On This Day in 2021, Shang-Chi Released & These 7 Things Still Don’t Make Sense

Avengers: Doomsday will be monumental for several reasons. For starters, Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time since Avengers: Endgame. However, instead of playing the hero he’s become synonymous with, Iron Man, he’s going to be taking on the role of Doctor Doom. Of course, Marvel Studios will throw as many heroes as they can at its new Big Bad, including Captain America, Mister Fantastic, Thor, Ant-Man, and Black Panther. But another hero that’s been missing from the franchise nearly as long as Iron Man will also be part of the proceedings: Shang-Chi.

Simu Liu’s martial artist broke onto the scene in 2021 with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Despite expectations for the film being low, it ended up being a pleasant surprise, introducing a new corner of the MCU that had a lot to offer. Not every aspect of the movie worked, though. Here are seven things that still don’t make sense about Shang-Chi.

7) How Did Shang-Chi Survive On His Own for So Long?

At the start of the movie, the titular hero is living in San Francisco and going by the name “Shaun.” Well, Shaun is keeping his fair share of secrets because it turns out he didn’t have a great home life and ran away when he was a teenager. The Mandarin made sure his son had plenty of skills, but none of his training involved working a part-time job or learning about American history. It remains a mystery how Shang-Chi was able to keep his head above water after moving across the world.

6) Where Did the Ten Rings Come From?

The Mandarin built his empire using weapons he discovered in a cave. While the comic books have plenty of information about the Ten Rings’ origin, Shang-Chi doesn’t dive into any details. The closest it gets is when Shang-Chi and Katy meet with a couple of Avengers to discuss the power the weapons hold and the beacon within them.

5) Is Xialing Going to Continue Her Father’s Evil Ways?

Shang-Chi was the Mandarin’s favorite, which left his sister, Xu Xialing, feeling neglected. She forged her own path, starting a fight club that was doing pretty well until the Ten Rings showed up. To get back at her father, she takes over his organization at the end of Shang-Chi. Xialing getting what she wants isn’t an issue, but she doesn’t seem interested in turning the Ten Rings into an organization that benefits the world.

4) How Did the Fight Club Stay a Secret for So Long?

The idea of a superhero fight club is fantastic, especially in the MCU, a franchise that is full of metahumans. The one in Shang-Chi features former Red Room agents, sorcerers, and a pretty notable villain. However, with those heavy hitters, it’s hard to believe the place is able to fly under the radar for so long. Surely, an Avenger would have received word about an operation that big.

3) Why Didn’t the Dweller-in-Darkness Reach Out to Anyone Else?

The reason Shang-Chi’s life in San Francisco is uprooted is that his father wants to return to Ta Lo, a village in an alternate dimension where his late wife was from. The Mandarin believes his wife is being held captive there, but it turns out to be a dark entity poisoning his mind. The Dweller-in-Darkness uses the grieving villain to escape, which is a smart play. The plan would have been even better, though, if the monster sought someone stronger than the wielder of the Ten Rings.

2) How Did Katy Become Such a Good Archer?

Katy Chen is by her best friend’s side through thick and thin. Despite not having any powers, she does what she can to help, even going as far as to travel to another dimension. While in Ta Lo, Katy learns how to use a bow, so when the fighting starts, she can defend herself. But she does a whole lot more than that when she lands a critical shot on the Dweller-in-Darkness. Katy may have the same gift Clint Barton does, but Shang-Chi doesn’t confirm that.

1) Does the MCU Have Its Own Illuminati?

Somehow, the introduction of dragons and an alternate reality aren’t the strangest parts of Shang-Chi. No, that title goes to its post-credits scene, which sees Shang-Chi and Katy meet up with Wong, Captain Marvel, and Bruce Banner. The three veteran heroes are discussing the Ten Rings and want to know what Shang-Chi knows about them. While it’s not strange for heroes to gather up in the MCU, this specific lineup has some explaining to do, as they don’t spend a lot of time together.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is streaming on Disney+.

What aspects of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings still don’t make sense for you? Are you excited for the character to return in Avengers: Doomsday? Let us know in the comments below!

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