Is Shang-Chi 2 still on the cards?

Is Shang-Chi destined for another epic adventure? or do fans have to stop hoping.

Marvel actor Simu Liu has once again confirmed that a sequel to "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is in the works. 

However, a release date still remains elusive.

During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Liu playfully dodged the question at first, joking, "You want me to lose my job, is that it?" But he quickly reassured viewers: "Well look, I will say this: It's definitely happening." This echoes comments Liu made on social media a month prior, promising Shang-Chi's return within the MCU.

Adding to the positive news, Liu confirmed Destin Daniel Cretton will return to direct the sequel. Cretton's involvement is a welcome sign, as he not only helmed the first film but also contributed to the screenplay. "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" premiered in 2021 and achieved a global box office success of over $400 million.

However, a shroud of mystery surrounds the release date. Disney and Marvel haven't announced a schedule for Shang-Chi 2. 

Currently, the only MCU movie slated for release this year is "Deadpool and Wolverine," hitting theaters in July. This has led some to believe the project might be "lost in the shuffle" at Marvel Studios.

Intriguingly, Cretton stepped down from directing "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty" last year, supposedly to focus on the Shang-Chi sequel. Despite this shift, news regarding Shang-Chi 2 has been scarce.

Liu's appearance on Fallon offered a glimmer of hope. He acknowledged the radio silence, stating, "This is where I use all the mental gymnastics that I can to answer this question." 

He then emphasised the project's ongoing development: "I will say this: It's definitely happening. People, whether it's online or in person, ask me every single day and tell me every single day how much they enjoyed the first movie and how much of a moment it was."