The first reactions for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsOpens in a new tab are in and they are positively radiant. Shang-Chi fans have waited a very long time—way, way too long, to be quite honest—to see the Marvel Comics hero enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But at last, in the 25th MCU installmentOpens in a new tab, he’s arrived. And, by the first reactions from Shang-Chi‘s world premiere in Los Angeles, his debut is everything.
Marvel Studios
Attendees had praise across the board, from the action to thoughtful and emotional storytelling to the sublime cast. And naturally, Simu Liu, who plays the titular hero, was at the center of that praise. To see that the actor knocked it out of the park is a delightful full circle moment, considering how he manifested this way back in 2018 on TwitterOpens in a new tab.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is PHENOMENAL. Get hyped. Even fight scene/action sequence is better than the last. @SimuLiuOpens in a new tab fully embraces the marvel superhero role. Amazing imagery. Killer soundtrack. You’ll want to see this on the big screen. #shangchiOpens in a new tab
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
#ShangChiOpens in a new tab is an action packed adventure that checks all the summer blockbuster boxes. Simu shines bringing a long overdue comics character to the silver screen.
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
The fighting is another level and it has some hilarious moments throughout it. pic.twitter.com/bGruxuqMHbOpens in a new tab
#ShangChiOpens in a new tab is fantastic. It's full of INCREDIBLE, beautifully choreographed fight scenes and full of badass women. Get ready to know Simu Liu's name if you don't already. Marvel has another hit on its hands. pic.twitter.com/3efV1kzJ7OOpens in a new tab
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
First responses also lauded Awkwafina and global icons Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh. Needless to say the acting is on point. Additionally, attendees couldn’t get enough of the stellar action scenes, everything we hope to see in a blockbuster superhero movie and more.
#ShangChiOpens in a new tab flips the script on the hero’s journey by adding emotional depth to its characters and brings some much needed Asian representation to the MCU. What’s more the impressive one-shot action sequences are a game changer! Definitely not to be missed! pic.twitter.com/ULc09Cu17ZOpens in a new tab
— iammichaeljlee.bsky.social (@IamMichaelJLee) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
I WATCHED #SHANGCHIOpens in a new tab!!!
— POC Culture (@POCculture) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
It’s an amazing blend of East meets West! Hong Kong martial arts action comes to the #MCUOpens in a new tab & CHANGES THE GAME!!!
It’s emotional, beautiful & HILARIOUS!
This isn’t like ANY MCU film to date. WOW! #MarvelOpens in a new tab #MCUOpens in a new tab @shangchiOpens in a new tab @MarvelStudiosOpens in a new tab @SimuLiuOpens in a new tab @awkwafinaOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/iEEJ0v1DXAOpens in a new tab
Simu and Awkwafina have a lot of chemistry. I love their relationship in this film. Also, I cannot stop talking about the action! The fight sequences were really really amazing. #ShangChiOpens in a new tab
— Laura ลอร’า 劳拉 (@lsirikul) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
Many were taken by the film’s emotional, family-centered story. Considering the film follows Shang-Chi contending with his past, and specifically with his father’s dark organizationOpens in a new tab, we’re excited to see the film layers this backstory with the emotional depth it deserves, while still bringing in necessary levity.
I'm still in awe of #ShangChiOpens in a new tab I really am not a big Marvel or action movie fan but this one... I rarely have moments of "AGAIN AGAIN!" but this was the one for me. pic.twitter.com/OXFHC2UStxOpens in a new tab
— 《🍉josephine, esq: YERIN HA FAN CLUB🗡 》 (@josephinespeaks) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
#ShangChiOpens in a new tab is fun, emotional and an all-around joy to experience. Family is a big running theme throughout and the cast shines bright. Thanks @lsirikulOpens in a new tab for letting me tag along for my first @MarvelStudiosOpens in a new tab premiere. ☺️ pic.twitter.com/r9yYzK9l3wOpens in a new tab
— Philiana (@insidethetube) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
Holy wow @shangchiOpens in a new tab just blew my mind. Feels like Phase One, where I was watching an origin story but the touches of humor, originality, perfect performances, and HEART made me so excited I was like a little kid. Haven’t been this pumped in awhile.
— Grae Drake (@graedrake) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
Nerdist’s own Dan Casey was also on-hand at the premiere, reporting in a rave review of his own, echoing much of the above sentiments.
#ShangChiOpens in a new tab kicked ass! Come for the killer fight scenes, dark mysticism, and martial arts mayhem, but stay for the thoughtful rumination on family, grief, and legacy.
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) August 17, 2021Opens in a new tab
The whole cast is terrific! Simu Liu is a superstar. Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh are international treasures. pic.twitter.com/Rt7QAWK1T3Opens in a new tab
Suffice to say Destin Daniel Cretton has delivered with this highly-anticipated MCU film. And we couldn’t be more ready to see it.
The film also stars Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Ronny Chieng, Florian Munteanu, and Benedict Wong, reprising his MCU character, Wong. Interestingly, Sir Ben Kingsley, who appeared in Iron Man 3 as Trevor Slattery a.k.a. an actor hired to play the Mandarin, also made an appearance at the premiere. Could we see him pop up in Shang-Chi or is this a classic Marvel chess move? I guess we’ll find out very soon.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings debuts in theaters on September 3.
