Marvel Studios Developing SHANG-CHI Feature

Deadline is hearing word that Marvel Studios has set in motion plans for a movie based on their Asian superhero ‘Shang-Chi,’ tapping Dave Callaham (‘Wonder Woman 1984,’ ‘Godzilla,’ ‘The Expendables’) as writer.

Created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin as a spin on the 1970s TV series ‘Kung Fu,’ Shang-Chi first appeared in Special Marvel Edition #15 in December 1973. The character is an extraordinary master of numerous unarmed and weaponry-based wushu styles, including the use of the gun, nunchaku and jian. In later years, upon joining the Avengers, he gains the power to create countless duplicates of himself.

‘Shang-Chi’ is in the early stages with no director or actors yet attached, but sources close to the project say that Marvel wants to link the project to an Asian or Asian-American director. The studio is looking to modernize the hero to avoid stereotypes that many comic characters of that era were saddled with.

Marvel’s next, the Brie Larson-led ‘Captain Marvel,’ arrives in Irish cinemas in March 8th.