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Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is promising audiences plenty of action, adventure and plenty of humor, which was made especially clear in the most recent trailer. Amid all of that though, the new batch of footage also provided a shocking moment that appeared to show the Abomination battling Kamar-Taj mystic Wong. So fans were delighted when Kevin Feige confirmed what we saw. But no one seems more excited about the moment than Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Benedict Wong, who recently opened up about joining the movie as Wong.
Like so many people, Benedict Wong is a fan of Marvel Comics, so he was ecstatic when he initially landed the role of the stoic Wong in 2016’s Doctor Strange. But based on his recent comments, getting tapped for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was just as special:
When Shang-Chi was happening, I was so pleased that it was happening but I was a little kind of crestfallen I wasn't a part of it. And then the call [from Marvel Studios] came. And I was like, 'Yes!'
I think just about anyone would be happy to get a call from Marvel Studios, regardless of whether or not they’re already a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Benedict Wong definitely seems to be enjoying his time in the franchise so far, but joining Shang-Chi seems to hold a deeper meaning for the star. As he further explained to Syfy Wire, he was excited to be joining the first MCU production with a predominantly Asian cast:
You know, I'm super thrilled. And then to be sat at a table of Asian excellence, it was amazing. And I'm a big fan of all of those artists. Tony Leung is a massive idol of mine. So it's been constant surprises, that's what [the role of Wong] gives me.
Like Black Panther before it, Shang-Chi has the potential to be a watershed moment not just for the MCU but for cinema as a whole. It goes without saying that it will mean a lot for so many to see Asian talent getting it done in a massive, mainstream blockbuster.
Shang-Chi star Simu Liu has been especially candid about what headlining the film has meant to him. While the actor initially had mixed feelings about the project, he’s now more than psyched and hopeful about what his new character can bring to the MCU. You can check out past Marvel films by streaming them on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.
There are so many reasons to be excited about Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and it’s stacked ensemble of stars is certainly one of them. Simu Liu, Benedict Wong, Tony Leung, Awkwafina and their co-stars have earned this moment and, from what we’ve seen, it should be an exciting one.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings opens in theaters on September 3.
