There have been discussions for weeks about which upcoming movie will be set to film at Fox Studios Sydney sound stages. While it’s not been officially confirmed, reports are coming out that Marvel’s upcoming MCU entry focusing on Asian protagonist Shang-Chi is that film, according to The Canberra Times.
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Dave Callaham (Wonder Woman 1984, Zombieland 2, Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse 2) wrote the script and Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12) is attached to direct the project. Marvel’s goal with the new project is to introduce a hero who blends Asian and Asian American themes, crafted by Asian and Asian American filmmakers.
Australian federal arts minister Mitch Fifield confirmed Wednesday that a Marvel Studios film would shoot at Fox Studios in Sydney in addition to other locations and receive $24 million in one-off funding.
“Securing this latest production will bring over $150 million of new international investment, create 4700 new Australian jobs and use the services of around 1200 local businesses, Fifield said in a statement.
Shang-Chi, also known as The Master of Kung Fu, was first introduced in the pages of Special Marvel Edition #15 back in 1973 after they’d failed to obtain the rights to the then-popular TV series Kung Fu, which starred David Carradine. A master of fighting, Shang-Chi eventually gains the ability to create an infinite amount of replicas of himself. After Special Marvel Edition changed its name to The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu, the character went on to appear in issues of Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Two-in-One. He’s also been a member of The Avengers and Heroes for Hire, the latter alongside fellow kung fu masters Daughters of the Dragon.
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As the MCU moves into Phase 4 and beyond, the studio has started to branch out, working with more filmmakers who come from diverse backgrounds. Included in this roster are Captain Marvel co-directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Ryan Coogler, who helmed Black Panther as well as its upcoming sequel, and Taika Waititi, who directed the acclaimed Thor: Ragnarok. Also in the pipeline is The Eternals, which is being helmed by The Rider’s Chloé Zhao and Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland, who will direct Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited stand-alone film following Black Widow.
