Marvel has just dropped the official teaser for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
The 19th of April marked the trailer’s upload to Marvel’s YouTube channel. Just a few days after its release, the trailer has already accumulated over 12 million views. One of the first films in Marvel’s phase 4 line-up, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduces both new characters whilst tying in familiar aspects.
The Trailer
We are greeted by a montage of scenes of the main character and a voice-over. As the trailer progresses, the father and son dynamic is made clear. It is also evident that the speaker and main character are on opposing sides.
Featured prominently in the trailer is a masked figure who fans have identified as ‘Death Dealer’. In many of the scenes he can be seen locked in battle against Shang-Chi. A villain in the comics, many have gathered that the character will be one of the main antagonists within the film.
Also appearing to take on an antagonistic role is Shang-Chi’s father, who is shown to be the leader of the ‘Ten Rings’. Within the comics, the ‘Ten Rings’ are a multinational organization set on destroying world peace. Producer Kevin Feige has noted that the ‘Ten Rings’ have previously appeared throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This includes the first film in the franchise ‘Iron Man’.
Changes
Deviating from the comics, Shang-Chi’s father in the film is Wenwu, also known as ‘The Mandarin’. This change stems from concern over the portrayal of the original character, who is an Asian stereotype in the comics.
While Death Dealer retains his role as a figure associated with Shang-Chi’s father, their backstory appears altered. ‘Death Dealer’ is bestowed his name by Shang-Chi’s father in the comics. This follows after Shang-Chi attempts to take down ‘Death Dealer’ due to the figure’s cruel and brutal actions. Within the film, ‘Death Dealer’ appears in Shang-Chi’s youth as his trainer.
Cast
Simu Liu will be playing the titular Shang-Chi; who was trained to be an assassin in his youth. Playing the hero’s friends will be Awkwafina as Katy and Ronny Chieng as Jon Jon. Taking on the role of ‘Ten Rings’ leader and Shang-Chi’s father will be Tony Leung. While featuring heavily in the trailer, no actor has been announced for masked figure ‘Death Dealer’. Additionally, Florian Munteanu will appear as ‘Razor Fist’ a combatant seen fighting Shang-Chi.
Fan Reaction
Reception to the teaser has been mixed. While some were disappointed by the trailer’s content, others expressed enthusiasm. One fan tweeted:
Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings is slated to hit cinemas on the 3rd September 2021.
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