In recent years, Marvel Studios has faced challenges when it comes to Shang-Chi and Blade, and it’s evident which character should be given priority as they plan their upcoming film lineup. Both figures have achieved significant cinematic success; Blade gained widespread recognition through the original trilogy produced by New Line Cinema, while Shang-Chi demonstrated his kung fu skills in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the 2021 release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. However, following these releases, there has been a surprising lack of activity concerning both characters.
Despite Marvel investing significantly in bringing back Blade for more vampire hunting adventures, spearheaded by Mahershala Ali, the project has yet to gain momentum, given its extensive history in development. Instead, it would be more beneficial for Marvel Studios to accelerate the development of Shang-Chi 2. Here’s why:
1. Popular Demand: The first Shang-Chi movie was a massive success, and fans are eagerly waiting for a sequel. By focusing on Shang-Chi 2, Marvel can satisfy this demand while also expanding their cinematic universe.
2. Diverse Casting: Shang-Chi’s casting of Simu Liu as the lead character brought much-needed diversity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Continuing with Shang-Chi 2 allows Marvel to further celebrate and showcase diverse representation within their stories.
3. Strong Source Material: The comic book series on which Shang-Chi is based has a rich history and numerous potential storylines that can be adapted for the big screen, providing plenty of material for a compelling sequel.
4. Fresh Perspective: A new project like Shang-Chi 2 offers an opportunity to introduce fresh ideas and perspectives into the MCU, helping to maintain its creative momentum and keeping audiences engaged.
5. Strategic Timing: With the upcoming release of several high-profile Marvel films, it makes strategic sense for Marvel Studios to focus on a project like Shang-Chi 2 that can capitalize on the continued interest in the MCU while giving fans something new to look forward to.
By prioritizing the development of Shang-Chi 2 over Blade, Marvel Studios can ensure that they continue to captivate audiences with engaging stories and diverse representation, all while maintaining a strong creative direction for their cinematic universe.
Shang-Chi Was A Genuine Success, So Why Is Shang-Chi 2 Taking So Long?
The plans for releasing “Shang-Chi & the Legends of the Ten Rings” by Marvel Studios had to be adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing it to move from its initial February 2021 release window (to align with the Chinese Lunar New Year, like “Black Panther” in 2018) to September. However, this delay didn’t diminish the movie’s success once it was finally shown in theaters. “Shang-Chi” went on to earn $432.2 million globally and garnered generally positive reviews. The portrayal of Simu Liu as the resilient Shang-Chi was highly acclaimed, while Awkwafina’s humorous performance as his friend Katy was also lauded. Additionally, “Shang-Chi” proved to be a significant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as its first major martial arts film.
In Shang-Chi, the martial arts scenes were more intense and artful than in most superhero movies. The first half resembled a gritty Hong Kong kung fu film, while the second had the grace and style of a wuxia saga. The intricate fight choreography was greatly influenced by the stunt team, which included veterans like Andy Cheng from the Jackie Chan Stunt Team and Bran Allan, who sadly passed away shortly before the movie’s release. Moreover, two post-credit scenes hinted at Shang-Chi’s larger role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One scene showed him meeting Wong, Bruce Banner, and Captain Marvel, while another depicted his sister Xialing taking over the Ten Rings. Given the positive response to Shang-Chi, its exceptional fight scenes, and the promising setup for a sequel, it’s hard to understand why progress on Shang-Chi 2 seems slow.
Marvel Has Had Blade In Development For Years With Nothing To Show For It
Efforts by Marvel Studios to resurrect Blade on the big screen have turned into a joke, marking the first significant instance of an MCU film getting stuck in development limbo. The reboot was initially unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, with Mahershala Ali confirming his participation. However, since then, Blade’s production has been a six-year rollercoaster ride of script revisions, equipment adjustments, directors departing, and whispers of Ali himself contemplating exit from the project. The only appearance Blade has made in the MCU during this period was a voice cameo by Ali in the Eternals’ end-credits scene, where he spoke to Kit Harrington’s Dane Whitman while holding the Ebony Blade.
After much delay, the Blade project was ultimately scrapped from Marvel’s release schedule, although it hasn’t been formally cancelled yet; Ali is said to still be involved. However, things took a turn for the worse when 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine film convinced Wesley Snipes, the original Blade, to come out of retirement for the movie’s Multiverse plot. In a subtle jab at the production issues surrounding the Blade reboot, Snipes quipped, “There’s only been one Blade, there’s only ever gonna be one Blade.” Ryan Reynolds has even gone so far as to publicly push for Snipes’ return in a Logan-style send-off movie, a proposal that fans have eagerly embraced. With nearly six years passing and no sign of the MCU Blade reboot materializing, it seems the project has slipped through the cracks in the franchise’s overall plans.
Shang-Chi Needs To Be A Bigger MCU Priority Than Blade
Directly contrasting Shang-Chi and Blade, it’s evident that Shang-Chi has a multitude of strengths. Already boasting a successful box office hit, he also introduced Hong Kong martial arts action to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), positioning him as a potential mainstay in the MCU. However, Marvel missed an opportunity by not immediately greenlighting Shang-Chi 2 following its initial release. The delay in sequel production, similar to the financial impact seen from Captain Marvel to The Marvels, demonstrates that allowing a fresh character or property to lose momentum after their debut can result in substantial financial repercussions.
Instead of Blade, Shang-Chi has progressed significantly further, with a reboot that’s essentially been stuck in place for more than five years. The main accomplishment of the Blade character during this time is Eric Mabius’ return as Daywalker in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which strongly suggests that the MCU should consider replacing the current Blade reboot with Ryan Reynolds’ idea of a Logan-style adventure for Snipes, instead. This also emphasizes the need for Marvel to refocus their efforts on moving forward with Shang-Chi 2.
After some time without Shang-Chi appearing in his own film, it would be advantageous for him to make a guest appearance or take on a secondary role in another Marvel Cinematic Universe project to reignite audience excitement about his tales. This could pave the way for Shang-Chi 2. Regarding Shang-Chi’s next storyline, it seems that Marvel should elevate the importance of his return given the challenges they faced in reviving the Blade franchise.
Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings can be streamed on Disney+.
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2025-01-19 01:40