Marvel's working on its first superhero movie with an Asian lead

Image: @mcu_insta

The film will be based on Master of Kung Fu Shang-Chi, a Chinese hero who first appeared in 1973

It's about time we had a Chinese superhero hit the international big screen, right? You could argue the case for Mulan amongst others and we know you think your ayi is a superhero after she managed to get that stain out of your favourite white shirt. But we mean a real superhero, magic powers and all. Enter Shang-Chi.

According to Variety, Marvel Studios is developing a movie based on Master of Kung Fu Shang-Chi, a Chinese hero who first appeared in 1973's Marvel Special Edition #15 comic book and has also made appearances in titles such as Marvel Knights and X-Men. After a growing up in 'Honan', he's teamed up with the likes of Spider-Man, Black Widow and The Thing.

Image: Marvel Comics

Shang-Chi (上气) is part of the Marvel universe – the one with the Avengers if you aren't quite clued-up – and Chinese-American writer Dave Callaham (who has worked on titles such as the upcoming Wonder Woman sequel, The Expendables and the 2014 Godzilla movie) is set to work on the movie's screenplay.

While it's still in development, if the movie is released, it'll be the first Marvel film with an Asian lead. Given the international success of smash-hit Crazy Rich Asians (despite pretty lacklustre sales since opening in China last week), we imagine it will be very popular if they do it right.

For great films to see in Beijing this December, hit 'Read more'. 

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