be for the Asian community what “Black Panther” was for the Black community. JB
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