Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings gave us MCU’s first Asian superhero, and it was truly delightful.
The film also introduced us to Shang-Chi’s quirky sidekick/best friend, Katy, who was always by his side, through thick and thin and slaying soul-sucking creatures together.
So, when two characters of the opposite gender have such a strong bond but yet an “ambiguous” relationship, it is inevitable that some fans will walk out of the theatres shipping the pair.
However, Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu has settled the debate once and for all.
While talking to Jessica Henwick on Character Media, Liu expressed his thoughts on whether his character’s relationship with Katy would lead to something romantic in future films. (via Screen Rant )
Shaun and Katy work so well as best friends. And I think it’s refreshing when you see a man and a woman on screen that don’t necessarily have to fall in love. I’m not saying they never will, but it’s certainly not hinted at. I think in the movie, what they have is just truly wonderful, I think it represents a lot of the male-female friendships that I have in life. I think we’ll see where the story goes, but I think if you were to ask me now… Do I think Shaun and Katy should be romantically involved? I would say no.
Jessica Henwick & Simu Liu | Character Conversations:
Unless one has that preconceived idea of wanting the two characters to end up together, it is quite apparent that their relationship is platonic.
This is hinted again when Katy’s grandma asks Shang when the two will get married, to which he replies that they’re “just friends.”
The studio probably had a good reason for it as their relationship was deliberately kept platonic. A scene implying that Shang and Katy had crushes on each other was deleted from the film.
The deleted scene is titled “Just Friends,” where Xialing suggests that Shang likes Katy. When asked if she likes him back, Katy rambles a bit before hesitantly replying that she doesn’t want to complicate their friendship.
Just Friends Deleted Clip:
Not sure which direction the studio goes in for Shang-Chi’s love life, but hopefully, Marvel tries to move away from the “unfeeling, asexual Asian male” stereotype that has been prevalent in Hollywood for way too long. (Example: Raj from The Big Bang Theory)
In the comics, Shang has often been linked to Leiko Wu, a Chinese-British MI6 agent, who helped him in the war against Fu Manchu. Fans were quite surprised when she and other MI6 agents weren’t included in the film.
However, including a British secret service organization would add a lot of non-Asian characters, and Marvel wanted the film to consist of Asian characters for the most part.
Marvel might just be saving these characters for the sequel.
Leiko also has links to Midnight Sun and Razor-Fist in the comics, so the character’s introduction is most definitely (probably) around the corner.
About Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten rings is an upcoming American superhero film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. It is based on the Marvel Comics character Shang-Chi.
Cast members include Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, and Ronny Chieng.
When Shang-Chi is drawn into the clandestine Ten Rings organization, he is forced to confront the past he thought he left behind. Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the movie will be a part of its ongoing Phase Four.
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