As expected, Marvel's Phase 4 announcement confirmed that the MCU's first Asian superhero is on the way in the form of Shang-Chi, AKA the Master of Kung-Fu.

It was confirmed in December 2018 that Marvel was fast-tracking a big-screen outing for the character, who made his comics debut in December 1973 following the huge success of martial-arts movies like Enter the Dragon.

Marvel Comics

And its official announcement at Comic-Con also confirmed that the Shang-Chi movie will have a very intriguing connection to a previous MCU movie and a notoriously divisive twist.

Here's everything you need to know so far.

Shang-Chi movie release date: When can we expect it?

Marvel's first Asian superhero will arrive on February 12, 2021 in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

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Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, with Simu Liu, Awkwafina and Tony Leung, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. In theaters February 12, 2021. pic.twitter.com/VXaqJ5uN6B — Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019

It's not clear whether it will have the traditional earlier release in the UK, and we don't know when filming will start, but it's likely to begin in late 2019 or early 2020 at the latest.



Shang-Chi movie cast: Who will be in it?

The Comic-Con announcement confirmed that Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu (Kim's Convenience) will be taking on the lead role of Shang-Chi.

It was also revealed that the movie would feature the real Mandarin after THAT Iron Man 3 twist with Tony Leung taking on the key role of the villainous leader of the Ten Rings.

Awkwafina has also been cast in the movie, but in an unconfirmed role so far.

Behind the scenes, the movie is being written by Chinese-American writer Dave Callaham who most recently co-wrote Wonder Woman 1984 with Patty Jenkins and Geoff Johns.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Amazon Prime Video

It was also confirmed in March 2019 that Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed Captain Marvel's Brie Larson in Short Term 12, would direct the solo MCU movie.

Shang-Chi movie plot: What will it be about?

Plot details are thin on the ground so far, but the appearance of the Ten Rings could hint that the organisation will have a pivotal role to play in Phase 4.

Marvel Comics

Before the announcement, Shang-Chi co-creator Jim Starlin speculated to Digital Spy that Shang-Chi could well take on the Captain America role in the future of the MCU.

"In some ways, he could take the place of Captain America in the fact that he's the resourceful weak link," he explained.

"He doesn't have any superpowers, he's a martial artist and depending on where they go with the rest of the Marvel Universe, he may end up playing that role I could see. It's speculation, but it makes sense."

Shang-Chi movie trailer: When will it land?

With a 2021 release date, expect to see a trailer next year at some point, likely at Comic-Con.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be released on February 12, 2021.

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