After his confirmed casting as Shang-Chi at Comic-Con International in San Diego 2019, Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu had a couple of hilarious reactions to the big news on Twitter.Lui tweeted Marvel way back in December 2018 saying, "OK @Marvel, are we gonna talk or what #ShangChi [?]" After last night's announcement, Liu responded to the previous tweet with a couple of hilarious, tongue-in-cheek additions.
The actor went on to comment with a more impassioned, but no less celebratory tweet the next day, remarking on the true importance of his casting and the newest MCU film's inclusion in Marvel Studios' upcoming slate:
Liu is well-known for his role as Mr. Kim's dopey son in the CBC sitcom Kim's Convenience and has also made appearances on The Expanse, Fresh Off the Boat and Orphan Black.Â
During the Marvel Studios panel, it was also announced that Shang-Chi would feature Tony Leung Chiu-wai as the villain The Mandarin. While Shang-Chi will be Leung's first Hollywood film, the actor is considered one of Asia's most successful. Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina is also set to appear in the film.
Not much has been revealed about the plot of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but since the Mandarin is set to appear, he will likely be the main villain. The character of Shang-Chi was originally created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin in 1972.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and releases on February 12, 2021.