In 2021, actor Simu Liu made his mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by portraying the superhero Shang-Chi in the film 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'. While the movie received positive reviews and garnered a dedicated fanbase, a sequel has yet to be confirmed. However, Liu is passionate about continuing the story and recently expressed his desire for a follow-up in a heartfelt post on Threads.
Liu, who is a self-proclaimed fan of superhero movies, highlighted the importance of the genre. He acknowledged the criticisms surrounding the excessive use of CGI but emphasized that these films also provide a platform where people of color can take center stage as the main characters. Science fiction and fantasy movies encourage us to imagine a world where anything is possible. Liu hopes that the genre will not only survive but also thrive, giving audiences more diverse and inclusive stories.
His post has received significant engagement, with 4,794 likes and 152 replies at the time of writing. It's apparent that fans are eager for a sequel to 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', considering the film's positive reception within Marvel's Phase 4 alongside titles such as 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' and 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'.
In November 2023, director Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously helmed 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', stepped away from 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty' to focus on a potential sequel. It has been almost three years since the release of the first film, and fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Shang-Chi's story. The initial installment resonated with audiences, boasting an impressive audience score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 'A' CinemaScore.
But what about superhero fatigue? Despite the concerns raised by filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese, 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' proved to be a success both critically and commercially. The film garnered a 92% rating on the RT Tomatometer, although its worldwide box office earnings amounted to $432.2 million. Liu himself directly addressed the criticism from Tarantino and Scorsese, acknowledging their filmmaking prowess but highlighting that their opinions shouldn't invalidate the achievements of films like 'Shang-Chi'.
Liu is not the only one excited about the potential for a sequel. Awkwafina, who played a prominent role in the first film, also expressed enthusiasm about returning to the franchise. While fans eagerly await official confirmation of a sequel, they can satisfy their appetite by revisiting the original film. 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' is available for streaming on Disney+.
As fans continue to support Simu Liu's portrayal of Shang-Chi and demand a sequel, it's evident that the character has struck a chord with audiences. Hopefully, Marvel will listen to the clamor and provide a continuation of this exhilarating story, allowing viewers to dive deeper into the world of the Ten Rings. Until then, fans can relive the excitement by revisiting the first installment and basking in the cultural importance and representation that 'Shang-Chi' has brought to the superhero genre.
