A new rumor has revealed when Marvel fans can expect to see Shang-Chi 2 hit theaters.
According to Reddit (via The Direct), trusted sources have reported that the untitled Shang-Chi sequel will be released in theaters on February 14, 2025. If true, the upcoming sequel will be part of Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which will kick off in November 2024 with Fantastic Four. Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is expected to return as both writer and director on the sequel. Simu Liu is also expected back as the titular hero, who now wields the full power of the ten rings.
The release date rumor comes shortly after a report suggested that Shang-Chi's ten rings and Ms. Marvel's bangle could become the Multiverse Saga's stand-in for the Infinity Stones. Sources close to Marvel Studios have claimed that since both the ten rings and the bangle have cosmic-based origins, they could reportedly fill the same role in the MCU's narrative as the Infinity Stones did, granting the wearer powerful abilities. Marvel Studios has not revealed at this time whether the Multiverse Saga will have a Macguffin like the Infinity Stones or an overarching antagonist like Thanos.
Simu Liu Teases More Shang-Chi in the MCU
Whether Shang-Chi's ten rings will play a more important part in the MCU remains to be seen, but Marvel fans can expect more of Shang-Chi himself in the future. Liu has teased that the character will be appearing in the next two Avengers films: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. "I don't want to jump the gun or anything, but I feel like there might be room for me in a couple of those, wouldn't you say?," he stated, the day after Marvel Studios announced its upcoming slate at San Diego Comic Con 2022. "I was watching the presentation from... basically from Twitter and being like 'Oh, I'm going to be busy! I'm going to be busy the next few years.'"
If Shang-Chi 2 does release in 2025, it means Cretton will have a busy couple of years ahead of him as the director is also slated to helm Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. The film, which will be written by Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania writer Jeff Loveness, will most likely feature the titular superhero team going up against Jonathan Majors' villainous Kang the Conqueror.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is available to stream on Disney+.
Source: Reddit, via The Direct