One of the most intriguing aspects of Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings is how it expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film ends with the martial artist working with the Avengers regarding potential cosmic threats after the revelation of Ta-Lo being connected to other realms. However, while this does set up a great angle for a sequel, it is the in-the-works Disney+ series that could act as the perfect continuation of the family story.
It has been confirmed director Destin Daniel Cretton will be helming the follow-up, as well as a mysterious TV show for the streaming service. But rather than focus on what Shang-Chi's role will be with Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the idea of legacy left behind by Shang-Chi's dad, Wenwu, can be addressed with Shang-Chi's sister, Xialing, in a show.
The movie concluded with her taking over the Ten Rings, working with her father's former charges, such as Razor Fist and the former ringmaster at the Golden Daggers Club in Macau, Jon Jon. She's found training a new legion, with women now included, which paints an intriguing picture. But the cliffhanger needs to be detailed properly, so rather than tackling it a Shang-Chi sequel, where it may be treated as secondary, it should get its own series.
That film should deal with his destiny as one of Ta-Lo's protectors, with the series instead crafting a slow-burn, character portrait with Xialing, who admittedly didn't get as much screen time as she deserved. And her journey organically fits Disney+, which has focused much of its attention on MCU characters who often were not center stage in their respective films. Cretton can then dissect her breaking the idea of toxic masculinity in the group while wanting to reshape it as a world power that walks a fine line between hero and villain. Hydra and the Red Room are already secret organizations that sought dominance, so it would be a nice change of pace if the Ten Rings redeems itself under Xialing, while also drawing the ire of heroes who may see them as extremist vigilantes.
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And as she course-corrects her dad's selfish ways and their overall dynasty, there's conflict already built-in already. Other freed Black Widows could join the Ten Rings, which can see Valentina Allegra de Fontaine using Yelena and U.S. Agent to go after Xialing. This easily fashions a tale of Xialing wanting to make a name for herself, only to possibly fall to the very dark side she's trying to combat.
What also makes sense with Xialing's mission is how Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Hawkeye have both approached the more grounded side of the MCU. The films deal with bombastic spectacles and multiversal threats, but these shows focus on politics, equality, social justice and changing the world on a less escapist level. Xialing's battle to become a beacon of hope while trying to fend off the monster inside with the Ten Rings would be a direction fans can attach themselves to. But more than that, it would give her character more agency by taking an amazing woman with potential out of the shadow of her brother.
To see Xialing's rise to power, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is streaming now on Disney+.