Marvel Taps Destin Daniel Cretton to Direct ‘Shang-Chi,’ its First Asian Superhero Film

By Tiarra Mukherjee Mar 15, 2019

On Wednesday (March 13), Deadline reported that Marvel Studios selected Destin Daniel Cretton to direct “Shang-Chi,” the studio’s first movie starring an Asian superhero. Cretton, who is Asian-American, is currently directing the self-penned film “Just Mercy” and also directed “The Glass Castle” in 2017.   

“Shang-Chi” will be shot from a screenplay by Chinese-American writer Dave Callaham, and it tells the story of a kung fu master who discovers that his father has been using him and his skills for evil. According to Deadline, Marvel is hoping to replicate the success of “Black Panther,” this time shifting its focucs to Asian and Asian-American culture.

“Shang-Chi” first appeared in Special Marvel Edition #15 in December 1973. The eponymous hero is purported to be the best hand-to-hand fighter in the Marvel universe. The script will reportedly modernize the character to avoid Asian stereotypes that were found in the comics.