Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton revealed that the upcomingMarvelfilm features wuxia-style fight scenes. After several pandemic-related delays, the 25th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will premiere in theatres this September. The Marvel origin film will seeShang-Chi confront his upbringingand attempt to take down The Ten Rings, a terrorist organization created by his devious father Wenwu.The blockbuster stars Simu Liuand is the first Marvel film with an Asian protagonist. The titular character was created by writer Steve Englehard and artist Jim Starlin and first appeared inSpecial Marvel Edition#15.
Cretton toldEmpirethat the film’s action sequences were inspired by 2000’sCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and numerous Jackie Chan films. “Authenticity and respect and staying true to this genre was the main objective from day one,” said Cretton, while adding, “we also had choreographers from mainland China who created some beautifulwuxia-style fight scenes.” Wuxia is a genre of Chinese cinema that involves itinerant warriors of ancient China who have superhuman feats of martial arts.In the comics, Shang-Chiwas proficient in numerous unarmed and weaponry-based wushu styles.
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The director stressed that he wanted to portray Shang-Chi as more thanjust a prolific martial artist. “It was important for us from the beginning to have the MCU’s first Asian-American superhero be a superhero,” stated Cretton. “We want him to be on par with other superheroes in the MCU and not just be the master of kung fu. Shang-Chi is an incredible martial artist, but he’s so much more than that.” Liu has previously stated that he hopes the film can live up to the legacy left byBlack Pantherand present a hero that millions of kids can relate to. Since Phase 3, Marvel has made a concerted effort to feature superheroes from diverse backgrounds.Ms. Marvelwill introduce a Muslim-American superhero,while Marvel’sEternalsstarsthe first deaf and openly gay superheroes in MCU history.
Shang-Chiis one of many MCU Phase 4 films that will be released in theatres from 2021 through 2023. The first theatrical film in this phase will beCate Shortland’sBlack Widow. The standalone film stars Scarlett Johansson and will focus on Natasha Romanoff’s family and history as a Russian spy. Disney announced thatBlack Widowwill be released simultaneously in theatres and on Disney+ this summer.
Meanwhile, production onDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswrapped this spring.The cast ofDoctor Strange 2includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, and Benedict Wong. While the exact details of the film have been kept under wraps, the movie is set to tie directly into the hit Disney Plus seriesWandaVision.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Ringswill be released in theatres on July 25, 2025.
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