As one of the most popular movies of 2021, it’s no surprise thatShang-Chigathered enough buzz from MCU viewers to warrant a sequel in the coming years. Marvel’s newest star, Simu Liu, has already started thinking about where he’d like to take his character in the future, but in true Marvel fashion, he’s been tight-lipped about what exactly those plans are.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton has already mentioned to the public thatcasting Jackie Chanwould be an amazing experience for him and the rest of the team involved in makingShang-Chi 2, so perhaps Marvel Studios is already working on getting Chan involved. With that being said, there’s a strong lineup of actors who Marvel should consider adding to the Shang-Chi cast, in the next installment of the series.
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Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun proved he’s a talented actor in his role as Glenn from the popular AMC showThe Walking Dead.Yeun would be an excellent addition to the Shang-Chi crew, based on his ability to translate sentiment and compelling action sequences on screen. He’s also got a large fan base, who would surely enjoy watching him step into the Marvel Universe and take on the role of a superhero.
Shang-Chi does have a number of other siblings in the comics, who seem to have followed the Ten Rings loyally. Whether the MCU plans on introducing Shang-Chi’s other siblings, watching Steven Yeun play one of Shang-Chi’s estranged brothers would be an interesting twist.
Randall Park
Randall Park has already popped up in various places in the MCU as the beloved Jimmy Woo, so adding him to the cast ofShang-Chi 2would definitely liven things up. Park’s character is both funny and intelligent, so getting to watch him interact with Awkwafina’s Katy on screen would make for plenty of laughs and moments of comedy in the next film.
Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr. has already dabbled in the world of magic, having played the dazzling warlock Magnus Bane in the Freeform series,Shadowhunters. Shum’s performance as Magnus proved that he’s capable of bringing a unique flair to any fictional, magical world, making him a great candidate for theShang-Chisequel. TheoriginalShang-Chiwas quite whimsical and included boatloads of fantasy creatures, magic and compelling lore. Shum’s talents would certainly translate well into the crazy world of Shang-Chi.
A lot of fans have been speculating that Midnight Sun will beintroduced in theShang-Chisequel, because of his connection to characters like Kang the Conqueror and the Kree nation. Midnight Sun is a character like no other and Shum’s ability to capture a character’s individualism, as proved through his role inShadowhunters, would make him a great choice to play this big bad in the nextShang-Chimovie.
Kelly Marie Tran
Kelly Marie Trans has participated in a wide range of films, from Disney’sRaya and the Last DragontoStar Wars.Being such a diverse actress, Tran could easily adapt to any of the roles given to her by the MCU. She’s also previously worked with MCU star Elizabeth Olsen in theSorry For Your Lossseries. Having worked alongside such well-known actors and played parts in major blockbuster movies, Tran would be an excellent fit for the highly anticipatedShang-Chisequel.
Another potential character that could be introduced inShang-Chi 2is Leiko Wu, one of Shang-Chi’s closest allies in the comics. Although Shang-Chi and Leiko had a romantic connection in the comics, foregoing that part of their story and focusing on their compatibility in battle would be an intriguing addition to theShang-Chicrew. Kelly Marie Tran’s familiarity with playing powerful female characters would translate beautifully into the character of Leiko.
Lucy Liu
Like Tran, Lucy Liu has also been in a number of high-profile films, like theKill BillandCharlie’s Angelsseries. She’s also directed an episode of the Netflix seriesLuke Cageand is said to be appearing in the 2023Shazam!sequel for DC and Warner Bros. Between her experience with action movies, her connection to the cast and crew of Marvel’s Netflix team, and the superhero experience she’ll get working for DC, adding Lucy Liu to the cast ofShang-Chi 2seems like a no-brainer.
One of Shang-Chi’s most powerful foes in the comics was Lady Iron Fan, known for her incredible martial arts skills. She also had roots in Macau in the comics, which is where Shang-Chi found his sister in the original film. Now that the fight club has been abandoned, andXu Xailingseems to be revamping things at her childhood home,Shang-Chi 2could be the perfect time to introduce Lady Iron Fan into the MCU. Based on her acting background, Lucy Liu would make for a killer (pun intended) Shang-Chi foe as Lady Iron Fan.
