‘Shang-Chi’: Simu Liu and Awkwafina Surprised Co-Star Meng’er Zhang With a Wedding Reception
The theatrical installments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s fourth phase have officially started with Black Widow. The next will be Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which kicks into theaters on Sept. 3. The plot follows the title character, as the dangers of the Ten Rings organization from his past become his present. He must fight for the survival of all that he holds dear.
The highly anticipated martial arts superhero movie has put a spotlight on its cast in more ways than one. Simu Liu stars in the title role, while Meng’er Zhang plays his sister named Xialing. Meanwhile, Awkwafina is Shang-Chi’s closest friend, Katy. In real life, Liu and Awkwafina played a key role in Zhang’s wedding celebration.
How did Meng’er Zhang meet her now-husband, Yung Lee?
Zhang and husband Yung Lee originally met on the set of Shang-Chi. The MCU film is Zhang’s feature debut, as this is her first credit. However, Lee previously worked as an action arranger and 2nd unit on-set editor for Solo: A Star Wars Story. He’s credited as an action designer in the upcoming martial arts movie for Marvel.
While on the red carpet for the premiere, Entertainment Tonight spoke with the couple about how they met. “I was cast single and wrapped married,” Zhang said. “I met the love of my life on this production. My husband was one of the action designers on this film.”
Lee was also on the red carpet, holding an action figure of Zhang’s Shang-Chi character. “I just had to, I mean, come on!” he exclaimed. “I gotta keep her close to my heart.”
Simu Liu and Awkwafina planned a Disney trip and a huge party for Meng’er Zhang and Yung Lee
The couple shared that they didn’t have anything planned for their wedding. However, the production didn’t miss the opportunity to provide them with some surprises to celebrate the special occasion.
“I feel really lucky because we didn’t prepare anything for our marriage, and the production just threw us a really big celebration party, and Simu Liu took us for a Disney trip. He surprised us, and Awkwafina, she booked the whole venue,” Zhang recalled.
However, the celebration wasn’t as small as they were expecting it to be. Awkwafina wanted to ensure that the couple was able to properly celebrate the joyous occasion.
Lee spoke about how it all came together, saying, “She called us and she’s like, ‘Did you guys get a wedding reception?’ We’re like, ‘No.’ She’s like, ‘Well, I got one for you,’ and she’s like, ‘How many people you wanna invite?’ I was like, ‘Three?’ She was like, ‘Well, I booked the whole venue.'”
Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and the ‘Shang-Chi’ production weren’t going to miss out on a good party
The production was originally paused back in March 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They ultimately managed to continue filming in August. Given the state of the world, it makes sense that all of the production could use some good news.
ET also had the opportunity to discuss the big celebration with Liu and Awkwafina. “It was a surprise for all of us,” Liu said. “They moved very quickly. But it was such an on-set romance and we’re just so incredibly happy for her.”
Zhang’s on-screen brother continued: “I don’t know if she told you this — I did surprise her the next day. I told her she was going on a hike, and then I had a party bus waiting to take her to Disneyland. Which is, I think, what big brothers do. They ultimately are a pain in the butt, but also they do it with a lot of love.”
It’s clear that the wedding isn’t the only bond that was formed while filming Shang-Chi. “We had to party, you know what I mean?” Awkwafina said. “We were such huge fans of Meng’er and Yung, and I got drunk, so it was great. I had fun. I was like that crazy aunt at the wedding, you know, taking her shoes off and whatnot.”
Unlike Black Widow, Shang-Chi won’t be available on the streaming platform Disney+ with Premier Access. The newest installment to the MCU hits theaters on Sept. 3.
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