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Marvel’s Shang-Chi: five reasons Tony Leung’s casting is huge – Hong Kong actor to play villain The Mandarin
- Leung will be the first Hong Kong actor to star in a Marvel film, and his casting reflects the decision to make a film with China the main target market
- Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu and Asian-American actress Awkwafina have also been cast, and the film won’t feature controversial racist character Fu Manchu
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The announcement of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings at Comic-Con in San Diego, California, over the weekend makes screen legend Tony Leung Chiu-wai the first Hong Kong actor to star in a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film.
Most eyes were on the casting of the first Asian superhero in producer Kevin Feige’s lucrative film series, but the confirmation of Leung’s role as the villain, The Mandarin, is far more intriguing. It sheds light on the narrative trajectory of the MCU’s upcoming Phase 4 and marks a major departure by Marvel: a film predominantly made with China in mind.
Leung is joined by Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu and Asian-American rapper-turned-actress Awkwafina in the main cast. The film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for the critically acclaimed film Short Term 12 (2013).
Here are five reasons why Leung’s role matters both on and off-screen.
1. The Mandarin could succeed Loki and Thanos as the MCU’s next major villain
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