‘Shang-Chi’ Will Be Marvel’s First Asian-Led Superhero Film

By Sameer Rao Dec 03, 2018

Deadline revealed today (December 3) that Marvel tapped "Wonder Woman 1984” screenwriter Dave Callaham to pen the comic giant’s first film with an Asian protagonist.

Marvel first introduced "Shang-Chi‘s" eponymous lead character in the 1970s. He practiced martial arts under the tutelage of his father, whom he eventually learned was a manipulative criminal mastermind.

Callaham, who Deadline identifies as Chinese American, will reportedly draw on his own heritage and integrate Asian and Asian-American topics the same way "Black Panther" explored both African and African-American identity. Marvel is currently looking for a director from the Asian diaspora to bring the screenplay to life, and aims to create a franchise based on the character.

This is the studio’s second forthcoming project led by an Asian artist. Chloé Zhao is directing "The Eternals" for the big screen.