Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton has given a new, if discouraging, update on the status of its sequel. The filmmaker, along with Marvel, had previously confirmed that Shang-Chi 2 has been in development, though it had yet to be officially announced. The superhero character, played by Simu Liu, first appeared in the MCU in the 2021 film and will return in Avengers: Doomsday.
Following Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’s release, Cretton was attached to Avengers: Kang Dynasty. Marvel Studios went on to pivot from Kang to Doctor Doom in its ensemble, but he was hired to direct Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Now, with the Tom Holland starrer arriving in theaters later this month, Destin Daniel Cretton has offered an update on the status of the Shang-Chi sequel.
Shang-Chi 2 likely won’t be released until after Avengers: Secret Wars
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cretton revealed that he has been discussing Shang-Chi 2 with one of the writers of the first film. “I also would love to see Shang-Chi 2!” he said, adding, “I was talking to Dave Callaham, our writer, about it just a few weeks ago, so fingers crossed.”
Cretton’s comments suggest that it will take a while before audiences see Simu Liu suited up in a sequel. Following its San Diego Comic-Con panel, Marvel Studios confirmed it won’t release any new films between Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. The latter is currently scheduled to release in late 2027.
Further, at the panel, Marvel officially announced two films coming after Secret Wars: Black Panther 3 and Ghost Rider, both releasing in 2028.
With a Shang-Chi sequel not announced yet, it’s plausible the film won’t enter production in time to release by 2028. Following the panel, Liu also made his feelings clear on Shang-Chi 2. While the hero has been absent from the MCU for 5 years, he may just be strong enough to defeat Doctor Doom.
Destin Daniel Cretton’s next film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, arrives in theaters on July 31, 2026.
