Shang-Chi Leaves a Historic Mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Franchise

Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings, Marvel’s newest blockbuster, is a powerful change to the traditional films part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

As the first Marvel film to have a lead Asian superhero and a predominantly Asian and Asian-American cast, Shang-Chi breaks the long-line of Marvel films based on white men.

Asian superheroes are far from new to Marvel. In the original comics, hundreds of superheroes were of Asian origin, including Shang-Chi, who was created in the 1970s. Yet, of these, Shang-Chi is the first to earn a major role as part of a Marvel film.

The plot follows Shang-Chi (played by Simu Liu), a skilled martial-artist, who, following his mother’s death, was forced to grow up complying with the demands of his father, the owner of the mighty Ten Rings.

After being estranged by his family, Shang-Chi attempts to create a new life for himself in America under the alias Shaun, a valet driver. Conflict sparks when his father’s Ten Ring army confronts Shang-Chi and reveals a plan that forces him to face his past.

The film represents another major step forward toward greater representation of the Asian community.

When discussing the role, Liu told reporters, “It’s so rare that… people that look like me are thrust into those positions and I think it’s tremendously empowering.”

Additionally, after over a decade of Marvel films, MCU fans of the Asian community can finally relate to an on-screen character.

Deston Daniel Cretton, the film’s director and a Hawaii native, told BBC, “I never had a superhero who I could identify with when I was a kid, and to be able to have an option for a new generation of kids who look like me or who have a similar background as me, that’s very special.”

The cast and crew of the film have also used this film as an opportunity to advocate for the Asian community in various ways.

For example, Liu is prepared to use this newfound recognition and his new platform to speak out for the Asian community and launch some of his own projects.

The filmmakers also saw the film as a chance to dispel some Asian stereotypes. They wanted to portray Asians as funny and charming and show that they can be romantically viable.

In this way, Shang-Chi is not only the first Asian-led Marvel film, but also an influential avenue to inform others about the Asian community and combat Asian hate.