Who Is Shang Chi & Our Thoughts On The New Trailer

Marvel has been hitting it out of the park for over a decade now. There has yet to be a notable dip in quality since the cinematic universes' first installment with Iron Man back in 2008. I think now after 23 films, audiences have a built-in trust that what they are going to get. However, the franchise has yet to take many risks. However, in 2021 they are taking a big one, exploring a lesser-known character in the Marvel canon with Shang Chi. Who is Shang Chi you may ask? Well, that’s what I am here to talk about today. I am going to discuss who Shang Chi is and my initial thoughts on the trailer.

Who is Shang Chi? Shang Chi first appeared in Marvel Comics ‘Special Marvel Edition issue 15 in 1973. The character is known as the master of kung fu, trained from infancy by his father in the martial art. Fighting the ten rings, a terrorist organisation that has featured in Marvel outings Iron Man and Iron Man 3. The character has yet to feature on-screen and has had a turbulent journey to the silver screen. Back in 2001 a film was in development from 20th Century Fox, however, the project never eventuated into anything until 2018, when it was announced that Marvel was bringing the character to the big screen with ‘Shang Chi & The Legend of The 10 Rings. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cotton who previously helmed Short-Term 12, Just Mercy, and The Glass Castle to great critical success. The film is set to hit theatres in September 2021, but on April 19th we received our first teaser poster and trailer for the film.

Overall, I enjoyed the trailer, we got a great insight into who the character is and a glimpse of the journey to come. Simu Lui is playing the title character and he looks to be fantastic in the film. There seems to be a strong emphasis on creative and realistic fight sequences. I am a sucker for great action, and I love down to earth, and well-choreographed fight sequences. As the film is centered on a martial arts master, it would only make sense for the fight sequences to reflect this. The film seems to focus heavily on the practical side of the action, with great stunt work also on display. The trailer also introduces an alliance as well between Shang Chi and Katy played by Awkwafina. The two looks like they have amazing chemistry with one another, which will play well.
Overall, I am really excited to see this film as I believe it will be a different path and direction for Marvel to take. I applaud the studio for attempting something different. I love the big-budget, action thrills of the franchise, but I also appreciate a smaller story set within the universe. I am looking forward to seeing this on the biggest screen possible on September 3rd. 

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here