With Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Marvel Studios is clearly looking to move away from the stereotypes that surrounded the character during his earliest comic book adventures. As a result, the titular hero's father is no longer Fu Manchu, and will instead be known as Wenwu (a.k.a. The Mandarin).
Rumours have still persisted that we'll see Fin Fang Foom appear in the movie, but Shang-Chi himself, Simu Liu, has debunked those reports in a recent interview with NBC News.
While the site doesn't share a direct quote, it's noted that "Liu said, that some questionable elements from the source material, like the shape-shifting dragon-like being puzzlingly named 'Fin Fang Foom,' do not make an appearance in the movie." Despite that, LEGO sets and Funko Pops have confirmed that we will see a water dragon named The Great Protector.
"We knew that we were potentially navigating a minefield, especially when looking at this property that was created by two white men in the 1970s at the height of the kung fu craze," the actor said. "We have not shied away from ripping out whatever doesn't work in 2019, 2020, 2021."
"From the moment that Marvel Studios decided that there needed to be a voice for Asian characters and a lead Asian character in the space of the [Marvel Cinematic Universe], they have all kind of considered what the best way was to incorporate a story that both celebrates Asianness and all of its wonderful dimensions, and its facets and its nuances, and also celebrates martial arts."
There will inevitably be some fans left feeling disappointed that Foom is being left on the page, but it's a decision that makes sense. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is clearly heading down a more authentic route, and that's ultimately going to be extremely beneficial for the superhero.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to be released in theaters on September 3, 2021.