New ‘Shang-Chi’ Concept Art Reveals a Shocking Debut that Almost Happened
One of the better films of Marvel’s Phase Four slate almost featured a memorable debut, as brand new Shang-Chi concept art shows two unexpected characters going head to head.
With the massive success that was Spider-Man: No Way Home, and the speculation surrounding the impending Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness, it is easy for fans to forget the incredible Phase Four films that came in 2021.
Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) in Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS. Photo by Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
The height of those is easily Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the story of the film’s eponymous character and his debut into the MCU.
Exploring themes of family, regret, and grief, Shang-Chi was a fantastic love letter to Eastern cinema and presented the world with its first Asian superhero; crafting a character that will be vital to the development of the MCU moving forward.
Source: Marvel Studios
We now know that the film could have also been the launching point of one shocking debut, as Shang-Chi concept art displays two characters facing off.
One of the characters appears to be none other than the iconic Deadpool, with him mid-flight during a fight scene against one of Thanos army members, Proxima Midnight.
Source: Marvel/ Andrew Kim
It is unsure as to whether or not the idea of Deadpool appearing in this scene made it very far in the production process, or if this was a result of concept artist Andrew Kim having a little fun during pre-production, but the idea is definitely an interesting one.
Narratively, it makes sense for someone like Deadpool to be fighting in an underground fight club of sorts for superhumans, and it would be hilarious to see his comment on that, but it does seem as though Marvel may have bigger plans for the beloved characters’ eventual debut.
Source: Fox/ Marvel
With Ryan Reynolds and the Deadpool team firmly slated for a third installment to the characters saga, integrating him into the MCU sphere will be no simple task, considering how firmly rooted he was in the Marvel Fox Universe.
Although it would’ve been incredible to see him make his MCU debut in Shang-Chi, we’re glad they ultimately decided to wait and make his first appearance a little more memorable.
Photo: Ryan Reynolds YouTube
