What is the Shang-Chi 2 release date? After Shang-Chi kicked the box office’s ass, Marvel Studios was always going to want a sequel starring the master of kung-fu, but what do we know about the new film.
Well, we know Shang-Chi is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but other than that, there’s basically been radio silence about the upcoming Marvel movie. Well, don’t worry. We’ve scoured the Library of Kamar-Taj, and taken a look forward into Marvel Phase 6 to bring you everything you need to know about the return of one of your new favorite Marvel characters and the Shang-Chi 2 release date.
Shang-Chi 2 release date speculation
At first, it seemed like 2027 was the earliest that Shang-Chi 2 could currently be released, but a recent rumor has suggested that production will start in 2024/2025.
Initially, Simu Liu confirmed his sequel won’t come out until after the new Avengers movies, which are scheduled for 2026 and 2027. But since then, some major updates on the Avengers movies have come to light.
The Shang-Chi 2’s director, Destin Daniel Cretton, was initially signed on to helm Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. But in November 2023, it was announced that Cretton had stepped down from the project.
This means the filmmaker can focus on Shang-Chi 2, and also hints that it may begin work before Avengers 5 as that film needs to finalize a new crew and direction with the director change.
In November 2023, it was then speculated on The Hollywood Handle’s X account that production was being set for 2024-2025. (But we’re taking this with a pinch of salt, since it’s not been confirmed by Marvel or Disney.) Either way, these new developments may mean Shang-Chi 2 arrives ahead of the new Avengers movies in 2026 instead of 2027.
But this is just speculation on our part at the moment, and as it stands, a 2027 release window is still the most likely. What we know for certain is that Shang-Chi 2 won’t be in Marvel’s Phase 5, which includes Anthony Mackie‘s Captain America 4 and the Deadpool 3 release date.
Phase 5 ends in 2025, and with the Fantastic Four movie starting Phase 6, followed by Thunderbolts, the MCU will have its hands full for a couple of years before it can give Shang-Chi 2 the attention it deserves. Stay tuned for more updates!
Who is in the Shang-Chi 2 cast?
Only Simu Liu has been confirmed on the Shang-Chi 2 cast list, but we bet Awkwafina will also return for the sequel.
How could this duo not be put back on the big screen? Especially given their friendship’s prominence at the end of the action movie. We know that the Ten Rings will return, which means their new boss, Xialing, will likely be back as well.
Of the principal cast, the only member who’s not likely to return is Wenwu (Tony Leung), partly because he died and partly because his arc was done by the movie’s end. Yes, we know flashbacks exist, but we can’t see the benefit of bringing this MCU character back at this point.
Here’s the expected Shang-Chi 2 cast list:
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
- Meng’er Zhang as Xialing
- Awkwafina as Katy
- Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan
What will Shang-Chi 2 be about?
After Shang-Chi’s dramatic ending and post-credit scenes, we think Shang-Chi 2’s plot will focus on Xialing and the Ten Rings.
Xialing was supposed to be shutting down her dad’s evil terrorist organization, but it seems like she’s co-opted the Ten Rings for her own nefarious ends, something we doubt her brother will be pleased with.
We can probably guess that Shang-Chi will be called to assemble the next time the Earth’s threatened by some intergalactic purple guy with a death wish and a fancy glove. Who knows? Maybe Katy will join Shang-Chi in the Avengers as well. Awkafina told us she thought it’d be “cool” if that happened, although she couldn’t confirm anything just yet.
Shang-Chi 2’s plot will also likely depend on the hero’s future collaborations or possible appearances in other MCU movies. This is Marvel we are talking about, and we know this studio loves character crossovers, after all. While Shang-Chi hasn’t had any new team-ups or appearances since his debut, Liu teased upcoming crossovers during an interview with People.
“I’m such a big fan of both the characters and the performers that play them, so any collaboration is an opportunity for me to work alongside someone who, in their own way, is breaking barriers and at the very top of their game,” the star said.
“I think that’s what excites me the most as a performer, [and] also as a fan.” Liu continued, “And who knows, they might see something sooner than you think …. We’ll see.” Very exciting indeed!
Is there a Shang-Chi 2 trailer?
We’ll likely get a trailer for Shang-Chi in 2026, since there’s almost definitely plenty of post-production work to be done after filming wraps.
Even if the sequel shoots between 2024-2025, we still think we’ll be waiting a while after that for some finished footage to be shared. While we wait for more news, you can revisit one of the awesome tracks from the first movie above or head to Marvel’s YouTube to check out other new movies and Marvel series teasers and clips.
We also have lots of information on the latest Phase 5 movie, The Marvels, for you to read. Check out our The Marvels review, and everything we learned from The Marvels ending and post-credit scene!
Where can I watch Shang-Chi-2?
Shang-Chi 2 will likely be released in cinemas before streaming on Disney Plus sometime later in 2027. We bet on physical releases, too.
Like other Marvel movies, Shang-Chi will almost certainly be a theatrical experience before eventually coming to digital platforms for rental and purchase and Disney Plus.
If you want to watch the original Shang-Chi or watch the rest of the Marvel movies in order, you can subscribe to Disney Plus, or rent or purchase it across VOD platforms.
If you’d like, you can read about new movies like the upcoming Blade movie or the Avengers Secret Wars release date. To know more about the MCU’s future, check out the Armor Wars release date and our list of the best Marvel villains.
And, finally, for a break from all the capes, see the best movies of all time and everything new on Disney Plus this month.