Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star, Simu Liu, provides insight into whether Shang-Chi would ever consider marrying his best friend, Katy (Awkwafina). Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi was acclaimed by both critics and audiences, proving to be successful for the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the box office despite the uneasiness of the Covid-19 pandemic. With respect to the astounding success of Shang-Chi, the franchise has already been confirmed for a sequel and is currently in the early development stages.

Shang-Chi follows the titular hero's origin story in teaming up with his estranged sister Xialing (Meng'er Zhang) and his childhood best friend Katy. Xialing and Katy accompany Shang-Chi to prevent his father Wenwu (Tony Leung), the leader of the Ten Rings organization, from unleashing the Dweller-in-Darkness. The film also showcases the unique relationship between Shang-Chi and Katy, as their loyalty and trust for each other are depicted as being platonic.

Related: Shang-Chi: Every Potential Spinoff MCU Show It Sets Up

In an interview with Iron Fist star, Jessica Henwick, on Character Media, Liu reflects on his titular character's relationship with Katy in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. As the film alludes to the Ten Rings, Henwick asks Liu if Shang-Chi would ever consider proposing to Katy with a ring. In response, Liu rehashes the genuine friendship the two share and believes that it is rare to see a platonic friendship on screen, which is why he believes that Shang-Chi and Katy should not be romantically intertwined. Read his full comment below:

“Shaun and Katy work so well as best friends. And I think it’s refreshing when you see a man and a woman on screen that don’t necessarily have to fall in love. I’m not saying they never will, but it’s certainly not hinted at. I think in the movie, what they have is just truly wonderful, I think it represents a lot of the male-female friendships that I have in life. I think we’ll see where the story goes, but I think if you were to ask me now… Do I think Shaun and Katy should be romantically involved? I would say no.”

Awkwafina as Katy and Simu Liu as Shaun

Being the first Asian-led superhero film, Shang-Chi does its best to avoid racial stereotypes and genre tropes of the recurring narrative of superheroes requiring a love interest. Many stories depend on the turmoil of endangering the love interest, but Shang-Chi allows character development and arcs without the need for a romantic progression. With some fans theorizing the possible connection between Katy’s grandfather and Shang-Chi, anything can happen in the sequel. Previously, Cretton also disclosed being open to the idea of a romantic pairing between Katy and Xialing, due to fans petitioning for their connection to go deeper.

The supportive friendship and bond Katy and Shang-Chi share in Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings is isn't seen often in films today. Therefore, it makes sense as to why Liu yearns to see their genuine friendship continue to cultivate as he appreciates their relationship displayed on screen. With viewers theorizing the history between the two and pairing them with other MCU fan-favorites, the door remains open to any possibility in the future.

More: How Shang-Chi's Katy Avoids The MCU's Female Character Problem

Source: Character Media

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