Why Shang-Chi 2 Is Taking So Long, 5 Years After Launching A New MCU Franchise

Published Sep 3, 2026, 11:50 AM EDT

Cooper Hood is the Associate Editor for all new movie releases, in theaters and on streaming. In addition to writing articles about these titles and upcoming releases, he also oversees content planning for each, ensuring that ScreenRant continues to cover major releases for months after their release.

He has written various reviews for ScreenRant that appear on Rotten Tomatoes, coordinated Oscars and San Diego Comic-Con coverage, appeared on CNN to talk about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, and done select interviews with talent over the years.

In the wake of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe looked to launch several new franchises that could shape the next Saga. Established heroes like Thor and Spider-Man, as well as teams like the Guardians of the Galaxy, got their opportunities to continue, but Marvel Studios also wanted new blood and fresh characters for audiences to latch onto.

This led to the long-awaited solo movie for Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow, an expected cosmic franchise starter with Eternals​​​​​​, and later on a Fantastic Four reboot. But when it comes to the best franchise starter the MCU has had post-Endgame, that came five years ago, on September 3, 2021, with the release of an action-packed and character-focused new title.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduced the whole world to Marvel's master of kung fu, with Simu Liu portraying Shang-Chi in the martial arts-heavy origin story. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, it marked Marvel's first solo movie for an Asian superhero. As hard as it is to believe, today is the fifth anniversary of Shang-Chi's release, something Liu can't even believe.

Shang-Chi immediately became one of the MCU's most beloved characters, often cited as one of the best new additions in the Multiverse Saga. And despite Shang-Chi's ending and post-credits scenes directly setting up more, Marvel has left us all waiting for a sequel that is still years away, it seems.

Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings Was Successful Enough To Start A Franchise

There is no way to classify Shang-Chi as anything other than a monumental success for the MCU. Coming out while theaters were still very much recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic, the film grossed $432.2 million worldwide. That is more than Black Widow, Eternals, The Marvels, Captain America: Brave New World, and Thunderbolts* made. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the Multiverse Saga's only non-sequel to make more.

Carrying a budget of $150-$200 million, Shang-Chi either just turned a profit or came close to doing so. But given the conditions in which it arrived, the $400+ million performance for a character audiences had never met before was impressive. The financial success is only part of Shang-Chi's story.

The movie earned very positive reviews from critics, citing Cretton's strong direction, Liu's lead performance, and exciting action scenes among its strengths. Shang-Chi wound up Certified Fresh at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences had even more love for it. The 98% Verified Hot rating on the Popcornmeter gives Shang-Chi the highest audience score in MCU history.

Unsurprisingly, this creates a lot of enthusiasm for Shang-Chi 2. The movie gave promising teases of what could come next with Shang-Chi meeting the Avengers, teasing more reveals with the Ten Rings weapons, and Xialing taking over the Ten Rings organization. Expanding the franchise seemed to be a priority for Marvel. What no one expected in 2021 was that there would still be no sequel five years later.

Shang-Chi 2 Has Been In Development For Years, But The MCU's Plans Have Delayed It

The world not yet seeing Shang-Chi 2 isn't a result of Marvel Studios not having interest in the sequel. Marvel moved quickly to announce that Cretton was developing a follow-up just three months after the first film's release. It appeared that Shang-Chi 2 would come in the next few years, but that isn't what happened as various MCU changes occurred.

The primary holdup for Shang-Chi 2 has been Cretton's schedule. The first movie's success brought him opportunities to do several other projects, including creating Wonder Man for Disney+. Marvel Studios was so pleased with his work on the original movie that he was even tapped to direct the first Avengers movie after Endgame, known as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.

Cretton took this assignment in 2022, making The Kang Dynasty his priority over Shang-Chi 2. That wasn't seen as completely bad news for Shang-Chi, as there was an expectation that the director would give Liu's character a major role in the event film. Ultimately, Cretton left The Kang Dynasty in 2023, giving new hope that he could focus on Shang-Chi's sequel.

The MCU had different plans, though. Cretton wound up signing on to direct Spider-Man: Brand New Day in 2024. That kept him busy until the film's release earlier this summer. It was an understandable move for Cretton to make, as Brand New Day was a priority for Marvel Studios and Shang-Chi 2 wasn't deemed necessary to come out before Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

When Will Shang-Chi 2 Release?

The good news for fans of the character and franchise is that Shang-Chi 2 is still coming. Cretton told ScreenRant in our profile interview that "We are in active development right now" on the sequel. When it will come out remains a major question, though.

Marvel has already placed movies on all three of its 2028 release dates. That makes 2029 the earliest landing spot for Shang-Chi 2, but a later date could be necessary depending on how Marvel and Cretton agree to move forward.

The director is currently gearing up to film a live-action Naruto movie in 2027, which could then release in 2028. If he still wants to direct Shang-Chi 2, it could start production in 2028 to hit a 2029 release date. Another director could also board the sequel if that turnaround proves too quick for Cretton, or if he winds up helming Spider-Man 5 instead.

This all indicates that there will be at least eight years between Shang-Chi and its sequel. That will be the longest gap between sequels in the MCU's history, which is quite frustrating. Thankfully, we don't have to wait quite that long to see Shang-Chi again.

Shang-Chi Is Finally Returning To The MCU This Year

While it isn't Shang-Chi 2, Liu will finally suit up again as the master of kung fu in three months. He is confirmed to be one of Avengers: Doomsday's characters. Shang-Chi will be a member of Sam Wilson/Captain America's new Avengers team. Details on his role are still a bit sparse, but we do know he'll fight Gambit as the Avengers and X-Men clash.

This won't be the only appearance for Shang-Chi before his sequel. Liu previously confirmed that he'll also return for Avengers: Secret Wars. The nature of his role is unclear for now, but a better idea of what will happen to him next will come after watching Doomsday.

Neither of these appearances will fully satisfy the craving for Shang-Chi 2, as Shang-Chi will be a secondary character in the Avengers films rather than the lead. Hopefully, the success of these upcoming MCU movies will spark even more interest in Shang-Chi as a character and get Marvel to really prioritize following up Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings before this decade ends.