Marvel Studios and Disney have yet to announce the latest news on the sequel to “Shang-Chi,” but Simu Liu, the lead actor in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” reassured fans on social media on the 14th that this movie sequel is still in production.
Asian-Canadian actor Simu Liu became the first Asian superhero for his portrayal of “Xu Shangqi/Xu Shang’en” in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” in 2021. The film grossed $430 million worldwide, received critical acclaim, and garnered a 91% approval rating from critics and a 98% audience score on the review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Three years have passed. Last July, Simu Liu posted on the social media platform Threads with a hint of frustration, saying, “I was told that ‘Shang-Chi 2’ would be released after ‘The Avengers,’ but due to circumstances beyond my control, the timing has been pushed back. I hope to share more concrete news with everyone soon.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger has repeatedly emphasized the company’s focus on quality content over quantity. This year, they have adjusted their quality strategy by reducing the output of Marvel films and focusing on producing popular sequel films or series, leading many to speculate that “Shang-Chi 2” may be at risk.
On the 14th, a fan on Threads lamented, “I feel like Marvel has abandoned the ‘Shang-Chi’ fan base. The studio hasn’t made any effort for the sequel’s production, not even incorporating this character in other Marvel films, it’s really disappointing.” Despite the lack of official sequel updates, Simu Liu confirmed that the film is still in production, replying to the fan with assurance, “I guarantee you, this movie is in progress.”
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” premiered in North America on August 16, 2021. As it was released during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and couldn’t be shown in mainland China, its box office success of over $400 million is truly remarkable. Simu Liu not only starred in the “Shang-Chi” series but also appeared in the highest-grossing global film of 2023, “Barbie,” as “Ken 2.0.”
Currently, on Disney’s publicly disclosed full movie list and release dates, “The Avengers 5” is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, with two unnamed Marvel films slated for July 24, 2026, and November 6, 2026. One of these dates is expected to be the release date for “Shang-Chi 2.”