10 MCU Movies That Could Fill Marvel Studios' Empty Release Slots
3. Shang-Chi 2
While Black Widow may have had its issues both on and off the screen as the first movie release of Phase Four, Shang-Chi was an absolute smash hit for the franchise. It was a fantastic (almost) stand alone movie, it introduced a badass new superhero to the MCU, and has broken multiple box office records.
Almost every MCU origin story receives a sequel, but thanks to the success of Shang-Chi both critically and commercially, Shang-Chi 2 is all but guaranteed. The post credit scene confirmed that the character himself will return, hopefully along with more magical creatures in Ta Lo.
Typically, there have usually been 2-4 years between franchise movies within the MCU, a trend which a 2024 release of Shang-Chi 2 would fit. Some, like Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy, have had to wait slightly longer, however Marvel would likely want to capitalize on the wild popularity of Shang-Chi as soon as possible.
Three years from the original movie would allow Marvel a long enough window to bring back the winning team of Simu Liu, Destin Daniel Cretton, Awkwafina, and Meng’er Zhang, and produce a sequel worthy of following Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.