Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) doubles as Marvel Studio's first wuxia-influenced martial arts film and as its first Asian-led superhero movie. The two accolades are game-changers for the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward, and Shang-Chi star Simu Liu is hopeful that his character will join in on an Avengers-level crossover.
Shang-Chi is set up to become one of Marvel's next big characters as the studio breaks into its new chapter of storytelling, opening up more possibilities for the Master of Kung Fu. Liu spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his Marvel Studios future.
"In terms of what's next, I know what's on my mind is that same as what's on everybody else's mind, and hopefully, there's an Avengers in the future, somewhere," Liu said, "Obviously, I don’t know anything about that, but being such a big fan of the whole franchise, I know that that’s the gold star."
The Direct previously reported that in an interview with IGN that Marvel CCO Kevin Feige teases future Avengers movies. “I would have to think so. I would have to say yes, at some point,” Feige answered when prompted about Avengers movies past Avengers: Endgame (2019). Feige remains clear that the MCU is more focused on "beginnings" for characters making their way into live-action work, and emphasizes that there is no new Avengers movie yet.
There are ten new Marvel productions that will be released in 2021 alone, and then twelve Marvel titles are planned for 2022. Beyond Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Fantastic Four, it's unsure of what will come in 2023. There is the intent of turning over the new phase of the MCU to heroes that haven't been seen before, which could potentially give the next Avengers team a brand-new look. After four installations of the Avengers saga utilized almost every character present within the films leading up to Avengers: Endgame, the refreshed team will bring together new faces if they're to assemble once again.