‘Shang-Chi’: MCU Fans Are Convinced it ‘Won’t Matter’ if the Film Does Poorly at the Box Office
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a phenomenon, to say the least. Throughout the sheer magnitude of stories available, Marvel Studios has chosen a few of them to become building blocks in a vast universe. Characters have their stories told and each part of the franchise builds on a larger story. However, the pieces don’t always fit together, and when that happens the fans notice.
The comic books for each character are full of different stories ranging over years and, in some cases, decades. Marvel Studios writers have to choose which piece of that story to use. Sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way fans want but what they still agree on is that the movies are excellent all on their own.
Sticking to canon isn’t important to all MCU fans
When the canon to stick to is so incredibly dense, it’s hard for any writer to stick to it in a movie lasting a couple of hours, even in a series. There are new things found out about characters in the movies that weren’t in the comic books. The MCU is its own franchise apart from Marvel Comics and, like any book to film adaptation, they aren’t obligated to stick exactly to canon.
Fans on Reddit often get up in arms about this but when it comes to the MCU, many fans seem to find great things about the films that have nothing to do with the books and that satisfies any ire they might have. It might be the work of an amazing director, perfect casting for a particular character, or even added bits of humor.
The real “Mandarin” joins the MCU
Back in Iron Man 3, the character of “The Mandarin” was introduced. But it was revealed during the movie that this character was a fake and fans weren’t happy with this turn of events. The one-off movie Hail to the King followed the Mandarin pretender’s days in prison. This movie showed fans that there was a real Mandarin and he was just as angry as they were about someone else using his name, according to Comicbook. This set up The Mandarin to be the main villain of Shang Chi.
The legend of the ten rings
Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings is part of what the MCU refers to as “phase 4.” At the end of the movie Avengers: Endgame, many plotlines were wrapped up very nicely, making room for new characters and new stories to come to light. Of course, it also ended the story of Thanos and his Infinity Stone obsession. To replace that quest, there will be the legend of the ten rings. Each one has its own power and together, they offer those who wield them considerable strength and influence. Fans won’t be surprised to learn that The Mandarin wants the ten rings.
MCU continues to please fans with casting decisions
Fans have been praising the MCU for their casting decisions for a long time. Although some cast members leave too soon, for the most part they stick around throughout their whole storylines and provide consistency as well as excellent portrayals. Shang Chi’s cast lineup as well as director Destin Daniel Cretton are no exception to MCU’s diverse choices. In another big casting breakthrough, lead actor Star Simu Liu is the first Asian actor to be cast in a protagonist’s role.
Another MCU plot hole bites the dust
Aside from The Mandarin coming into play as his real villainous self, the Ten Rings organization itself is finally going to get a spotlight. In the very first Iron Man movie, Tony Stark was kidnapped by an evil organization that was referred to with just a symbol in the background as “The Ten Rings.” In the Ant-Man movie, the same organization put in a bid on the shrinking Ant-Man suit. In Dr. Strange, the character Baron Mordo’s story was left unfinished and rumors say he will be back in Dr. Strange 2, also part of MCU’s Phase 4.
All of these plot holes, including a few about a couple of mutant characters that debuted throughout different films, are rumored to be explained further in Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings. Even if the movie itself is a bomb at the box office, satisfying these storylines even a little will be worth it for the fans.
