Fans can now get an idea of how Ludi Lin would look as Shang-Chi, courtesy of some new fan art. Known as The Master of Kung Fu, Shang-Chi debuted in 1973 and was created by Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin in the wake of Bruce Lee’s surging popularity. In the comics, Shang-Chi is the son of Fu Manchu, and was molded by his father to be a “living weapon.” How much of that will translate from the page to the screen, however, remains unknown - with some believing that instead of Fu Manchu, Shang-Chi’s father should the REAL Mandarin.
Shang-Chi was actually part of the original ten-movie line-up that Marvel had planned out in 2005, but fell by the wayside along with other projects. Kevin Feige ultimately resurrected the project, however, with Wonder Woman 1984 co-writer Dave Callaham penning the script and Destin Daniel Cretton signing on to direct. This will mark the first ever blockbuster Asian superhero film made by the American studio, and it will make Phase 4 onwards of the MCU an extremely diverse affair. As a result, the potential casting of the character has been the subject of much suggestion and speculation.
Lin is reportedly one of the actors on the shortlist for the role. Now, thanks to a digital artist by the name of ApexForm, Marvel fans get a sense of how the Chinese-Canadian actor would look in the role. Adorned in a comics-accurate costume, and with the character’s traditional weaponry, the artist renders the character with the kind of fittingly Asian backdrop only seen briefly in such MCU films as Black Panther and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Check out the image below:
Lin was most recently seen demonstrating his martial arts skills alongside the established MCU alum Pom Klementieff in the ‘Striking Vipers’ episode of Black Mirror. He has also made his mark on the big screen, courtesy of roles in such films as Power Rangers and, more recently, Aquaman. As proven by James Gunn now being set to direct both The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, his inclusion in a DC outing won’t prove much of a hindrance towards joining the MCU. He faces some stiff competition for the role, however, with 13 Reasons Why star Ross Butler also said to be in contention. Donnie Yen (from Disney’s upcoming live-action Mulan) is also in talks for a prominent role.
Lin previously spoke to Screen Rant regarding his desire for the role. If that and some beautifully realized fan art was all it took to win the role, Lin would be a shoo-in. As it stands, the official casting remains very much in the air. With Marvel Studios hosting a panel at SDCC, however, and said to be fast-tracking their search for the right actor, it could be sooner rather than later that fans receive an official confirmation and new details regarding their Shang-Chi adaptation and its casting of the characters. All supporters of Lin can do is enjoy the image and keep their fingers crossed.
More: How Marvel’s Shang-Chi Movie Can Avoid Iron Fist’s Mistakes
Source: ApexForm
