Marvel's Shang-Chi Adds Pen15 Actor Dallas Liu In Mystery Role

2023/08/30

Marvel's (still) upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings adds another name to its cast list, as Pen15star Dallas Liu boards the film. Shang-Chi was officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, with Kim's Convenience actor Simu Liu being tapped for the lead role. The film was originally scheduled for release in February of this year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced numerous changes upon the MCU's Phase 4 schedule, and Shang-Chi is one of the many projects to be shuffled around. Most recently, the comic book film was delayed to September 3 following the news Black Widow was moving to July.

As a result of the many release date changes, little is known about Shang-Chi's story. However, a good number of cast members have been confirmed. In addition to leading man Liu, Shang-Chi stars Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Ronny Chieng, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, and Tony Leung as the villain, the Mandarin. Though most of the characters' names have been revealed, their actual roles within the plot remain a mystery. Destin Daniel Cretton serves as director.

Now another name has been added to Shang-Chi's roster. According to Deadline, Dallas Liu will appear in Shang-Chi in a mystery role.

Liu is best known for his role in the acclaimed Hulu comedy Pen15, where he plays the brother to main character Maya Ishii-Peters (Maya Erskine). He has also appeared on shows like Snapchat's Players and Nickelodeon's Legendary Dudas. Marvel did not comment on Liu's casting.

With so little known about Shang-Chi's plot, it's hard to even speculate as to who Liu might be playing. He could be a supporting figure within Shang-Chi's journey, or he could even be playing Shang-Chi himself, albeit in younger form.

Shang-Chi's brief plot synopsis alluded to some deep dives into the hero's past, and there could be room for some flashbacks with a teenage version of himself. For now, this is all speculation; Liu's role likely won't become clearer until closer to the film's release.

Right now, fans are more curious about a trailer for Shang-Chi than anything else. Had the film come out as scheduled, everyone would have already seen it by this point. Alas, the wait continues for official looks at Shang-Chi. Simu Liu promised the trailer would be worth it in the end, though it still remains to be seen when it actually will be released.

As Shang-Chi is slated for September, it could emerge in the coming weeks as Marvel aims to stir up interest. Fans will just have to remain patient for a little while longer.

Source: DeadlineKey Release Dates