Marvel Studios is fast-tracking Shang-Chi to be its first Asian superhero franchise, reports Deadline
The first Shang-Chi comics appeared in Special Marvel Edition #15 in December 1973. In the comics, Shang-Chi has been training in the martial arts since he was a boy. He trains in a Chinese compound that is closed off from the outside world. Once he sent into the outside world to work for his father, a Chinese globalist and humanitarian named Fu Manchu, he realizes his father is evil and rebels against him. His rebellion begins his path towards becoming a superhero.
The studio has asked Chinese American screenwriter David Callaham to write the screenplay. According to Variety, Callaham co-wrote the upcoming Wonder Woman sequel with Patty Jenkins and Geoff Johns. Deadline reports that the Marvel is already looking at a number of Asian and Asian American directors to direct the film.
Several Asian American actors have tweeted in support and excitement.
Could this be our #BlackPanther?https://t.co/tot2hQY4Xi
— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) December 4, 2018
Some have even expressed interest in acting in the film.
OK @Marvel, are we gonna talk or what #ShangChi
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 3, 2018
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