Spider-Man 4 Should Find A Way To Include A Neglected MCU Hero

Spider-Man 4 Should Find A Way To Include A Neglected MCU Hero

Key Takeaways

  • Destin Daniel Cretton is set to direct Spider-Man 4 before helming Shang-Chi 2.
  • Shang-Chi, a master fighter, should appear in the next Spider-Man for exciting action.
  • Uncertain future for Shang-Chi’s sequel, but the character’s introduction in Spider-Man 4 could be beneficial.

As a longtime Marvel enthusiast who’s been following the adventures of our beloved superheroes since the dawn of time (or at least since I could remember), I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement when I heard the news about Destin Daniel Cretton taking the helm for Spider-Man 4. Now, you might think that this is just another Marvel movie, but let me tell you, dear reader, this one’s different!


I’ve been eagerly awaiting news about who would helm Spider-Man 4, and finally, it was confirmed that Destin Daniel Cretton will direct! This came as a shock since he was initially slated to direct Shang-Chi 2 for Marvel. It seems like the release of Shang-Chi 2 might be delayed now. Yet, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of the character making an appearance before his next solo movie. I can hardly wait to see what Cretton brings to the table!

In the Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland, the main character has predominantly been the focus. However, there have been appearances from characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe before these. For instance, Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man assisted the young hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. In a minor role, Charlie Cox appeared as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Benedict Cumberbatch played Doctor Strange in Spider-Man: No Way Home. With director Cretton involved, it seems likely that Shag-Chi will be incorporated into the upcoming sequel of Spider-Man 4.

Why Shang-Chi Deserves to be in Spider-Man 4

Spider-Man 4 Should Find A Way To Include A Neglected MCU Hero

In September 2021, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was released to a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 91%. Both audiences and critics appreciated the skillfully choreographed fight sequences and the film’s unique visual style, deviating from the usual Marvel movie aesthetic. Despite not setting box office records due to ongoing challenges faced by studios post-COVID-19, it still grossed $432.2 million globally, ensuring a sequel. However, progress on the sequel has been slow due to director Destin Daniel Cretton’s busy schedule. He has taken on various projects such as producing and directing a “Wonder Man” series for Marvel Studios and Disney+, which stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Furthermore, Cretton is set to direct a live-action Naruto movie before agreeing to work on Spider-Man. This has put any potential second Shang-Chi film on hold, leaving the character in limbo. Fortunately, “Spider-Man 4” provides an opportunity for Simu Liu to reprise his role as Shang-Chi.

Introducing the martial arts expert Shang-Chi into the storyline would give Peter Parker an opportunity to learn combat skills. Cretton has demonstrated his skill in directing thrilling fight scenes, a talent that could enhance the Spider-Man films significantly. Watching Shang-Chi and Spider-Man engage in battle would be exhilarating. Essentially, this collaboration would offer an ideal platform for Shang-Chi to teach Peter Parker the Path of the Spider. Moreover, incorporating Shang-Chi into the next Spider-Man movie could align with any multiverse aspects that Spider-Man 4 might explore.

How Shang-Chi Appearing in Spider-Man Can Impact his Future

The future of Shang-Chi 2 is still undecided, but it seems that production is ongoing, with Liu expressing confidence about its continuation. However, the specifics are yet to be determined, such as who might direct the sequel or when it will be released. There’s a possibility that Marvel Studios may bring in a new director for the upcoming sequel, given Destin Cretton’s growing list of projects. As of now, it’s uncertain if Shang-Chi will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe before appearing in The Avengers: Doomsday and The Avengers: Secret Wars. Given Marvel Studios’ history with introducing new heroes and not always knowing how to utilize them beyond their initial films, some speculate that it might be advantageous for the character to appear in Spider-Man 4 instead. It’s been three years since Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Similarly, Marvel Studios has experienced challenges in effectively integrating new characters like The Eternals, who have remained on the sidelines, and She-Hulk, who hasn’t been seen since the finale of her Disney+ series.

In their ongoing ventures, the studio keeps adding new heroes to the mix, yet it seems they haven’t fully decided on how best to leverage these characters, such as Shang-Chi. Given his significance – being Marvel Studios’ inaugural Asian superhero leading a film – and his adaptable nature, it seems illogical to keep him in reserve. Not only does Shang-Chi share a comic book history with Spiderman’s alter ego, Peter Parker, but he even taught Peter the art of combat and the Way of the Spider. Instead of leaving Shang-Chi’s big screen future uncertain, why not capitalize on their comic book camaraderie by bringing them together in a collaboration that feels organic rather than forced for the sake of a Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance?

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m eagerly waiting for the next Spider-Man adventure, but unfortunately, there’s no set release date yet. On the other hand, if you’re into action-packed Marvel tales, you can stream Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings right now on Disney+.

Read More

2024-09-24 19:03