Audiences may be in for a more emotional ride with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings than expected, according to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Shang-Chi is the twenty-fifth feature-length entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is the first Marvel film to feature an Asian actor in the lead role. Shang-Chi promotional materials have highlighted the many martial arts-influenced action scenes peppered throughout the film, but there seems to be a deeper emotional core to the film that audiences might not expect.

The character of Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) first debuted in Marvel Comics lore back in 1973, created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin (the latter being most known for co-creating the infamous Mad Titan, Thanos). Even in his earliest iterations, Shang-Chi frequently came into conflict with his father; however, the MCU opted to modify aspects of the character's backstory to sidestep outdated Asian stereotypes that were present in the original comics. Shang-Chi's father in the film is Wenwu (Tony Chiu-wai Leung), also known as the nefarious Mandarin. The antagonistic dynamic between Shang-Chi and Wenwu is expected to be the central conflict within the upcoming film.

Related: Who Is Shang-Chi? Marvel's New Asian Superhero Explained

During Shang-Chi's red carpet premiere that took place yesterday in Hollywood, Feige spoke highly of Leung's performance as Wenwu in the film. Feige says that he doesn't "think people are quite ready for what Tony brings to this movie [...] and how emotional this movie becomes." See Feige's full comments below:

"We talked about Simu, but also talking about Tony Leung, you mention the family aspect of the movie which I still don't think people are quite ready for what Tony brings to this movie and what the relationship and how unique it is and how emotional this movie becomes."

Wenwu and Jiang Li fight in Shang Chi

Leung is a legend in the Hong Kong film industry, starring in many of the most important films in Hong Kong's cinematic canon. Meanwhile, Liu's most iconic role prior to his employment at Marvel was as Jung in the highly acclaimed Korean Canadian sitcom, Kim's Convenience. Both actors have plenty of experience portraying poignant, family-oriented roles which undoubtedly bodes well for their dynamic in the film.

Early reactions to Shang-Chi underscore Feige's statements, with many praising the film's depiction of family and grief. This shouldn't come as a huge revelation for MCU fans as parent-child relationships have been a core aspect of the series ever since its earliest films. Some of the most poignant moments in the entire franchise have involved children reconciling with their estranged parents, and vice-versa. Still, it's reassuring to hear that the movie dedicates enough space for emotional beats to breathe, rather than focusing solely on action. Fans can expect to be moved by the story of Shang-Chi and Wenwu when the film hits theater in two short weeks.

More: Why Disney Is Wrong To Call Shang-Chi's Release An Experiment

Source: Kevin Feige

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