Marvel Studios is finally bringing the martial arts prodigy Shang-Chi to life in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. While this isn't the first attempt at bringing the kung-fu hero to the big screen, this is the first time he has been integrated into a larger connected universe. Thus, Shang-Chi could open the door for another Marvel hero to return: Danny Rand/Iron Fist.
Created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin, Shang-Chi first appeared slightly before Roy Thomas and Gil Kane created Iron Fist in 1974's Marvel Premiere #15. The two martial arts-centric heroes came from very different backgrounds but have met from time to time on various adventures. Despite their shared history, though, the two haven't crossed over with each other in a while.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's first outing with Iron Fist didn't go well. The Netflix series, which was titled Iron Fist, was not well liked, and the pacing made it so that fans never even got to see Danny Rand in his iconic costume. Sadly, the show was cancelled just as the story began to pick up. However, now that Iron Fist's rights have finally been returned to Marvel Studios, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the perfect time to bring him back.
Shang-Chi's upcoming film is the perfect opportunity for these heroes to cross paths once again while simultaneously reintegrating Iron Fist into the MCU. With so much set to be explored in the new film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings doesn't necessarily need to see Iron Fist reappear in the flesh. Instead, the film could easily just name-drop the city of K'un L'un, where Iron Fist trained. With potential LEGO sets teasing a dragon's appearance, there may also be room to name-drop Shao Lao, the undying dragon that grants users the power of the Iron Fist. These moments could be small so as not to detract from the main plot while still setting up a future appearance.
Still, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings could easily feature Danny Rand in some minor role. However, if this did happen, it's unclear whether Finn Jones -- who played the character on Iron Fist -- would reprise his role. While there have long been rumors about the MCU bringing in Marvel Netflix actors, there's a solid chance Marvel Studios will recast the role. Still, allowing Jones to return might give him a second chance to win over audiences.
If Iron Fist were to appear in Shang-Chi's movie, it would have to be done in a way that doesn't take away from the film's titular character. However, with Shang-Chi finally bringing martial arts to the MCU, Iron Fist is certain to get reintroduced sooner rather than later, and there may be no more fitting time than Legend of the Ten Rings.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Daniel Callaham, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu, Tony Leung, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Jiang Nan, Meng'er Zhang. Ronny Chieng, Fala Chen and Jiang Len. The film arrives in theaters July 9.