$432 million worldwide: Will one of Marvel's best films get a sequel? – Movie News
After the box office success of “Deadpool & Wolverine”, will Marvel relaunch the “Shang-Chi” franchise by offering a second installment to this popular superhero?
Released in theaters on September 1, 2021, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings did not have the expected success at the global box office with $432 million collected. However, it remains one of the Marvel films best rated by viewers with 3.8 out of 5.
Is a sequel possible?
Influenced by a whole section of Asian action cinema, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in the lead, it presents itself as a good surprise that allows the MCU to take a welcome step back. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and carried by Simu Liu, Shang-Chi was quite well appreciated by the general public, who wonder if a sequel is planned on the Marvel Studios side.
Fans were expecting an announcement at the last San Diego Comic Con, but the House of Ideas preferred to bet everything on the revelation of Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU in the role of Dr. Doom.
After the bitter failures of The Marvels and Ant-Man Quantumania, Marvel was forced to revise its copy. In addition, the legal troubles of Jonathan Majors, the actor who played the big bad Kang, did not help matters for the House of Ideas; the latter had to dismiss the actor, convicted of domestic violence and change its plans for the continuation of the MCU.
The revival of the MCU?
However, Deadpool & Wolverine, released on July 24, allowed Marvel to regain some color at the box office. Moreover, the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Fatalis in the future Avengers Doomsday and Secret Wars has revived the public's interest in the continuation of the superhero adventures. Will Shang-Chi 2 have the chance to be put back in the spotlight?
According to actress Awkwafina, who played Katy in the first opus, this seems compromised. Questioned by ComicBook.comthe artist delivered disappointing news. “I haven't heard anything about the sequel. I don't know anything more other than the exciting announcements revealed at Comic Con.”she replied.
For the moment, Shang-Chi 2 seems to be on hold, despite the enthusiasm of Simu Liu who often repeats that the project is still on track. Furthermore, director Destin Daniel Cretton had thrown in the towel after being hired to direct Avengers 5. Has he been in conflict with Marvel since this disagreement with the firm?
Finally, the Russo brothers returned to the business to direct Doomsday and Secret Wars. The first will be released on April 29, 2026 and the second on May 5, 2027. In the absence of a second solo film, Shang-Chi may appear in both of these films.