Two Characters Marvel Fans Really Want To See In Shang-Chi
Back in 2018, many fans were upset upon hearing the news that Netflix was cancelling all of the Marvel television series on the streaming platform. This left characters like Matthew Murdock, aka Daredevil (Charlie Cox), and Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) out in the dust, with stories unfinished and potential wasted. Along with this, any chance of bringing them into the Marvel Cinematic Universe had to be delayed or forgotten, considering that, per the initial deal that Marvel and Netflix struck, Netflix owned the rights to these characters for two years after the series cancellations (via Variety).
Thankfully, Marvel Studios is now slowly regaining control of the properties formerly part of Netflix, and possibilities are coming up to reintroduce these well-liked characters to the new-and-improved MCU — including the upcoming Disney+ Marvel TV series and the Spider-Man films (which are co-productions between Marvel and Sony). While rumors about Daredevil's involvement in Spider-Man 3 have gone around, fans have begun to discuss ways that the remaining Marvel-Netflix series characters — like Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Frank Castle, aka the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) — can join in on the fun.
With forthcoming films like Eternals, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and TV shows like Hawkeye and She-Hulk, the ways Marvel could weave in the past Netflix characters and stories are numerous. But for two specific characters, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the perfect place for them to be folded into the MCU.
Shang-Chi is the perfect chance to re-introduce Danny Rand and Colleen Wing
While there are a handful of great characters from Netflix's Iron Fist series, fans eagerly await the chance to see Danny Rand (Finn Jones) and Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) again. After a disappointing first season, Iron Fist came back with a great, action-packed second season — one that got fans excited for the possibility of the future for these characters. Of course, that's where the story ends, as the series was cancelled shortly after the second season's premiere.
But fans haven't forgotten. On Reddit, a user by the name of u/Limulemur suggested that the upcoming Shang-Chi movie, which finished filming in October 2020, is the best opportunity to smoothly introduce Danny and Colleen to the MCU.
In the Marvel Comics, both the Iron Fist and the Ten Rings are schools in the mystical city of K'un-Lun who fought for the right to rule; in Shang-Chi, the Ten Rings terrorist organization will reportedly be the main antagonist for Shang-Chi (Simu Lui). The history between the Iron Fist and the Ten Rings is a strong connection, and many people believe that there might be plans to further explore K'un-Lun in Shang-Chi's sequel. Another Reddit user, u/MarcusD1994, suggested that Marvel "hint at their arrival in the post-credits scene" of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings before fully re-introducing Danny and Colleen through the film's sequel.
Considering the rumors surrounding Daredevil's leap into the MCU, there might be reason to believe that Marvel would be willing to bring back these fan-favorite characters if the opportunity presents itself. If they are looking for a way to include Danny Rand and Colleen Wing, Shang-Chi (or its sequel) is definitely the perfect moment.