Summary:
- Shang-Chi’s lead actor, Simu Liu, confirms on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that Shang-Chi 2 will happen no matter what.
- Earlier this year, the actor already addressed the matter on Threads, assuring fans that the sequel will be made.
- Liu, alongside actors from the first movie like Awkwafina and Benedict Wong, are all expected to reprise their roles.
Simu Liu, who stars as the titular hero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, recently addressed the concerns surrounding the sequel during his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Despite the buzz around the first film, Shang-Chi 2 is noticeably absent from the current MCU lineup, leaving fans wondering if the sequel will happen at all.
Speaking with Jimmy Fallon, Liu humorously hinted at the tightrope he walks when discussing upcoming projects:
“You want me to lose my job, is that it? This is where I use all the mental gymnastics that I possibly can to answer this question, I will say this. It’s definitely happening, I should probably lead with that.”
People, whether it’s online or in person, ask me every single day and tell me every single day how much they enjoyed the first movie and how much of a moment it was. And I think there’s just so much goodwill, and I’m so deeply appreciative of that,” Liu expressed his gratitude for the ongoing fan support, acknowledging how much the first film meant to audiences.
“So please know that if you’ve ever sent me a message, if you’ve ever asked about a sequel or just approached or any which way, I really take it to heart, and I really, really appreciate it. I think I speak for myself and Destin [Daniel Cretton], our returning director, when I say that we’re so beyond excited to jump back in,” the actor added.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the more successful MCU titles post-Endgame, introducing to the scene a new powerful hero who has the potential to lead the Avengers in the future. However, the production for the sequel is taking way longer than fans anticipated.
While the exact production timeline remains unclear, Shang-Chi 2 is still very much on the agenda, according to Liu. The delay could be partly due to broader scheduling challenges at Marvel Studios, potentially exacerbated by behind-the-scenes changes, such as the recent events with Jonathan Majors.
Earlier this April, Simu Liu already confirmed on Threads that the sequel is still in development. Liu stated, “I proooomiss it’s happening,” though he didn’t reveal any additional information.
Aside from Liu, the much-anticipated sequel set to see the return of key characters played by Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, and Benedict Wong as Katy, Xialing, and Wong, respectively. Fans are also on their feet to see whether Shang-Chi will come to interact with other Avengers in the movie or not, like he did with Bruce Banner and Captain Marvel in the first one.
Though a release date is not confirmed yet by Marvel, Shang-Chi 2 is expected to be released around Phase 6, possibly between the upcoming two Avengers movies: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. For now, let’s wait for further updates from Marvel and Liu himself.
