Watch the Trailer for Marvel’s First Asian Superhero Movie ‘Shang-Chi'

Marvel Studios releases the trailer for its upcoming martial arts-focused action flick, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The movie is the first in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to center on an Asian superhero. Based on the titular Marvel Comics character, the film features Simu Liu (Kim's Convenience) as Shang-Chi, a trained martial arts assassin who has grown up in the Ten Rings terror organization and then attempts to lead a regular life in San Francisco. While the Ten Rings were first introduced to the MCU in the first Iron Man film in 2008, Shang-Chi will take a closer look at the group.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who was born in Hawaii and is of Japanese descent, the movie is also led by a predominantly Asian cast, a first in the MCU. Awkwafina, Tony Leung, and Michelle Yeoh feature in supporting roles. 

Marvel has had storylines with Asian characters before, but was met with criticism for its appropriative portrayals. The two-season 2017 Netflix series Iron Fist centered on a white character that trains in martial arts fighting. And in the Doctor Strange movie, the role of the Ancient One, an Asian character from the comic books, was played by Tilda Swinton. Fans called out Marvel for whitewashing the role.

The upcoming feature will be Marvel's return to theatrical releases, debuting in theatres only on September 3, 2021.