How Shang-Chi 2 might successfully evade the tag of the most delayed MCU sequel

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is in dire need for rejuvenation. In an era where ‘superhero fatigue ‘ is the buzz word, if the MCU has to scale the peaks that it once did, it will have to undertake some herculean efforts. Creators will have to think out of the box while retaining the core that made the fans resonate with the movies. It is in this period that Simu Liu’s critically acclaimed Shang-Chi is all set to begin filming after a gargantuan delay in 2025. While some fans would be baffled, it doesn’t come as a shock to many. After all, this isn’t the most delayed MCU sequel out there.

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A Shang-Chi sequel is in the pipelines

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was very well-loved by the masses | Author – Marvel Studios Credit – Wikimedia Commons
The MCU has a stacked calendar for the upcoming decade. Kevin Feige and Co. would be hoping that things pick up a little as we begin to witness the introduction (and reintroduction) of lovable characters around the block. And amidst all the projects which have been confirmed, word is that the return of Shang-Chi is also imminent.

The untitled Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings sequel is reportedly all set to start filming next year. Simu Liu left no doubt about that after his appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. They affirmed his and Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s commitment to the project. And it looks like we can expect shooting to commence soon.

These MCU sequels made fans wait longer than Shang-Chi 2 did

Simu Liu impressed many with his role in and as Shang-Chi | Author – Gage Skidmore Credit – Wikimedia Commons
Yes, it hasn’t come as soon as people would have wanted it to. Yes, it remains to be seen how fans will react to a sequel this delayed. But it is a welcome news for people who flocked to the theatres to watch Shang-Chi that the sequel is all set to begin filming in 2025.

And while the time span between the 2021 flick and the sequel might not be something to write home about, it’s still better than the gap between two other MCU sequels – the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness.

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Shang-Chi 2 could hit theatres as soon as 2026

The cast of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Author – 4DX Credit – Wikimedia Commons

Both Guardians of the Galaxy and Dr. Strange are central for the MCU in their own right. While for the former it was an unconventional style and comic tone that made fans go gung-ho, Dr. Strange’s role in the movies and his powers make him a character fans can’t get enough of. And it was a real shame when fans had to wait 6 years before getting to witness sequels to both the flicks in Phase 4.

While Dr. Strange: Multiverse of Madness hit the theatres in 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would be released in 2023, both being released after a gap of 6 years. No wonder that the wait for Shang-Chi 2 pales when compared to this. If the rumors are anything to go by, we could have a release in 2026 at our hands, which is still a year shy of the 6-year delay.

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