Disney is making sure the next bigMCUproduction is never too far away. However, something about Marvel Studios’Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsseems to be making it stand out in the eyes of early reviewers, its unique brand of Hong Kong action.
Although Disney Plus’ Marvel exclusives have been nothing short of streaming sensations,Black Widowhad a rockier path due to its dual theatrical and Premiere Access releases, which eventually led toScarlett Johansson suing Disney. WithShang-Chibeing a new lesser-known superhero, expectations for the movie are probably toned down but it appears the Ten Rings are hitting harder than expected.
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Shang-Chi’s red carpet premiere already took place and that prompted several critics to start offering their first impression about the film. Collider’s Steven Weintraub defined it as something unlike any other Marvel movie seen before, yet packing all the action one could ask for. Drew Taylor called Simu Liu “your new favorite Avenger,” pointing at howShang-Chimanages to pay a nod to a wide share of influences like Jackie Chan and Hayao Miyazaki.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Aaron Couch claims he hadn’t seen a crowd so excited over a Marvel movie sinceAvengers: Endgame,and they also give a shout-out to both Liu and Awkwafina for their performances. Conversely, Forbes Scott Mendelsson saysShang-Chi’sunique crossover storyis not without its flaws, but that the movie is “exactly the shot in the arm that Marvel and Disney needed.” With such positive reception, it’s probably time for fans toget Shang-Chi’s pronunciation right, so it’s a relief Simu Liu is willing to help them out.
If there are any widely held opinions to be taken from these first impressions it’s that Shang-Chi’s action fulfills and surpasses any expectations built by its trailer, that the movie deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible, and that it might just be the best Marvel origins story to have come out since Phase One introduced the original Avengers. Considering Tony Leung’s kung fu credentials from films likeThe Grandmaster, it’s no surpriseShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringslives up to the standards of iconic Hong Kong movies.
Leung plays Shang-Chi’s father in the film, also known as The Mandarin, the same comic book character who was used as a decoy inIron Man 3that now seems to really be taking after his true origins. However, anyIron Man 3lovers should be happy to knowSir Ben Kingsley was spotted atShang-Chi’s premiere, meaning Trevor Slattery is likely to appear in the movie for another surprise.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsis scheduled for a premiere on July 25, 2025.
