Shang-Chi Shuts Down Production as Director Goes Into Self-Isolation

Shang-Chi temporarily shuts down production as director goes into self-isolation

Due to the world’s ongoing fight against the COVID-19 (formerly named as Coronavirus) pandemic, Hollywood hasn’t been able to escape the effects of the outbreak with live shows, concerts, conventions, movie releases, TV and film productions getting delayed or cancelled in order to prevent the further spreading of the virus.

Now, The Hollywood Reporter brings word that another highly-anticipated 2021 film has also taken the hit, with Marvel Studios officially announcing temporary suspension of first unit production on their forthcoming MCU film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The movie is currently filming in Australia. This marks the second Marvel Studios production that has been stopped within the week with Disney+’s upcoming The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series being the first one to halt their production in Prague.

The decision to suspend is due to director Destin Daniel Cretton currently self-isolating himself as advised by the doctor as he waits for the results of his COVID-19 test. Although Cretton didn’t exhibit any symptoms, he took it upon himself to take extra precautionary measures in order to protect his newborn baby at home.

The film’s crew had also release statement regarding the suspension which reads: “As many of you know, Destin, our director, has a new born baby. He wanted to exercise additional caution given the current environment and decided to get tested for Covid-19 today. He is currently self-isolating under the recommendation of his doctor. While he waits for the results of the test, we are suspending 1st unit production in an abundance of caution until he gets the results this coming week. Second unit and off production will continue as normal. We will reach out to everyone by Tuesday for the latest update.

This is an unprecedented time. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work through this.”

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be led by Canadian actor Simu Liu (Blood and Water, Taken), who is set to take on the titular hero in Marvel Studios’ first Asian superhero-led movie. Joining Liu are Golden Globe-winning actress Awkwafina (The Farewell) and renowned Hong Kong actor Tony Leung, who is portraying the role of The Mandarin. It was also reported that Crazy Rich Asians star Michelle Yeoh was in talks for a new MCU character with Creed II star and professional heavyweight boxer Florian Munteanu also rumored to have joined the film as the secondary villain.

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 film is to introduce a hero who blends Asian and Asian American themes, crafted by Asian and Asian American filmmakers.

Filming is expected to begin this early this year in Australia for a scheduled February 12, 2021 release.

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.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)