Since the first Iron Man film, the Ten Rings organization has been shrouded in mystery. At first, they seemed like nothing more than a terrorist cell that wanted Tony Stark to build them weapons of mass destruction. But with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, it becomes clear that this organization is something far more sophisticated. With the release of its latest trailer, the film also manages to connect with the events that took place in 2008.
Following Iron Man, the Ten Rings was seen briefly in Iron Man 2 and took a more prominent role once again until Iron Man 3. However, it was quickly revealed to be a ruse set up by Aldrich Killian, who even employed a false Mandarin to sell his political agenda. It wasn't confirmed until the Marvel one-shot All Hail the King that the Ten Rings and the Mandarin are very real, and the sinister leader wasn't happy with how Killian slandered his name. Since then, they made a brief appearance in Ant-Man but have remained largely unexplored.
In Shang-Chi's "Run It" trailer, the hero's father, Wenwu, sends some of his fighters to bring his son home. When the two finally reunite, Shang-Chi asks his dad, "How did you find me?" To which Wenwu responds, "I always know where my children are." As he says this, a wall of monitors is shown with someone watching them. The largest monitor shows the same backdrop and Ten Rings members who stood behind Tony Stark when he was taken captive. While the scene is brief, it shows that Wenwu has had his eyes on the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for many years.
For now, there's been no further explanation as to why he kidnapped Stark, but based on his connections and ability to spread his influence around the world, it's clear that the Mandarin is more connected than perhaps even Hydra. When he had Tony in captivity, he wanted to have him build the Jericho missile, a weapon of untold destructive power. While Wenwu carries his own special power with his Ten Rings, it's possible he wanted to have an arsenal to keep his enemies in line while the real danger stayed wrapped around his arms.
The Ten Rings also appeared in Ant-Man when Darren Cross was selling his Yellowjacket formula. While the Ten Rings' motivations aren't known, this marks the second time they have tried to purchase weapons of war. It's clear that Wenwu desires power, but it's not understood if he wants to use it or to demonstrate that he isn't an enemy to be taken lightly. Nevertheless, he has been working behind the scenes in some of the most pivotal moments of the MCU to try and gain the upper hand.
There is still much to be learned about the Ten Rings once the film comes out. But the confirmation that this is indeed the same organization that captured Tony proves that they have been working in the shadows for quite some time. Yet, even with the knowledge that the organization has been secretly at work, it looks like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will finally shed some light on what has really been going on with Wenwu and the Ten Rings.
The Ten Rings will finally be explored in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, only in theaters on Sept. 3.