The Cast
Henry Golding as Shang-Chi
In 2018, Henry Golding crashed into Hollywood in a very big way. As a rapidly rising, bankable star, he's sure to be at the peak of Marvel's radar to head this new franchise. Golding is pretty much your full package franchise lead. All he needs to complete the part is some expert martial arts lessons and you've got it made.
Jing Tian as Leiko Wu
Tian has proved herself capable starring in multiple blockbuster hits over the recent years, proving herself alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Now she's the best choice to take the lead as Leiko, Shang's partner in subterfuge and sometimes lover. She brings levels of intensity, authenticity and sincerity that perfectly round out our team of agents.
Jim Caviezel as Jack Tarr
Caviezel is an actor whose name has been tossed around time and againg for many a super hero casting. I think Tarr would be the perfect fit for his tough, no nonsense attitude. A great fighter and actor, he'd be splendid has the blunt hammer to Shang's sharpened needle.
Lucy Liu as Revanche Kwannon
Marvel has the mutants back and I believe this is a prime way to start introducing them. I've merged both Psylocke's human origins into a single character, becuase the weird Asian-body-swap stuff is something Marvel won't be touching with a ten foot pole. Liu is a powerhouse more than capable of leading global agents alongside Sean Bean as her half-brother Brian. She would truly elevate Psylocke to her full potential.
Ludi Lin as Shen Kue "The Cat"
Lin is a rapidly rising star. DC already snagged him for Aquaman, but it wasn't exactly a rewarding part. Marvel should have no qualms pulling him in for a much more substantial role as Shang's longtime nemesis, The Cat. Lin has charm, skill and stage presence to hold his own against Golding both in combat and among the fans.
Jackie Chan as Zheng Zu
There's nothing Marvel loves more than casting big names for their villains, and they don't come much bigger than Jackie Chan. The aging icon has proved time and again that he's still got it, and a groundbreaking movie like Shang-Chi just wouldn't be right without him. He's been adament about trying to branch out his roles in recent years, so a turn as a villain is both something I think he'd be eager to take on and is sure to cause a big marketing buzz.
Sean Bean as Brian Braddock
Action movie icon and internet meme Sean Bean is overdue for his shot at superhero stardom. Here we meet him as the head of MI:13. His true identity and role as a guardian of the borders of reality will only be revealed at the end of the film, but would prove vastly important to the future of the MCU. Bean carries a unique blend of British brawler swagger and inspiring charisma that his perfect for the powerful Captain Britain.
The Plot
- We meet Shang-Chi and Jack Tarr operating on a mission for MI-13. They are engaged in some sort of high stakes transaction involving some manner of super-science tech or mystic artifact. Regardless, we are introduced to the duo's individual styles and their relationship as partners in spying through an intense pre-credits action sequence.
-Upon returning to the MI-13 headquarters in London, we meet Department Head Brian Braddock and learn more about Shang's life and how Braddock recruited him to the agency. Shang and Chi recieve a new mission, following a lead back to China in pursuit of the legendary criminal Zheng Zu. Zu has gone by many names, including The Mandarin, and has a penchant for meddling in the supernatural. The agents pack as Shang reflects on returning to the homeland he hasn't visited since his youth.
The heroes arrive in Hong Kong, where they are introduced to Revanche Kwannon, head of Quiang (SPEAR), whose organization holds the most knowledge on Zheng Zu and will be assisting MI:13, though whose operation it really is depends on which side you ask. Quiang agent Leiko Wu joins their team and they head off on the trail.
Shang and Leiko quickly bond as they infiltrate the Chinese underground, piecing together the clues on a quest that spans across Asia. They journey from the underworld of Madripoor to the ruins of ancient civilizations to the Shilin Stone Forest. Along the way they atract the attention of Zheng Zu and spar with his top assasin, The Cat, who quickly develops a fierce rivalry with Shang and romance for Leiko.
In a duel, Shang seemingly beats The Cat for good, only to realize it is a trap. The trio is captured and Zheng Zu himself appears before them. In a shocking turn of events, he reveals that he is in fact Shang's father. He plans to take his son and kill the others, but the timely arrival of Revanche saves them. She is forced to use her powers to escape, however, and fears what Zu will do now that her cover is exposed.
In light of the lastest revelation, Shang is ordered to step away from the case and angrily leaves into the streets of Hong Kong. Detirmined that she must now defeat Zu herself, Revanche agrees to lead the team as Psylocke and they head towards their enemy's base. (Filmed at Zhangjiajie National Park) Before they go, however, she leaves a parting psychic message for Shang.
We get an epic raid on Zheng Zu's fortress, followed by the shocking reveal of his vast collection of metahuman and supernatural artifacts. Most shocking, however, is Shang at his father's side. It is all, however, part of Psylocke's plan, and Shang gives his allies the upper hand. As the fortress implodes, our hero confronts his fleeing father. At last coming to terms with his past, Shang emerges triumphant while Zu is seemingly consumed by the dark power he wielded.
Returning to the base in Hong Kong, the agents are surprised to see Braddock already there. He reveals the family connection to Revanche. After a celebration, the siblings pull Shang aside. He has seen the full brunt of the shadowy threats that are out there and proved uncanilly resistent to his father's mystic attacks. As such, they introduce him to the much bigger world he is about to become a part of...
POST CREDIT SCENE: In a fortress deep beneath the earth, part castle, part high tech base, we see agents monitoring activity by the villainous Black Knight and the name of their organization - EXCALIBUR.
I hope you all enjoyed my pitch! As always, sound off below with any and all comments, questions, and criticisms!