Marvel Studios went ahead and dropped the first teaser trailer for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. There were reports that the trailer could drop in the next few weeks and even star Simu Liu hoped for that to be the case. However, he was pleasantly surprised that the trailer was released online on his birthday as a present. It appears Marvel wanted to surprise the actor as well.
On the topic of the trailer, it kicks some serious butt. With Shang-Chi’s Asian roots, Marvel’s focus has been to amp up the action significantly and it’s evident. The fight choreography is stunning and as they do with each of their MCU movies, Marvel Studios is looking to blend in the martial arts genre with superhero fare. With flashbacks to the young Shang-Chi’s life, it’s a story that could span about 10 years, which means it’ll be interesting to see how it skirts around the events of Infinity War and Endgame.
Speaking of which, we get our first look at the Mandarin, in the flesh. And nope, not the fake Trevor Slattery portrayed by Ben Kingsley in Iron Man 3 (although fans are wondering if he’ll make an appearance, seeing as the real Mandarin kidnapped him in the short All Hail the King). Instead, we get the real Mandarin, played by Tony Leung who is responsible for the Ten Rings organization. Hopefully, Feige and team will do this Mandarin justice.
There’s a great action scene with an action sequence set in a train as it rides over multiple cars that’s sure to be the hallmark of promotions in the months ahead. It’s great to see Marvel continue to honor and represent its new heroes even as it makes inroads into developing its established franchises and team-ups.
Here’s what Simu Liu had to say in an amusing reaction to the trailer.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings releases in theaters on September 3, 2021. That date, much like anything this year is subject to change. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a screenplay by David Callaham and stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng, and Michelle Yeoh. Let me know what you thought of the trailer in the comments below.