The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s newest hero, Shang-Chi, made his debut in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on Sept. 3. The film’s official synopsis tells audiences that Shang-Chi must “confront the past he thought he left behind” when he finds himself becoming tangled in the Ten Rings organization’s web once again. As the MCU’s first leading Asian hero, the film represents Marvel Studios’ push for diversity on and off the screen and an attempt to enrich the existing universe. In Black Widow, audiences saw a sliver of the criminal underbelly that runs throughout the universe, but Shang-Chi takes audiences even deeper into that world and shows a previously ignored aspect of the MCU.

Originally supposed to be released on Feb. 12, 2021, the first day of the Chinese New Year (a marketing tactic that goes hand-in-hand with the Chinese hero), Shang-Chi will finally make its way to theaters seven months later on Sept. 3, 2021. It is already in theaters and will not be afforded a concurrent streaming release through the Premier Access program on Disney+. The film has done spectacularly well with audiences and critics alike due to its comedic timing, martial arts fight scenes and uber-talented cast.

Keep up to date on the latest MCU film, including its release date, trailers, featurettes, plot and news, right here on CBR’s Shang-Chi Hub Page.

RELATED: Marvel Studios Declares Shang-Chi the MCU's Newest Avenger

Shang-Chi Cast, Crew and Interviews

Director Destin Daniel Cretton, himself a Japanese-American man, actively worked with the source material, taking away some of its more problematic and racist elements to (hopefully) put forth a story that will speak to the Asian diaspora. He and Dave Callaham teamed up to write the screenplay as well. The film is led by Simu Liu in the titular role, Tony Leung as his father Wenwu/The Mandarin and Awkwafina as his friend Katy. Also in the supporting cast is Michelle Yeoh -- who was previously in Guardian of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 as Aleta -- as Jiang Nan, Benedict Wong returning in his Doctor Strange role Wong and Florian Munteanu as Razor Fist.

Shang-Chi News & Reviews

Simu Liu in Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Early social media buzz and initial reviews characterize Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as one of the best movies in the MCU because of its creative martial arts sequences, the performances and a compelling script. The film is currently "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, with a critics' score of 92 percent and a whopping audience score of 98 percent. Its success is even credited with the release date of Venom: Let There Be Carnage being moved up. Here, you'll find an ongoing list of reviews and initial reactions for the film both ahead and after its release.

Shang-Chi Easter Eggs and MCU References

As the twenty-fifth installment in a thirteen-year-in-the-making franchise, Shang-Chi is full of Easter eggs and call-backs to previous MCU films. Since all of the films and shows in the MCU are interconnected, here's what the known Easter eggs and references mean for the film and for the future of the franchise.

RELATED: Why Marvel Redesigned Shang-Chi's Ten Rings

Shang-Chi Theories and Rumors

Shang-Chi Wong 2

What have fans been saying about Shang-Chi now that it's been released? Read some theories about what's next for the MCU because of the events that unfolded in the film here.

KEEP READING: Every MCU Phase Four Film & Series Releasing After Shang-Chi