Destin Daniel Cretton on why he wanted to direct Marvel’s Shang-Chi movie

Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will see several familiar heroes returning in sequels, such as DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS and THOR: LOVE & THUNDER, but we'll also be introduced to a few new heroes as well, including Shang-Chi, a martial arts master, in SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS.

Starring Simu Liu (Kim's Convenience) as Shang-Chi, the film is set to be helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton (JUST MERCY), who recently spoke with THR about why he wanted to tackle a Marvel superhero.

I grew up without a superhero to look up to. I gravitated to Spider-Man when I was a kid, primarily because he had a mask covering his face and I could imagine myself under that mask. I would love to give my son a superhero to look up to. I feel very privileged to be a part of telling that story.

Destin Daniel Cretton has previously said that he hopes this movie breaks down a few negative ethnic stereotypes. "We need more movies and more stories that continue to show characters of every ethnicity in ways that we have not seen them before. We are trying to create something [with “Shang-Chi”] that reflects the Asian American and Asian experience today," Cretton said. "There are a lot of stereotypes that I hope our movie helps to break."

We're starting to see the MCU introduce more and more diverse characters as its world grows, which Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently said was always part of the plan. "Every time we do a movie, we hope it’s going to succeed so that we can make another movie. That’s always the idea. And with those two films in particular, Black Panther and Captain Marvel, we wanted to keep showcasing heroes from the comics that represent the world that goes to see our movies," Feige said. "So our intention was always to continue to do that. What’s exciting is that both those movies were such big hits that it squashed any sort of question otherwise, and I hope — and I think — it inspired other companies around the world to do the same thing and tell those different types of stories." Feige also added that SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS will feature a "98% asian cast" and will be "so much more than a Kung Fu movie."

In addition to Simu Liu, SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS will also star Awkwafina (THE FAREWELL) as well as Tony Leung (RED CLIFF) as the real Mandarin, who will likely be setting the record straight after the imposter version played by Ben Kingsley in IRON MAN 3 was unmasked. The film is slated for a February 12, 2021 release.