WhenBlack Panthersauntered into theaters in 2018, it shattered box office records and earned Marvel Studios its first-ever Oscar victories at the Academy Awards. Despite its monetary and physical recognition, the film’s most significant impact was felt through the visualization of its predominately black cast, calling attention to black stories and their importance within the fabric of a highly diverse society.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Ringsfollowed a similar path, providing audiences with new representation as the Asian-American community bathed in the spotlight for the first time within the MCU. With a sequel confirmed and on the way, the inclusion of more Asian actors has risen to the forefront. Director, Destin Daniel Cretton, has a legendary idea.
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In an interview with CinemaBlend, the director addressed the possible incorporation of the perfect addition, stating, “I mean if we could get Jackie [Chan] into a movie that would be a lifelong dream of mine.” Chan’s notoriety within the Asian community is unparalleled, and audiences felt his impact onShang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Ringsin a multitude of various ways. His involvement would beimpeccable within a sequeldepending on his position in the narrative’s scope. Cretton wants the idea propelled into the universe with the hopes of making the union a reality.
Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu, is known forhis unbelievable fighting expertise, obtaining knowledge from his deplorable father at an adolescent age. The movie highlights his prowess in several different ways through engaging sequences that pay homage to past Asian action stars. First, of course, Bruce Lee immediately comes to mind, whose iconic punch made an appearance during the emblematic bus fight sequence. But, audiences felt Chan’s impression through Liu’s usage of his jacket, which mirrored Chan’s iconic style. In aninterview with Corridor Crew, action designers Chris Cowan and Yung Lee confirmed that the creative team borrowed inspiration from the prominent Asian star.
TheShang-Chisequel is coming, and it would be fascinating to see Chan join the awe-inspiring cast.Spider-Man: No Way Homedelivered, awakening past villains and symbolic characters, which audiences have adored and discussed since its long-awaited release. The inclusion of Chan into the fold would create the same level of thrill, not only from those who admire the project but also from a cast whose actions come from the man himself. However, the Asain star’s focus is less on American film and more on Chinese cinema. In doing this, he hopes to establish himself as less of an action star and more of an actor who can do action. The need to stay universal and show agility is essential to Chan, who wants to reframe from being placed into a box for the rest of his acting career.Shang-Chiwould pull moreof the action star out of Chan, but Tony Leung proved that an actor could tackle both successfully well within the world Cretton has been able to create.
Shang-Chihas some of the most engaging action sequences within the MCU, and the limitless possibilities of where things can go only helps to build more excitement for what’s to come. Chan has a vision for this dynamite career, but the desire to see his inclusion may come to fruition if given the proper role. Cretton wants the idea put into the universe, and recently the hunger to see more within the MCU has materialized. In addition, theforeshadowing of possible villainsto appear within the sequel is occurring, which could pave a road for Chan to bring his personality and aggression into theShang-Chinarrative. Tony Leung set the standard, but Chan can surpass it if he chooses to do so.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Ringsis currently available to stream on Disney+.
