Spider-Man 4’s Progress Comes At The Cost Of another MCU Sequel

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Spider-Man 4's Progress Comes At The Cost Of another MCU Sequel

Key Takeaways

  • Director Destin Daniel Cretton to helm Spider-Man 4, impacting potential Shang-Chi 2 delay.
  • Marvel could replace Cretton on Shang-Chi 2 to prevent further delays.
  • Despite frustration, Cretton’s focus on Spider-Man 4 could benefit Marvel Studios.

As a longtime Marvel fan with a soft spot for underdog heroes, I must admit my excitement when Destin Daniel Cretton was announced as the director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film was a breath of fresh air in the MCU, and Cretton’s unique vision brought something truly special to the table. However, news that he would be moving on to direct Spider-Man 4 has left me with a bittersweet feeling.

Following several months of anticipation, it’s confirmed that Destin Daniel Cretton will be at the helm for Marvel Studios and Sony’s upcoming “Spider-Man 4”. Known for his work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, Cretton is set to direct the next installment in the Spider-Man series. This announcement arrives as Cretton is wrapping up another Marvel Studios project, “Wonder Man”, slated for release on Disney+ in the following year. Regrettably, the news of Cretton’s involvement with “Spider-Man 4” appears to have consequences for yet another Marvel Studios project he was due to contribute to.

Although Marvel Studios hasn’t announced a release date for Shang-Chi 2, multiple sources and star Simu Liu have hinted at its production. Originally expected to be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who helmed the first film, he is now committed to the Spider-Man sequel. As a result, it appears that Shang-Chi 2 might face another delay. Is this postponement a reasonable compromise for fans excited about the continuation of one of Marvel’s latest heroes within the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Shang-Chi and the Ever Delayed Sequel

Spider-Man 4's Progress Comes At The Cost Of another MCU Sequel

The movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” released in 2021, received rave reviews, scoring an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. It amassed $432.2 million at the global box office, making way for a sequel. News about the sequel emerged shortly after its release, with reports suggesting that director Destin Daniel Cretton would return for the second installment. However, since then, there has been minimal progress on the sequel.

Above all, Sony should prioritize getting the ball rolling on “Spider-Man 4” swiftly since this franchise is arguably its most significant, if not the most significant. Consequently, Cretton’s future work will primarily involve the Spider-Man sequel, instead of Shang-Chi 2. For those eagerly awaiting the latter, this situation can undeniably be disappointing. However, there is a potential resolution, albeit one that fans might not be thrilled about.

Will Marvel Replace Cretton on Shang-Chi?

It’s indisputable that Cretton created something exceptional with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” Many critics praised the film’s unique visuals and tone, which stood out distinctly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike other Marvel films, it didn’t have the typical “Marvel look,” and its action sequences were hailed as some of the best in comic book movies. The studio is keen on having Cretton direct the sequel, but given his high workload and demand, finding another director for “Shang-Chi 2” seems necessary.

Marvel Studios has been exceptional at nurturing fresh talent, giving lesser-known directors a platform to infuse their unique style and aesthetics into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This approach is evident not only in the case of Cretton, but also with James Gunn, who before ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ was primarily recognized for ‘Slither’ and ‘Super’. Swapping out directors for the ‘Shang-Chi’ sequel could be beneficial. Although it would be exciting to see Cretton direct a ‘Shang-Chi’ trilogy, restricting him to such a series might not be fair given his other prospects. If Marvel Studios can find an appropriate director for the ‘Shang-Chi’ sequel, it could potentially boost the franchise. It appears that Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi won’t make an appearance until the ‘Avengers’ films, if at all. While fans might not be immediately thrilled with this change, they will eventually appreciate Cretton’s take on ‘Spider-Man’.

As of this writing, Spider-Man 4 and Shang-Chi 2 do not yet have release dates.

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2024-09-18 01:05