Warning: This post contains SPOILERS for She-Hulk episode 4!

Shang-Chi might be even more powerful in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a quick moment in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law episode 4. One of the big focuses of Phase 4 has been introducing new characters to the MCU to help fill the void left by some original Avengers exiting the franchise. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' release in 2021 was part of this plan, as Simu Liu debuted as the Master of Kung Fu. Audiences immediately took to Shang-Chi, as his solo film performed well at the box office and received excellent reviews. Shang-Chi's ending also sets him up to be an important character going forward.

In addition to being a great character, Shang-Chi quickly became a fan-favorite addition to the MCU thanks to his incredible power set. The skilled martial artist combined his physical talents with the mystical powers inherited by his mother and her bond with the Great Protector. Shang-Chi's power level increased again after he became the owner of the Ten Rings that Wenwu previously mastered. The powerful weapons arguably elevated Shang-Chi to be one of the MCU's most powerful characters. Marvel left room to add more of his comic powers later on, but now the MCU might have made him stronger than anyone could have imagined.

Related: Shang-Chi: Who (Or What) The Beacon Is Calling

During She-Hulk episode 4, a short line from Wong may have helped make Shang-Chi part-god in the MCU. The episode includes Wong asking Guanyin for mercy in his trial. Guanyin is the Buddhist goddess of mercy in real life, but the comics revealed that she is part of the Xian, a collection of gods from Ta-Lo. Shang-Chi featured Ta-Lo prominently as the home of Shang-Chi's mother, Ying Li, but the MCU movie did not explore the idea that the realm was a home to gods. Phase 4 has dived deeper into the MCU's different gods from various religions and mythology being real, so She-Hulk's Guanyin mention could mean that Ta-Lo is secretly the home to gods. Due to Ying Li's role as the guardian of Ta-Lo, she might have also been a Marvel god, which would make Shang-Chi a half-god in the MCU.

Shang-Chi Could Be Thor’s Real MCU Replacement Now

shang chi poster simu liu

While Marvel has not confirmed that Shang-Chi is a god in the MCU, the reveal could come and make him Thor's real MCU replacement. Phase 4 has not so subtly been introducing characters to replace the original Avengers with She-Hulk, Yelena Belova, and Kate Bishop, while Falcon even became Captain America. Ironheart's pending introduction will make her Iron Man's replacement. But, Jane Foster's fate in Thor: Love and Thunder left her future as Thor in doubt. Shang-Chi might not be on the verge of lifting Mjolnir or using Stormbreaker, but a potential god-heritage would position him as Thor's actual MCU replacement.

The similarities between Thor and Shang-Chi extend beyond their potentially shared god-like backgrounds. Thor and Shang-Chi have incredibly complex family dynamics with evil siblings, while both have also lost both parents. Shang-Chi using the Ten Rings also gives him a mighty weapon with a vast range of abilities that are enhanced by his abilities, similar to Thor's relationship to Mjolnir or Stormbreaker. As a result, Shang-Chi could fill Thor's void in a new Avengers team as a heavy-hitter on the roster, especially if his mortality takes a surprising god turn after She-Hulk: Attorney At Law.

New episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney At Law release on Thursdays on Disney+.

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