Shang-Chi: Marvel Studios Looking To Cast Chinese Actor ASAP

With Spider-Man: Far From Home officially ending the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s Phase 3, the studio is looking to the future and trying to cast an Asian actor for the role of Shang-Chi.

According to reports, Marvel Studios is looking to cast the lead role soon, and only Chinese actors are in contention, with hopes of revealing the actor at the San Diego Comic-Con.

Disney CEO, Bob Iger, promised fans that announcements for movies slated for Phase 4 will be revealed this summer, and Kevin Feige also said that revelations will be made after the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming screened.

For Shang-Chi, he will be the first Asian lead character in the MCU, and the studio is reportedly trying to make good on a character that is not so popular in comics, but is beloved by his cult fans. In light of this, Marvel Studios is looking to cast the role of Shang-Chi as soon as possible so they can reportedly reveal it at next weekend’s July 20 Comic-Con.

<<READ ALSO: THOR 4 HAS BEEN PITCHED TO MARVEL STUDIOS, TAIKA WAITITI TO DIRECT>>

Variety’s Justin Kroll reported on Twitter that Marvel is putting out test offers to a group of actors for the role of Shang-Chi. Per Kroll, Marvel is “adamant” the men are of Chinese descent specifically, not another Asian ancestry, to portray the Chinese superhero.

Haven’t heard any names as it sounds like they are going the discovery route but it will be interesting to see if a decision by the time the Hall H presentation. Stay tuned.

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) July 13, 2019

With many Chinese actors already vying for the highly-coveted role, one can only hope that whoever lands the role will not only be perfect for the live-action adaptation, but will also build a cult following for the character in the MCU, as he has in the comics.

While we wait for official reports on the casting, let Cinema Shed interest you in one of our YouTube shows that talks about all things comics.