The San Diego Comic-Con wrapped up Sunday with Marvel Studios once again stealing the spotlight by unveiling their Phase Four films and television series now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Infinity War Saga is complete. One of the biggest surprises was the announcement that Simu Liu, a Toronto actor, will be the superhero Shang-Chi, the “Master of Kung-Fu,” in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Liu is most well-known for his role as prodigal son Jung from CBC’s sitcom Kim’s Convenience, and the beaming actor embraced the joyously screaming crowds of Comic-Con’s Hall H in stride.
“Hey how was your weekend?”
Me: pic.twitter.com/tQV0QZ8r5u— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) July 22, 2019
In the comics, Shang-Chi is the son of a China-based globalist who raised and educated his children in his reclusive China compound, closed off to the outside world. When he is eventually introduced to the outside world Shang-Chi must reckon with the fact his father might not be the humanitarian he has claimed to be.
The film will also star Hong Kong actor Tony Leung (In the Mood for Love), who is one of Asia’s most successful and internationally recognized stars, and actress Awkwafina, whose career has skyrocketed due to her films Ocean’s Eight, Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell. Shang-Chi will be directed by Asian-American Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12) and written by Chinese-American Dave Callaham (The Expendables).
Marvel Studios slays Hall H with Love, Thunder, Shang-Chi, Blade, and an incredible Phase Four slate https://t.co/laiRYFNNi3
— Marvel Studios News (@MarvelNewsCast) July 21, 2019
Shang-Chi has the potential to be a major game changer because it will be Marvel Studios’, and the film industry’s, first Asian-led superhero blockbuster film and franchise. Shang-Chi will be released February 12, 2021.
The New Brunswick webcomic artist Gisèle Lagacé would fit right in at San Diego Comic-Con and its Artist Alley.
Watch for more on Lagacé and her work later this week.
