Shang-Chi 2 Story Ideas & Wider MCU Connections Pitched By Simu Liu

In a new interview, Simu Liu shares his ideas and the questions he has for Shang-Chi 2. 2021 was a big year for Liu as he finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was officially cast in the role of Shang-Chi back in 2019, with his first solo movie expected to arrive in February 2021. However, the coronavirus pandemic forced some major changes within the MCU’s Phase 4 calendar, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was pushed back to September. Luckily, the delays didn’t diminish excitement for the film; Shang-Chi earned glowing reviews from fans and critics, and it stands as the second highest-grossing film of 2021 domestically.

With all that in mind, it’s no surprise Marvel Studios has greenlit Shang-Chi 2. Director Destin Daniel Cretton is set to return as part of his overall deal with Marvel, and Liu will be back as the lead. It’s expected that at least a select few of those from the first film – such as Awkwafina and Meng’er Zhang – will be back as well. Shang-Chi 2 doesn’t have any kind of release date just yet, but sometime in 2024 is likely the earliest possible date.

Regardless of how long it takes, Liu is very excited about what lies ahead in Shang-Chi 2. In a recent interview with Complex Canada, Liu revealed he’s been thinking a lot about where Shang-Chi can go in the sequel. He was asked exactly what he hopes to explore in the upcoming film, and he laid out what questions are intriguing him. Liu said:

I think just what Shaun decides to do with all this newfound power, you know? It kind of consumed his father, consumed Wenwu. I’m curious as to how someone much younger, much more inexperienced, would fare against the rings. Just this idea of all of a sudden being gifted something that’s so powerful but also so dangerous. And then the other big question I have is, you know, in what way does Shaun fit in with the rest of the MCU? Who are you going to see? What kind of crazy team-ups? What kinda tie-ins, Easter eggs? I’m just as much in the dark and everyone else, so I don’t know anything, but I’m excited to dive into that process.

The Shang-Chi ending found the titular character and his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) pulled into the broader universe of world-ending stakes and galactic adventures. They met with Wong (Benedict Wong), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), and Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) to discuss the incredible power behind the ten rings, which Shang-Chi only just acquired from his father. As Liu said, the question for Shang-Chi 2 now becomes how the hero adjusts to wielding these incredible weapons. The ten rings have only been used for nefarious purposes, but now Shang-Chi has the ability to use them for good. However, how easy will that be? Plus, now that he’s already met some major figures in the MCU, how will he fit into the overall universe? The possibilities are endless.

Clearly, Liu has put a lot of thought into both his character and his arc. One has to hope he’ll get a say in where Shang-Chi goes next, especially since his insight is quite valuable. Right now, nothing is known about the sequel’s plot; Cretton said he has loose ideas for Shang-Chi 2 and its story, but nothing has stuck just yet. With the script in such an early stage, it’ll be some time before more concrete details emerge. Nevertheless, there’s a lot of excitement for Shang-Chi 2 from both the fans and the creatives, and hopefully it will be well worth the wait.