Marvel didn't have a second choice for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings beyond lead actor Simu Liu. The next movie to arrive from the blockbuster MCU will introduce a brand new hero to the franchise: Shang-Chi, a character from the comics known as the Master of Kung Fu. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi will debut in theaters in two weeks, and despite rampant speculation online, it will not be available via Premier Access on Disney+. Because of that, there's a great deal of interest in how the movie will perform.

Liu was confirmed to be playing Shang-Chi at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019. Best known for his role as Jung on the beloved sitcom Kim's Convenience, Liu has been primed for international stardom ever since Kevin Feige introduced him onstage in Hall H. Due to Shang-Chi's multiple delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it's taken some time for fans to actually see Liu's performance. However, he's made up for the lack of a movie by building up a hilarious and impassioned online presence.

Related: How Shang-Chi Could Have A Big Impact On The MCU Multiverse

Speaking to Variety at the Shang-Chi world premiere earlier this week, Marvel's executive vice president Victoria Alonso looked back on Liu's casting. When asked if there was anything that stood out to her when forming the cast for Shang-Chi, Alonso said simply that they had never considered anyone else. She recalled:

"There was never a plan B with him... he was it. The passion that this man has for the character is incredible. It's one of those things where you look at it and you go, 'Wow, yes, he exudes Shang-Chi. He is the best one to play it.' And, you know, to have someone like that be a part of the MCU, what a pleasure and what an honor to have it be the beginning of what Shang-Chi is."

Simu Liu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

It seems Liu's casting was fated in every sense of the word. Years before he was picked for Shang-Chi, Liu famously tweeted at Marvel Studios inquiring about playing the character. It was partially a joke then, but now it's the perfect example of how some of these things are just meant to be. Marvel knew Liu was their Shang-Chi and never questioned it, and now he's poised to play a major role in the MCU going forward.

Fans have yet to fully pass judgement on Shang-Chi and Liu's performance, but all signs point to him being the right choice for the role. Marvel has a great track record when it comes to casting, and the early reactions to Shang-Chi have all spoken highly of Liu. As Alonso said, he has a great deal of enthusiasm and passion for the character, and that's been highlighted in how he's been promoting it on social media. Liu is just the MCU's latest leading man, but this will surely pave the way for even bigger things for him. Between Shang-Chi and Kim's Convenience, though, he's already found his way into so many fans' hearts.

More: Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings Trailer Breakdown: 27 Story Reveals & Secrets

Source: Variety/Twitter

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