Opinion | Shang-Chi, Marvel’s first Asian-led superhero film, will only perpetuate outdated martial arts myths
- Film based on ‘Master of Kung Fu’ Shang-Chi comics aims to follow Black Panther blueprint
- But hero could further deify martial arts when serious questions are being asked about its effectiveness in modern combat
Marvel Studios is bringing its first Asian-led superhero film to its Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s long overdue, with 1970s comic book star Shang-Chi reportedly getting the silver screen treatment.
It sounds promising – Marvel wants to follow the Black Panther blueprint and Ryan Coogler’s example, with a film about an Asian protagonist and predominantly Asian cast, written by Asian writers and filmed by Asian filmmakers.
American director Destin Daniel Cretton is on board, according to reports, with a screenplay by Chinese-American screenwriter Dave Callaham in place.
The Academy Award-winning Black Panther, with its majority black cast, was lauded for its cultural impact as a groundbreaking celebration of black culture. It seems Marvel wants to do something similar with its Shang-Chi film by creating a love letter of sorts to traditional martial arts.
Which is fine on the face of it – who doesn’t love a good kung fu flick? – but it may only help perpetuate the current debate surrounding its effectiveness as a form of modern combat.