Report: Donnie Yen, Ludi Lin, and Ross Butler On Marvel’s List for Shang-Chi Movie

A new report indicates that Donnie Yen, Ludi Lin, and Ross Butler are on Marvel’s short list for their upcoming Shang-Chi movie from director Destin Cretton.

The report comes from That Hashtag Show who notes that Ludi Lin would be up for the role of Shang-Chi. Lin previously portrayed Zack, the Black Power Ranger in the 2017 Power Rangers film. He also played Captain Murk in James Wan’s Aquaman.

Lin previously expressed interest in taking on the role of Shang-Chi. He told ScreenRant last December:

“It’s definitely something I want to do. To do an Asian-centric superhero. To tell that story. I mean ideally, I’d like to design my own superhero, make my own creation. But I think the Marvel world is pretty incredible as well. Especially in honor of Stan Lee, the person who created this entire, I mean like an entire universe. You know what I mean? It’s pretty incredible. And I think it would be great because it would take another big step towards representation.”

Lin isn’t the only actor Marvel Studios is interested in talking to. That Hashtag Show also notes that one of their sources tells them that Ross Butler could also have a sit down with Kevin Feige. Butler portrayed the Shazam! empowered Eugene in Shazam!. He also played Reggie Mantle in Riverdale.

They also report that Ip Man and Rogue One star Donnie Yen is also on Marvel’s list to talk to. They speculate that Yen could take on the role of a character described as a “wise, old statesman.”

Rumors have swirled that this “wise, old statesman” is in fact the leader of the terrorist organization called the Ten Rings. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans will know that leader is the Mandarin. The character’s presence in the MCU was confirmed in the “All Hail The King” one-shot following the release of Iron Man 3.

There are reasons rumors are swirling about the inclusion of the Mandarin in Shang-Chi. Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige fanned the flames when he took part in a Reddit AMA in May. When asked if the real Mandarin would be be incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future, Feige simply responded, “Yes.” The most popular theory regarding the Mandarin’s inclusion in Shang-Chi is that he will replace Fu Manchu as Shang-Chi’s father.

As for when we can expect Shang-Chi to begin filming, That Hashtag Show speculates the film could go into production last this year in November. They also speculate the film debut on February 12, 2021 due to Chinese New Year beginning on the same day.

However, when Disney released their Marvel Studios movie slate back in the beginning of May there was no February 12 release date. There was a February 21, 2021 release date. It’s possible this is the date That Hashtag Show meant. It’s the date I predicted the movie would get when Disney announced the slate.

What do you make of the actors that Marvel Studios is reportedly interested in? Would you want to see Ludi Lin play Shang-Chi? What role would you want Donnie Yen to play? Would he be a good Mandarin?

 

 

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