'Shang-Chi' director addresses sequel plans: 'We were already throwing ideas around'

Earlier this week, Marvel Studios and Disney confirmed that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings would receive a big screen sequel. Not only will Destin Daniel Cretton return as writer and director, but he's also in the process of developing a top-secret MCU television project for Disney+.

Many fans, including those of us at SYFY WIRE, have theorized that the show will be a spinoff centered around Shang-Chi sister, Xialing (played by Meng'er Zhang), who assumed control of the Ten Rings following the soul-sucking death of her immortal father, Wenwu (Tony Leung).

"I can’t wait for people to discover what it really is that we are working on for Disney+ with Destin," Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President and Marvel Entertainment Chief Creative Officer, told The Hollywood Reporter with a chuckle.

When it comes to the Shang-Chi follow-up, however, Cretton already has plenty to work with. “While we were on set, we were already throwing ideas around of what other things we could do in another movie," he said while speaking with THR.

He added that getting the opportunity to helm and co-write Marvel's first Asian-led superhero movie was "poignant and moving experience for the first time in my career to be surrounded by people who have a similar upbringing as me. To share stories and share experiences with other artists like that, it was really emotional for me and very fulfilling.”

“It confirms what I already believed, which was that he was very emotionally invested in this character and this world,” Simu Liu, who plays the titular character said in reference to the filmmaker. “Also, I was very relieved, because we need him."

Fans certainly want more of this character and his corner of the MCU. Besides the movie's two post-credits scenes left audiences hanging with two big questions: 1) Where did the Ten Rings (the powerful artifacts used by Wenwu) actually come from? and 2) What kind of trouble is Xialing going to cause as the new leader of her father's organization?

Offering up some insight into her character around the title's release in early September, Meng'er Zhang said: 

"She is someone who you never want to mess with because she can kick some butt. She is a very tough woman. She does have a traumatic childhood. I think, in many ways, she is like her father. She never quit. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. She loves power."

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is now streaming on Disney+ at no extra cost to existing subscribers.

The Mouse House-owned platform confirmed Friday that the most recent feature-length installment of Phase 4 — Chloé Zhao's Eternals — will be available to stream beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 12.