We are one week away from the Shang Chi premiere, which of course means that it is time for predictions!
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As we mention in the podcast a few times, Shang Chi has been kept relatively close to Marvel from the beginning. While we obviously understand the general premise, many of the trailers have not included new images and have been the same shots in a different order. This is not the first time Marvel has done this, nor the first time they have given us trailers where we think we understand things, and the actual product is completely different *cough, cough* Loki and WandaVision. However, one thing that Marvel has made clear: we need to see Shang Chi and his Ten Rings on the same level we see Tony and the suit, Cap and his shield, and Thor and Mew Mew. This comparison to us only means one thing, and it is that we are being introduced to someone who is going to help carry us through the next three phases. A big three contender, if you will.
A big question that will be interesting to see answered will be related to the fate of the Ten Rings organization. As we know it, it is a terrorist group with cells located across the world. This additional information given by Shang Chi, that it is based out around the Ten Rings wielded by Shang Chi’s father, means that the organization has been around longer than previously thought. It also means that it likely has had a hand in much more than we are aware. So since we know Shang Chi is going to take on his father, it becomes interesting to theorize what will happen with the organization if Shang Chi wins (which I think we mostly all are assuming he will). Not to be forgotten is Shang Chi’s sister as well, whose side appears to be leaning towards their father. While it is very likely this relationship will play a key role in this film, we have to keep in mind that she may stay loyal to her father and find a way to continue the organization.
For films such as this one, it can be difficult to make predictions. This is due primarily to the fact that it is an origin story that is coming right before some very prominent movies. It is a similar issue that faced Captain Marvel, where it came between two very critical films. It leaves us to question whether Shang Chi will play a part in some of the Multiversal drama that we are facing in upcoming works. Having Wong included in this film certainly paves a possibility of tying it in with Strange, and therefore some upcoming work. Past that, Shang Chi’s outcome may not be fully felt until we see the next team up in Avengers 5, which is still quite a bit away and definitely past some of the more prominent Multiverse movies.
Overall, I think I speak for both Taylor and me when I say this movie is going to be amazing. I am personally really looking forward to the martial arts aspect and how the Ten Rings are going to be used in a fight. As I know I reference in the podcast, I have added a little chart to show what each of the Ten Rings is, just for some reference in case anyone is interested. But either way, I hope that everyone is pumped for this film and have long since gotten their tickets! Not far after Shang Chi is Eternals and in between all of that we have What If? and possibly Ms. Marvel. Marvel is spoiling us, so make sure to keep up with all the great content, since Marvel just blew your mind, so let’s talk about it.
Ten Rings Image: “The Ten Rings”, Hoary Host of Hoggoth!, Marvel Database
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