Shang-Chi 2 Return Chances Get Optimistic Update From Awkwafina: “He Might Have Something Exciting”

After having made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in the first movie, Awkwafina is optimistic about her Shang-Chi 2 return chances. The Golden Globe winner starred in the 2019 blockbuster hit as Katy, the best friend of Simu Liu’s eponymous hero who learns of his past as the son of the leader of the Ten Rings and attempts to help him confront his personal demons. Development on a Shang-Chi sequel was announced a few months after the first movie became a critical and commercial hit, though no timeline has been given for its release.

While speaking exclusively with Screen Rant for the Hulu comedy movie Quiz Lady, in which she both stars and produces, Awkwafina was asked her thoughts on a potential MCU return. The actor was very enthusiastic about reprising her role as Katy in the franchise, be it in Shang-Chi 2 or another project, and though she notes not yet knowing what’s next, she teased that co-writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton may already have an idea in the works. See what Awkwafina shared below:

If it does happen, I’m just really excited to see where Katy will go. I think Destin is such an amazing filmmaker, working with him was incredible on the first Shang-Chi. I really think that he might have something exciting, so I’m very excited for that.

Why Shang-Chi 2 Needs Awkwafina’s Katy

Though not timeline had been given on when the sequel would release, Liu previously indicated that Shang-Chi 2 was planned to arrive sometime after 2025’s Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which was originally set to be directed by Cretton. A recent report revealed that Cretton had actually stepped down from the directing position of the crossover movie. However, it also indicated that part of his reasoning for doing so was to better focus on developing said sequel as well as put the finishing touches on the Wonder Man miniseries he co-created starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the titular role and Ben Kingsley reprising his role of Trevor Slattery from Iron Man 3 and the first Shang-Chi.

While it’s unclear if this bigger dedication means the movie will be coming sooner, one can hope that it at least leads Cretton to reuniting with Liu and Awkwafina sooner than later. One of the key reasons the first Shang-Chi proved to be such a hit was the performances from its cast, including that of Awkwafina, who was praised for her comedic abilities and the chemistry shown with Liu throughout the movie. Her role as Katy was also highlighted for being a rare instance of a strictly platonic relationship with the male hero in the MCU, and one that was developed authentically.

Another key reason why Awkwafina should return for Shang-Chi 2 is the amount of development she herself underwent throughout the first movie. Initially acting as the audience’s surrogate in exploring the mystical world of the Ten Rings, Katy fully became a powerful figure in her own right, making for a fitting companion as Shang-Chi continues to explore his father’s rings, as teased in the first movie’s post-credits scene. With Awkwafina just as keen to reunite with Cretton and Liu in the sequel, one can hope it gets off the ground in the very near future.