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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters this month, welcoming the titular Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) into Marvel’s growing roster of heroes. Although Phase 4 started with Spider-Man: Far From Home, Shang-Chi is the first movie that will truly look to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the Spider-Man sequel and Black Widow paid homage to what happened in Avengers: Endgame, Shang-Chi introduces new heroes, villains, and storylines. That’s more than enough reason for fans to run to theaters. But how long is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?

What is ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ about?

Simu Liu at the premiere for Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' He's wearing a yellow button-up shirt and black suit. He's smiling at the camera. For our article about how long the film is, here's the runtime.
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ star Simu Liu | Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings promises to offer something Marvel fans haven’t seen before. The film blends the action of classic martial arts movies with the extraordinary power of the MCU. Its action sequences have been praised repeatedly by critics and cast members. But beyond its fights, what is the movie about?

According to the film’s official synopsis (via IMDb), it sees Liu’s hero embracing his destiny and how it ties into an organization called the Ten Rings:

“Martial-arts master Shang-Chi confronts the past he thought he left behind when he’s drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.”

Shang-Chi will also need to confront his father’s role in the group in order to fully embrace his own path. The film includes all the workings of a traditional origin story, but it also breathes new life into the MCU. With that in mind, how long is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?

How long is ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’?

As for how long Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is, the film clocks in at two hours and 12 minutes. That’s the runtime listed on AMC and Cinemark’s websites, and it’s an average length for a blockbuster film.

While Avengers: Endgame broke three hours, that’s far from the norm. Most recent Marvel movies come in a little over two, including Spider-Man: Far From Home and Black Widow. It’s natural the conclusion of 21 separate films would take up more time. However, solo stories like Shang-Chi seem to fit into a shorter window.

Marvel fans could see Simu Liu on the big screen again

https://twitter.com/shangchi/status/1433776803114414097
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Whether you think Shang-Chi‘s runtime is short, long, or just right, it’s likely fans will see more of Liu’s character beyond his 132-minute story. Both the actor and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige seem inclined to increase the hero’s presence in the MCU.

During a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Liu denied knowledge of any sequels or future appearances. However, he did admit he’d love to participate in an Avengers-style team-up one of these days:

“In terms of what’s next, I know what’s on my mind is the same as what’s on everybody else’s mind, and hopefully, there’s an Avengers in the future, somewhere. 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.  All of the media frenzy that surrounds one of those properties is going to be a whole beast unto itself, so it’s certainly what I hope for.”

Likewise, Feige told ComicBook.com he has “many ideas” for building on the movie — though he didn’t specify what they are. For now, fans will have to be content with seeing Liu in his solo film. However, it sounds like there’s reason to look forward to the character’s future. He could very well become one of the franchise’s next big heroes.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is currently playing in theaters.

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