4 Great Shang-Chi Characters Still Not in the MCU

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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, several intriguing secondary characters from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, initially released four years ago, have yet to make their debut. Simu Liu, who portrayed Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung Fu, in 2021, is scheduled to reappear in Avengers: Doomsday. Although we know Shang-Chi will return, it’s unknown when his supporting characters might resurface again. Moreover, there are additional Marvel Comics characters linked to Shang-Chi that have yet to make an appearance in the MCU.

The movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” introduced several key sidekicks from the comics, along with some fresh faces during Phase 4. Characters such as Tony Leung’s Xu Wenwu, Meng’er Zhang’s Xu Xialing, Awkwafina’s Katy, Fala Chen’s Ying Li, Andy Le’s Death Dealer, and others took on vital roles in the storyline. Although it’s thrilling to speculate about these characters potentially reappearing within the MCU, we eagerly anticipate seeing even more of Shang-Chi’s comic book sidekicks joining the universe.

4) Leiko Wu

In 1975, the character Leiko Wu first appeared in Master of Kung Fu #33 by Marvel Comics, portrayed as a British-Chinese MI6 agent who crossed paths with Shang-Chi during his initial heroic endeavors. Over the course of their joint missions, a mutual attraction developed between them, though ultimately Leiko Wu was killed by Razor Fist. However, she was later resurrected and has frequently teamed up with Shang-Chi since then. In Marvel Comics, Leiko Wu is one of Shang-Chi’s key supporting characters, making her an ideal choice as a formidable love interest in live-action adaptations of the character. Her inclusion would certainly add depth to the storyline.

In simpler terms, Leiko Wu had a professional relationship with MI6 agent Clive Reston before she developed feelings for Shang-Chi. This romantic involvement caused complications among the three during their missions. Initially, Shang-Chi was portrayed as a super-spy working alongside the British intelligence service in Marvel Comics, but this aspect hasn’t been featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) yet. A sequel to “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” could present an ideal chance to introduce Leiko Wu and other MI6 agents within the MCU for the first time, by setting part of the story in the UK.

3) Lin Lie’s Sword Master

In 2018’s “Warriors of Three Sovereigns #1”, a new character named Lin Lie was introduced as the Sword Master. This character has recently become a key supporting figure for Shang-Chi in the comic books. During the “War of the Realms” event in 2019, Lin Lie and Shang-Chi teamed up as members of the New Agents of Atlas, under the leadership of Jimmy Woo. Shang-Chi mentored Lin Lie, helping him develop his abilities which eventually led to him assuming the role of the Iron Fist. With Marvel Studios emphasizing the Iron Fist legend in the MCU, there’s a strong possibility that we might see Lin Lie making his debut soon.

As a devoted comics enthusiast, I had the thrill of stepping into the role of the Iron Fist in the 2022 blockbuster, “Iron Fist (Vol. 6) #1”. With an impressive lineup of predecessors like Danny Rand, Kwai Jun-Fan, Jorani, and Colleen Wing already gracing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s not hard to imagine that my character could be next in line.

Given the introduction of the alternate dimension Ta Lo in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, the sequel could pave the way for K’un-Lun’s official entry into the MCU, providing an ideal platform for this new Iron Fist to make his grand entrance.

2) Zheng Yi

In the movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” Shang-Chi’s father, Xu Wenwu (based on Zheng Zu from Marvel Comics), was introduced, but his brother, Zheng Yi, who along with his brother were 18th-century sorcerers with a magical elongated lifespan, has yet to make an appearance. Using their powers, they founded the Five Weapons Society, which eventually clashed with the British Army, Dormammu, and the Mindless Ones. In a tragic turn of events, Yi gave his life to revive his brother’s youth, leaving Zhu to lead the society alone and transforming it into a massive criminal empire.

Instead of his brother, Zheng Yi was known for his compassionate and optimistic nature. However, following his demise, the Five Weapons Society took a turn towards the ominous. After his spirit resurfaced in Shang-Chi’s life years later, he proved instrumental in thwarting Shang-Chi’s troubled sister, Shi-Hua, and disclosing secrets about their father. Introducing more of Shang-Chi’s family history in the MCU would be intriguing, especially with the inclusion of the benevolent influence of Zheng Yi, which could help balance out some of his father’s less desirable traits as well.

1) M’Nai’s Midnight Sun

One intriguing potential new character introduced by Marvel Studios for future installments of Shang-Chi could be Shang-Chi’s adoptive brother, M’Nai. Orphaned as a result of a British raid on a village inhabited by Zheng Zu’s agents in Africa, M’Nai was adopted by Zu who recognized the hostility within the young boy. Raised and trained together with Shang-Chi, while Shang-Chi later distanced himself from his father, M’Nai remained loyal, leading to conflicts between the siblings. Eventually, their confrontation occurred when M’Nai, now known as Midnight, was dispatched by Zu. This encounter resulted in M’Nai’s demise.

Originally deceased, M’Nai was reborn with enhanced abilities by the Kree, becoming Midnight Sun – a character distinct from the Midnight Sons group. Upon his return, Midnight Sun yearned for greater power, but a ritual intended to grant him the authority of chieftains inadvertently revived Leiko Wu instead. She then utilized her newfound power to pull M’Nai into the underworld. Although not directly featured or mentioned in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” it would be intriguing to introduce Shang-Chi’s ominous brother, M’Nai, in the MCU as well, given that we already know his corrupted sister within the universe.

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2025-09-02 23:12