Phase 3 is over, but the next stage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is already in development.

In addition to movies for Black Widow and Guardians of the Galaxy being planned, and the introduction of the Eternals, Marvel is looking to introduce the first lead Asian American superhero in the form of Shang-Chi.

The movie already has a writer and director, but nobody has been cast in the role of Shang-Chi yet.

Marvel Comics

Casting is in progress, and Marvel has one major requirement. As Variety reporter Justin Kroll reports, the actor must be of Chinese descent. (Although, if we're being honest that's kind of the minimum we'd expect.)

"With Comic-Con closing in, hearing Marvel is putting out test offers for a group of men in their 20s for its SHANG-CHI movie," Kroll wrote. "Marvel has also been adamant to reps offering up their clients for the role that they have to be of Chinese ancestry. No other Asian ancestry.

"Haven't heard any names as it sounds like they are going the discovery route."

Marvel Comics

A number of names have been linked to the role including Ludi Lin. An announcement happening at this month's Comic-Con has also been speculated.

Meanwhile, Avengers: Endgame is setting its sights on overtaking Avatar to become the biggest movie of all-time – and is now less than $8 million away from achieving that.

But it did lose a 2019 record this past weekend, as Chinese indie film The Farewell (starring Awkwafina) managed the best per-screen-average this year so far.

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