MCU Star Simu Liu Reveals His Choices for ‘Shang-Chi’ Sequel Director

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Simu Liu has shared his ideas for who could direct the sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings if Destin Daniel Cretton isn’t available. The first Shang-Chi film was a big success, introducing a popular new hero to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, a sequel has been delayed, and Shang-Chi won’t appear again until Avengers: Doomsday in 2026—five years after his first movie. This is partly because Cretton was initially chosen to direct Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but later switched to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day project.

During a conversation on X (formerly Twitter) about his new show, The Copenhagen Test, Simu Liu was asked who he’d like to see direct a potential Shang-Chi 2 if Destin Daniel Cretton wasn’t available. Cretton is currently directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day and is rumored to be in line to direct another Spider-Man film for Sony and Marvel, as well as a live-action Naruto movie. Liu responded by suggesting three directors: Chloé Zhao (known for Eternals), The Daniels (who directed Everything Everywhere All At Once), and Lee Isaac Chung (Twisters).

All of Simu Liu’s Picks Have Been Nominated (or Won) Academy Awards


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

As a critic, I’m really impressed with Simu Liu’s choices when it comes to directors. He’s worked with some serious talent – Chloé Zhao and The Daniels both took home Best Director Oscars for Nomadland and Everything Everywhere All at Once, respectively. Lee Isaac Chung also earned a Best Director nomination for Minari, though he ultimately lost to Zhao. What’s also great is Liu’s commitment to representation; three out of these four directors are Asian or of Asian descent – The Daniels being a duo where Daniel Kwan is Taiwanese and Chinese. It’s a fantastic track record and a clear signal of the kind of films he wants to be a part of.

All the potential directors seem like good fits for the project. Chloé Zhao has experience with Marvel, having directed Eternals, which earned $400 million globally despite being considered a disappointment. It’s uncertain whether Marvel would hire her again, or if she’s interested in returning to big-budget films, especially with her new movie, Hamnet, receiving critical acclaim. However, directing Shang-Chi 2 could give Zhao a chance to connect some unresolved storylines from Eternals.

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The directing duo known as The Daniels have a five-year contract with Universal Pictures that began in 2022. Whether they’re available to direct Shang-Chi 2 depends on when production starts. They’ve already worked with Disney on the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew. Another potential director, Lee Isaac Chung, recently moved from the critically acclaimed Minari to the action film Twisters, and is currently in discussions to direct a prequel to Ocean’s with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, showing he’s open to big franchise movies. The most important thing is that a Shang-Chi sequel gets made, as Marvel Studios appears to be holding back a franchise with significant potential.

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2025-12-29 21:39