Disney officially confirms the development of Shang-Chi 2 and announces director Destin Daniel Cretton is set to return. After various COVID-related delays, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings finally debuted in theaters in early September. Its release was met with much anticipation, and not just because it was the next MCU movie. Shang-Chi was the first Marvel film to arrive since the pandemic began without a dual streaming release, and it came at a time when there were concerns over rising cases. Nevertheless, Shang-Chi surpassed expectations amid glowing reviews, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 2021 on the domestic chart.

Shang-Chi stars Simu Liu as the titular hero, a skilled fighter raised by his criminal father Wenwu (Tony Leung) to be the perfect assassin. Desperate to avoid the dark path laid out for him, Shang-Chi ran away when he was a teen. Ten years later, though, he finds himself drawn back to his family and the Ten Rings criminal organization when his past comes calling. Shang-Chi also stars Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, and Michelle Yeoh.

Related: Shang-Chi's Post-Credits Scene Means The MCU Has Two Versions Of The Ten Rings

A Shang-Chi sequel already felt like an inevitability, but now it's becoming a reality. Per a new report from Deadline, Cretton has signed a multi-year overall deal with Marvel Studios and Hulu's Onyx Collective. This has paved the way for Cretton to work on the in-development Shang-Chi 2; Disney confirmed he will write and direct the upcoming sequel. Cretton is also working on a mystery MCU series for Disney+. Marvel boss Kevin Feige said in a statement:

“Destin is an amazing collaborator who brought a unique perspective and skill to Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings. We had a fantastic time working together on the film and he has so many intriguing ideas for stories to bring to life on Disney+, so we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with him and can’t wait to get started.”

Meng'er Zhang, Simu Liu, and Awkwafina in Shang-Chi

Shang-Chi ended with the hero and his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) getting pulled into a meeting with Wong (Benedict Wong), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), and Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) regarding the incredible abilities his ten rings possess. From that scene alone, it was clear there is a bigger future ahead for Shang-Chi in the MCU, and his forthcoming sequel can push him to brand new places. Additionally, having Cretton back as writer-director can ensure there's a cohesiveness between the two movies. Not every MCU franchise has the advantage of keeping directors from installment to installment, and Shang-Chi 2 is already off to a solid start by keeping Cretton on board.

The report didn't give an idea of when Shang-Chi 2 might premiere, but it stands to reason it could come as early as the end of 2023. That might be pushing development a bit faster than Marvel wants, though, so 2024 might actually be a more likely premiere date. It all depends on how Marvel Studios chooses to prioritize its various in-development projects; there are still movies like Captain America 4 and Fantastic Four that are waiting for release dates. Shang-Chi 2 will get its time, and now that Cretton is officially locked in, fans can rest easy as they wait for further updates.

More: Shang-Chi Marvel Future: Sequel, Avengers, MCU Cameos

Source: Deadline

 

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