Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings showed audiences that Marvel Studios is capable of creating an entertaining and respectful film about martial arts and the importance of family. But with Shang-Chi's first adventure concluded, the sky is the limit for where the sequel could lead and where Simu Liu's titular character could go next. With Marvel Studios confirming another film in the works, this article will dive into some of the characters that should appear to help or hinder Shang's further exploration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Shadow Slasher
Xi Shan-Hao, aka Shadow Slasher, is a villain created by Doug Moench and Don Heck and appeared in the pages of Master of Kung Fu #98. Shadow Slasher is a highly-skilled fighter always looking for the next challenge. Since Shang-Chi faced enemies that didn't require a test of his martial prowess, Shadow Slasher acts as the perfect antagonist.
By challenging Shang-Chi at every turn, he is ideal for detracting the hero and pushing him further to be a better fighter, pushing himself and his opponent to grow in skill with each bout. Shadow Slasher's skills in Kung Fu and Karate can also act as a way to test Shang-Chi's own knowledge of martial arts, expanding his talents.
Moving Shadow
Another martial arts enemy, Moving Shadow, was created by Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy and first appeared in Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu #1 in 2002. In the comics, Moving Shadow is more than a martial arts opponent for Shang-Chi; he's actually the hero's half-brother. Disappointed with his son's betrayal, Shang-Chi's father has another son that's wholly devoted to his father's cause and sends him to kill Shang-Chi.
While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings only shows Xialing as the hero's sister, it's possible Wenwu fathered many children in his centuries of conquering. Plus, with the Ten Rings organization being reformatted, it leaves a power vacuum that Moving Shadow could take advantage of, taking on Xialing for control of their father's organization and battling Shang-Chi, under the impression that he's to blame for their father's death.
Fin Fang Foom
Fin Fang Foom is an alien shapeshifter from the planet Maklu IV. Though he looks monstrous, he's actually highly intelligent with an understanding of alien technology and a host of dangerous abilities. However, he isn't a traditional Shang-Chi villain, but the rings obtained by the Mandarin hail from his planet.
With the film's post-credits scene teasing the rings as a beacon, calling something, it's possible they could be paging Foom. If true, his appearance would be even more dangerous than the Dweller-In-Darkness and would take all of Shang-Chi's skills and smarts to beat him. He may look a bit ridiculous, but anything is possible in a universe where the Tracksuit Mafia, TVA and dragons exist.
Fat Cobra
Like Wolverine, Fat Cobra has lived for over a century and is one of the Immortal Weapons from the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven. In his years, he has fought alongside superheroes and Gods and even learned opera and martial arts. His skill is as great as his appetite, and he has often helped the likes of Iron Fist to combat beasts like dragons.
While he's gruff on the outside, Fat Cobra's ability to control his chi hints at a greater peace within him. His appearance in Shang-Chi could work well for the hero who is constantly learning to be a better fighter. With the wisdom of Fat Cobra guiding him, Shang-Chi could add yet another skill under his belt.
Iron Fist
Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the martial arts world of the MCU, Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist, is the champion of K'un L'un, a mystical city similar to Ta Lo. While his presence hasn't been confirmed in the MCU, he's the only other fighter as renowned in the comics as Shang-Chi.
Should his long-awaited return to live-action come in the Shang-Chi sequel, the two could be great opponents turned allies and further expand the lore with the city of K'un L'un. But until more details are given, he is likely to be one of the most anticipated characters to join the MCU since Daredevil and help usher Shang into the world of street-level heroes.