The MCU Has Finally Delivered a Sequel to Its Best Movie Post-Endgame (& It’s Better Than the Original)

by

Marvel Studios was once quick to release sequels, prioritizing them even before some heroes had a single film. They focused on capitalizing on success, which is why they aimed to release a major Avengers movie every few years. This strategy ultimately built towards Avengers: Endgame, a film that felt like a farewell to the original era of Marvel movies and allowed the universe to move forward with new stories.

The Multiverse Saga hasn’t been very smooth so far. Frequent changes to the main villains are a problem, but it seems Marvel Studios is losing focus. A prime example is *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*. Despite positive reviews and reasonable box office numbers, a direct sequel hasn’t materialized. Instead, the story of Shang-Chi and his allies is continuing in a surprising way within the broader MCU.

Shang-Chi and Katy Play Major Roles in Marvel Zombies

Shang-Chi and Katy are back in action four years after their first adventure. They find themselves back where they started – working as valet attendants in San Francisco – due to the events of *Marvel Zombies*. When zombies attack, they’re forced to flee, but are rescued by the Ten Rings, who come to protect their former leader’s son. Wenwu makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Shang-Chi, Katy, Jimmy Woo, and Death Dealer, allowing them to escape the city. Years later, the group is traveling in vehicles reminiscent of *Mad Max*, searching for a place to finally call home.

When the team reaches New Orleans, they try to appease the settlement’s leader, Helmut Zemo, with a gift of cows. Unbeknownst to them, Zemo is plotting something sinister, and they don’t realize it until it’s too late. Despite this setback, they push forward, joining forces with Kamala Khan and Blade as they travel to New Asgard. However, trouble awaits them there – Scarlet Witch is hosting a feast with plans to transform the Asgardians into her undead army, and her scheme is successful. Refusing to be defeated, Shang-Chi vows to fight in the climactic battle against the villain’s forces. Though he ultimately falls in battle, like many before him, his recent actions reveal key aspects of his personality that will be explored further in a potential *Shang-Chi 2*.

Shang-Chi Is Ready to Lead His Own MCU Team

As a big Marvel fan, the sheer amount of death in *Marvel Zombies* really hit me, especially watching Shang-Chi go through those five years with Katy, Death Dealer, and Jimmy, only to lose them all. What impressed me most, though, was how he never cracked under the pressure – he even managed to rally Kamala when things looked bleak! I’m expecting him to play a supporting role in *Avengers: Doomsday*, likely as part of Sam Wilson’s team facing Doctor Doom and the New Avengers. But honestly, I don’t want him stuck in the shadows forever. He’s a natural leader, and I’m really hoping his second solo movie will finally give him the chance to step up and build his own crew.

The *Marvel Zombies* animated series created a team similar to the Agents of Atlas, and the upcoming *Shang-Chi 2* could follow suit. This would allow Shang-Chi to train Katy further and give Jimmy a more meaningful role than just assisting the FBI. While Death Dealer won’t return after his death in the first *Shang-Chi* film, Shang-Chi can build a new, strong team to ensure his world and characters remain important within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel Zombies is streaming on Disney+.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/7-underrated-marvel-vigilantes-that-still-need-an-mcu-appearance/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-25 20:18