Following the successes of Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, Marvel has realized they could maybe put an Asian superhero on screens. Deadline reports that the studio has started development on a film about Shang-Chi, the self-described “Master of Kung Fu.” It’s an obscure character to bring to the front ranks, for sure—and a dated, stereotypical choice given comics have already featured an Asian-American Hulk.
But Marvel at least seems to be trying for some related diversity behind the camera, too: they’ve hired Chinese-American writer Dave Callaham (Wonder Woman 1984 and the already-planned Into the Spider-Verse 2) for the script, and they’re said to be seeking an Asian director as well. They have yet to announce an actor shortlist that includes Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa, Byung Hun Lee, and “maybe we can teach Henry Golding some moves,” but that’s assumedly soon to come.
