The success of the recent Marvel Cinematic Universe release, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is in no small part due to its characters. Their complex cultural background, relatable motivations, and powerful emotions create an engaging storyline that draws the viewers in.
More than an action fantasy film, Shang-Chi is a story focused on family and the exploration of a lost legacy. It also adds some unexpected characters from the comics, characters that—much like other members of the cast of Shang-Chi—would be welcome in other future MCU releases.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
10 Shang-Chi Is An Intriguing Protagonist With The Potential To Bring A Lot To The Table
The titular character of the movie, Shang-Chi, doesn't disappoint in his origin story. His background is not unlike Black Widow's, as he's been raised by his father to be an assassin. Wishing to be free of a future of blood, Shang-Chi escapes the Ten Rings and lives a relatively lighthearted existence for the next ten years. He works as a valet and enjoys going to karaoke with his friend Katy Chen.
But his past comes back to haunt him, and when his father appears into his life again, Shang-Chi grows a lot. Under his aunt's tutelage, he remembers his mother's lessons and begins to overcome his grief and guilt over her death. He is ultimately able to hold his own against his father in a confrontation that is cathartic for both of them, even if it does end tragically.
9 Xu Wenwu Redeems The Mandarin With A New & Refreshing Twist
The return of the Mandarin to the MCU has filled many with relief. Shang-Chi's incarnation of the popular Iron Man villain is far more faithful to the comics than the version used in Iron Man 3. An ancient warlord using the mysterious alien artifacts, the Ten Rings, Xu Wenwu is a legend, one Aldrich Killian and Trevor Slattery use to weave their tale of terror.
But Xu Wenwu is more than just a terrifying villain. He's a man grieving his wife Yi Ling, and his motivations in the movie rotate around getting her back. He dies in the movie finale, but that doesn't necessarily mean he can't make a comeback. The Mandarin has returned from the dead in the comics, and there's a precedent of resurrection in the MCU. There may be hope for this character yet.
8 Xialing Deserves Her Own Story Where She Isn't In Her Brother's Shadow
Since the movie primarily centers around Shang-Chi and his conflict with his father, other fascinating characters can fall to the wayside. Shang-Chi's sister, Xialing, is one of them. She's just as competent and skilled in martial arts as he is, even if she's been rejected by her father.
Determined to build her own criminal empire, she owns a fight club in Macau called the Golden Daggers Club. At the end of Shang-Chi, she takes over the Ten Rings. Fans can certainly expect to see more of her in the future.
7 The Dweller-in-Darkness Is Interesting Enough To Return
Xu Wenwu may have been the main villain, but his actions are manipulated by the Dweller-in-Darkness. Trapped behind a magical gate, the interdimensional demon knows Xu Wenwu's Ten Rings are strong enough to free him and uses Xu Wenwu's love for Yi Ling against him.
Shang-Chi defeats the Dweller-in-Darkness during the final confrontation of the movie, but comic book fans may want to see more of this villain. His portrayal in Shang-Chi didn't give the creators a lot of time to elaborate on his lore or on his potential. With the original Dweller-in-Darkness being a Dr. Strange villain and the Multiverse of Madness just around the corner, this MCU villain may still have something to offer.
6 Ying Nan's Kindness & Strength Would Be A Huge Asset To The Avengers
Shang-Chi's aunt, Ying Nan, is the new guardian of Ta Lo, having taken over the position after Shang-Chi's mother gives it up to marry Xu Wenwu. She meets Shang-Chi and Xialing when the two arrive with Katy Chen and Trevor Morris to warn the people of Ta Lo of their father's plans.
She is instrumental in Shang-Chi's growth as a character, reminding him of his mother's lessons and teaching him some of her own. Beyond that, she is an amazing fighter, and her character would make her a huge asset to the Avengers.
5 Morris Is Too Cute To Be A One-Time Appearance
The adorable Morris is a dijiang, a creature from Chinese mythology. Shang-Chi and his allies find him in Xu Wenwu's dungeons, where he has befriended Trevor Slattery. For unknown reasons, Trevor is the only one who can understand him, and with their help, Shang-Chi and his allies make their way to Ta Lo.
A colorful and surprising addition to the cast, Morris is the first animal sidekick in the MCU. Fans definitely hope to see more of this cute and fluffy faceless creature.
4 Katy Chen's Courage Would Be Welcome In The Avengers' Extended Entourage
Shang-Chi's best friend, Katy, plays a very interesting role in the movie, the relationship between her and Shang-Chi adds a lot of depth to the character. She accompanies him on his journey to China and assists him throughout the trip.
Fans can empathize with the young woman who is obviously out of her depth but perseveres for the sake of her traumatized friend. By the end of Shang-Chi, she manages to learn archery, and while that's a little hard to believe, it does give viewers hope for Katy's future in the MCU.
3 Fan-Favorite Wong Is Always A Pleasant Surprise
MCU cameos are something fairly common, but it's always a pleasant surprise to find fan-favorites in new releases. Wong's appearance in Xialing's fight club in Macau made many fans cheer for the sorcerer of Kamar-Taj.
His final exchange with Shang-Chi and Katy suggests he may play a bigger role in the future, something that is confirmed by the trailer of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
2 Abomination & Hulk May Have A New Dynamic In The Future
Wong isn't the only one fighting in the Golden Daggers Club. His confrontation is with another character from a past MCU movie, Abomination. Emil Blonsky was last seen defeated by Bruce Banner's Hulk and taken into custody. In Shang-Chi, he appears to have struck a friendship with Wong, as the two share a conversation after their brief match. Bruce also appears in the movie, in the mid-credits scene, made necessary by Shang-Chi's recent acquisition of the Ten Rings.
It's interesting to note that during this scene, Bruce no longer appears as Professor Hulk and has instead reverted to his regular Pre-Endgame body. He is also still injured after using the Gauntlet to reverse Thanos's Snap. With Abomination also in the picture, the appearance of the duo in the same movie foretells very interesting things, especially considering the imminent release of She-Hulk.
1 A Black Widow Is Also Present In The Club
One of the fights in Xialing's club adds an extra detail that many people missed. A Black Widow appears as one of the fighters. Having been freed from General Dreykov's sway by Natasha Romanov and her sister Yelena, the remaining Widows left at the end of the movie to find lives of their own, to finally choose for themselves.
While this particular Black Widow may not necessarily appear again, this tiny cameo does remind fans that they are still out there. Yelena will definitely be a big player in future MCU releases, but it would be nice to see more of the newly freed Black Widows as well.
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