Shang-Chi: 10 Things You Need To Know
All you need to know about Phase 4's newest Avenger...
We are in the Endgame. Whatever the outcome, the MCU will be an irreparably different place by the end of Avengers 4, and with several key characters set to go, Phase 4 is in desperate need of some new talent.
One such all-fighting Marvel protagonist lined up for the future will be The Master of Kung Fu, Shang-Chi. Recent reports have stated that Marvel have given the green light for a Shang-Chi movie in a bid to recapture the spark generated by Black Panther, only with Asia as the intended spotlight. Dave Callaham will reportedly write the script, while Marvel themselves step up their search to find a director of "Asian descent".
Casual Marvel movie-goers, however, may accuse Marvel Studios of delving into the obscure for their next generation of cinematic heroes. But is Shang-Chi actually that obscure?
The answer is no - not really. Shang-Chi first appeared in Marvel comics back in 1973, and since that time he has a earned lengthy and formidable legacy worthy of much more than that of a sideline character. So for those of out the loop, here are some reasons why Shang-Chi is worth the attention, as well as what to expect in the upcoming movie.
10. He Is The Son Of Fu Manchu
Fu Manchu's history as a villain extended far beyond, and much earlier than, his Marvel Comics incarnation. There were numerous versions of him in TV, film and literature, not all of which were particularly three-dimensional or politically correct. But it was seventies Marvel who added an extra layer to his character, by giving him a son.
Manchu immediately exploited the pre-destined talents of his offspring by training him in the arts of killing, so that the youngster could be every bit as villainous as his dad before him.
That son was Shang-Chi, and due to some rigorous brainwashing from his dad, Shang began life ready to carry out Fu Manchu's wicked deeds. This was because he was under the impression that they weren't wicked at all.
Operating as an assassin, Shang-Chi travelled to England and finally discovered the truth about his father. With his good nature reigning supreme, Shang Chi vowed to go against the dastardly ways of his pops and oppose evil in all its forms. For a time, it was even assumed that Shang Chi actually succeeded in killing Fu Manchu as well.