Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is one of the most anticipated films of the year by Marvel fans, superhero fans, and general audiences alike. Fans are undoubtedly excited to see new major characters enter the cinematic universe--though there's one famous Marvel villain, Fin Fang Foom, who was rumored to appear in the upcoming film. Now, fans have a decisive answer from star Simu Liu, who addressed the rumor in an interview, clarifying that the extraterrestrial dragon will not make an appearance in the film after all.

Fin Fang Foom is a famous mainstay villain in the Marvel comics, having first made an appearance in the October 1961 issue of Marvel's Strange Tales, which told stories from a pre-superhero era. The character was involved in many stories revolving around China and its history, and nowadays, he is used as a common villain who is defeated by superheroes including Squirrel Girl, Iron Man, and many others. The characters' notability has steadily increased since his 1961 debut, and it's perhaps only a matter of time until the MCU includes him in the plot of a film or Disney Plus series.

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For now, however, fans will know for certain that the first Shang-Chi film will not be Foom's MCU debut. Liu revealed this in an interview with NBC while commenting on the film's emphasis on diversity and inclusion. In the article, it is stated that Fin Fang Foom is puzzlingly named and an example of questionable elements from the source material (that being Marvel comics as a whole). It is also stated that the Shang-Chi film boasts a variety of Asian heroes, some of which do not practice martial arts. The article as a whole reveals an exciting film project that is focused on providing a progressive implementation of Asian ethnicity within a Hollywood blockbuster.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings features a majority Asian-ethnic cast that includes Liu in the titular role. Screen legend Tony Leung plays The Mandarin while Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Florian Munteanu, Fala Chen, and comedian Ronny Chieng round out the main ensemble. The film is directed by Just Mercy director Destin Daniel Cretton, one of the most exciting Asian-American directors working in Hollywood today.

The film follows Shang-Chi, the undisputed master of kung-fu, who falls into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization and is forced to confront the past he thought he left behind. The news of Fin Fang Foom's absence also follows speculation regarding whether or not Shang-Chi will release in China.

It may be up for debate whether Fin Fang Foom as a character is problematic in nature, though the continued use of the character in modern Marvel comics has done a lot to alleviate the impact of the character's implementation in older issues. That being said, it is heartening to see Marvel introduce a major Asian superhero and many other Asian characters to the cinematic universe, and though the dragon didn't make it into this film, fans can rest assured knowing there's always a chance that the popular villain just might make it into the next one.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be released in theatres on September 3, 2021.

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Source: NBC News