Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings : 5 Remarkable things you should know

Marvel Studios finally released a teaser trailer for its first Asian superhero movie; Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. As it can be seen from the trailer, the world Shang Chi seems to lives in is totally new in terms of what we’ve already seen. Most of you don’t really know what this movie is going to be about.

So here are some things you should know about this movie.

Who is Shang Chi?

The character of Shang Chi was first introduced by Marvel in 1973 because of the success of the TV show “Kung Fu”. Shang Chi then goes on and becomes the master of Kung Fu. In the comics, he is the son of the character named Fu Manchu but Marvel lost the rights to this character. Hence, in the movie, we’ll see him as the son of a character named Wenwu who is also “The Mandarin”.

In the comics, Shang Chi initially thought that his father is a good person and therefore fought his cousins alongside his father. Later on when he finds the truth about his father and becomes an MI6 agent. He also, finds his own spy agency Freelance Restorations Ltd and kills his father Fu Manchu. Shang Chi then decides to lead a normal life until he has to become an MI6 agent again. Shang Chi also becomes a part of the Secret Avengers, main Avengers, had a fling with Domino, formed The Protectors and a joined a new, all-Asian team of Marvel superheroes.

But as far as movies are concerned, it can be said that Shang-Chi is kind of Bruce Lee of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The only thing that MCU is doing is that they’ll probably give him an origin story by mentioning some part of Chinese Mythology.

This time we’re getting the real “Mandarin”

“The Ten Rings” were first shown in Iron Man 1 then again in Iron Man 2. Finally, “Mandarin” was mentioned in Iron Man 3 but then the character turned out to be fake. So, it seems like Marvel Studios has already teased Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings’ presence somewhere in Phase 1 & 2.

At the end of Marvel One-Shot All Hail the King, a member of the Ten Rings broke Trevor out of prison, and told him that the real Mandarin wanted to talk to him. Also, in one of the deleted scenes from the first Ant-Man movie when Darren Cross is trying to sell his Yellowjacket armor, a Ten Rings member with a barely concealed tattoo is present during the buy.

Mandarin is the head of the organization that seems to hurt people. Also, we’ll see Mandarin as the main villain in Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings with Death Dealer as his Chief-Lieutenant.

Shang Chi’s father Wenwu wanted him to be on his side and therefore trained Shang Chi under Death Dealer. Death Dealer trains Shang Chi well but Shang Chi decides to leave China and reside in San Francisco.

Mandarin seems to be ages old as there are scenes of war from ancient times. Looks like the rings are providing him the power to be immortal.

The Legend of the Ten Rings

In the comics, the ten rings are finger rings and each of the ring has a purpose and a name. This is similar to the infinity stones.

In the movie however, the finger rings take place the form of large rings that can be worn on the hands.

The movie will give an explanation to the origin of the rings.

Shang Chi in Avengers 5

Marvel Studios is current laying the foundations for Avengers 5 likely to be led by Captain Marvel. As the movie is not yet announced, MCU has the chance to build as many story lines and as many characters it wants.

As already discussed above about Shang Chi’s history in the comics, in movies too, Shang Chi’s story may take a similar turn. Shang Chi also leads his team called “Agents of Atlas” (Asian Team of Marvel Superheroes) and may share screen space with the Avengers in the future.

Shang Chi’s World

Black Panther’s character originated from African mythology whereas Shang Chi’s character here deals with his origin from the East-Asian mythology. The dogs that are always beside the Chinese temples can be seen in the trailer. Along with this, there’s Shang Chi and Mandarin in their comic accurate costume.

There can be a giant dragon at some point in the movie as it can be seen in the trailer here.

Other than that, there’s no mention of the time when the events in the movie take place. So, far there’s no mention or description of “The Snap” or “The Blip” here. So, it’s safe to assume that the movie takes place after Avengers: Endgame. There’s a possibility that Jimmy Woo may show up in this movie or in the post credit scene.

Shang Chi hits the big screen on September 3, 2021.

Sources – Variety, Polygon, Emergence Awesome