Shang-Chi: Marvel Cinematic Universe fast-tracking first Asian-led superhero franchise

Bosses are already considering numerous Asian and Asian-American directors for the new tentpole

(Marvel Comics)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is adding another superhero to its crowded ensemble.

Shang-Chi will become the studio's first Asian protagonist, with Chinese-American writer Dave Callahan on screenwriting duties.

Created by Steven Englehart and Jim Starlin, Shang-Chi made his first appearance in December 1973 following the boom of martial arts films thanks to the success of Enter the Dragon. He’s the son of a China-based globalist who, after being raised in a reclusive compound, developed “unsurpassed skills” in kung fu.

Deadline reports that Marvel is already considering numerous Asian and Asian-American directors for the fast-tracked film bosses are hoping will emulate the success of Ryan Coogler’s Black Pantherwhich tapped into African and African American culture and featured a nearly all-black cast.

With Avengers 4 set to end an era of Marvel films, a Shang-Chi film will be a progressive step forward for the MCU, which studio president Kevin Feige is curating. Diversity is evidently key for Marvel: alongside Callahan and Coogler, filmmakers to have been hired by the studios include Chinese director Chloé Zhao and the Australian Cate Shortland, who’ll direct Black Widow‘s first standalone film.

Zhao, the director behind acclaimed drama The Rider, will oversee The Eternals.

Screenwriter Callahan is considered hot property at the moment having worked on DC sequel Wonder Woman 1984, Zombieland 2 and will write the follow-up to Sony’s acclaimed animation Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2. He also created the Expendables franchise.

The first trailer for Avengers 4– following on from the traumatic events of Infinity War –is set to arrive this week.