The sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings needs the original movie’s director, at least according to star Simu Liu. The original film has scored big with critics and audiences, making it arguably the MCU’s biggest hit of 2021 so far. And with Disney and Marvel still collecting box-office profits, it is no wonder they are looking to the future and how to continue the franchise.
Shang-Chi stars Liu as the titular hero, thrust back into the drama of his past as his father and the Ten Rings organization return, and his family is forced to reunite. The film was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who also wrote the screenplay alongside Dave Callaham and Andrew Lanham. From all s, Cretton’s vision is what made Shang-Chi the box-office hit it is, and why so many can relate to the characters and find aspects to enjoy in the movie.
In a new story by THR, Liu says any sequel to the Shang-Chi will need the original director to return. The article demonstrates how Cretton’s ideas are all over the original film, such as his desire to see Asian-Americans in ordinary life (seen by Shang-Chi and Katy out to dinner and karaoke at the beginning and end of the film). It is also pointed out how well he understands the characters and the people playing them, with Liu ing Cretton giving him time to mentally prepare for emotional scenes before starting the camera. According to Liu, who had expected Cretton to return for any sequel:
“It confirms what I already believed, which was that he [Cretton] was very emotionally invested in this character and this world. Also, I was very relieved, because we need him.”
Cretton has been making award-winning films since 2009, where a short film he made in film school premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Since then, he has worked with filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, and Woody Harrelson, making it almost inevitable that his name would eventually make its way to Marvel Studios. He has stated that one of the primary reasons he signed up for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was to give his son “a superhero to look up to.”
Fans are likely to be asking where Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings could go in a sequel, especially with the big set-up during the end credits. Luckily, it seems like Cretton already came up with a few ideas even while filming the original, enough ideas to spawn both another movie and a television series for Disney+. After the success of their first foray into Marvel cinema, the sky might just be the limit for Cretton and company as they continue to tell Shang-Chi’s story in the MCU.
Source: THR
