A new report suggests Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Ms. Marvel may have already shown viewers the Multiverse Saga's replacement for the Infinity Stones as the franchise's central MacGuffin.
As reported by The Illuminerdi, sources close to Marvel Studios claim that Shang-Chi's titular Ten Rings are actually of extraterrestrial origin, as is the bangle worn by Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel. The report explains that both artifacts came from the same alien origin and were left on Earth "long ago." The ancient weapons will reportedly fill the same role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's narrative as the Infinity Stones did during the Infinity Saga, with both acting as parts of a larger overarching narrative.
Many eagle-eyed MCU fans have already spotted the clues connecting Kamala's bangle and the Ten Rings. The third episode of Ms. Marvel, "Destined," revealed that the Clandestines first discovered the bangle in British-occupied India in the ruins of a collapsed temple. Viewers pointed out that the insignia of the Ten Rings, the ancient criminal organization founded by Shang-Chi's father Wenwu, can be seen on the floor of the ruins. Additionally, the bangle was found affixed to the wrist of a blue-skinned corpse, suggesting the artifacts could be of Kree origin.
Shang-Chi's mid-credits scene also suggests that the Rings are far more ancient than even Wenwu was aware of. In the clip, Captain Marvel, Bruce Banner and Wong tell the film's heroes that the weapons are unlike anything any of them have ever seen before and that they double as some sort of magical beacon. Shang-Chi star Simu Liu revealed in 2021 that this mid-credits scene "sets up what is to come" in the MCU, adding further weight to the report that the Rings will play a larger role in the Multiverse Saga's future.
What's to Come in the Multiverse Saga
Revealed at Marvel Studios' San Diego Comic-Con panel in July, the Multiverse Saga is the ongoing follow-up to the first three phases of the MCU. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige recently said this new Saga rests on the shoulders of Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror. "It's really impressive what Jonathan Majors is able to do," Feige said. "And all the different incarnations, variants, if you will, of Kang that we will see him do. It's really pretty cool."
Ms. Marvel and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings are both available to stream on Disney+.
Source: The Illuminerdi