Despite the mounting expectations leading up to Super Bowl 55, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings did not get an ad spot last night. While Marvel fans were treated to the first full trailer for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier instead, many were still left disappointed at the Shang Chi snub, prompting the film's star, Simu Liu, to reassure his fans on Twitter.
Being careful not to drop it by name, Liu promised that the trailer is not only coming but that it will also be well worth the wait. "It's going to be so good when it comes out guys, I PROMISE," he tweeted. "Just not today... just not today."
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Shang-Chi is the first new Marvel superhero to snag a solo film in the studio's Phase 4 of development. It is one of the four films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that are expected to launch in theatres this year. However, none of these films were promoted during the Super Bowl 55 commercials.
With COVID-19 still at large, the release dates for such films are on shaky ground, which may be why Marvel studios and Disney decided not to roll out the blockbuster footage just yet. Currently, the projection is that theatres across the country will not be able to fully reopen by the summer, which means there is a chance that Shang-Chi—as well as other Marvel films—could be pushed back to 2022. Perhaps Black Widow will serve as a good indicator for upcoming releases, as it is still scheduled for a May 7 release.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will make history as the first Marvel film to feature an Asian lead. Liu highlighted the importance of the film for Asian representation last year in a closed Facebook group "Subtle Asian Traits," where he said, "it will be impossible for Hollywood to ignore us after this."
In the comics, Shang-Chi is the undisputed master of Kung Fu who has worked with the Avengers on various missions. His connection to the MCU is through his dealings with the Ten Rings, which is the same criminal organization that kidnapped Tony Stark in Iron Man. Joining Liu in the cast is Michelle Yeoh (Star Trek: Discovery), Awkwafina (Ocean's 8), Ronnie Chieng (The Daily Show), and Tony Leung (In The Mood for Love).
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set for release on July 9.
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Source: Simu Liu/Twitter