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Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings Star Simu Liu Got Lead Role In Just 3 Days


Most actors go through a lot just to get a coveted role. They might have to audition several times for a single part, competing with other actors who are also eager to land the role then waiting for weeks for a callback. However, Simu Lui didn't have to wait too long to become a Marvel Cinematic Universe star. The Kim's Convenience actor actually got the lead role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in only three short days.

Lui was introduced as Shang-Chi at the Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Interestingly, he admitted that the casting happened rather quickly.

"I was cast on Tuesday. I screen-tested on Sunday in New York. This is the craziest, craziest dream," Lui told the audience.

That's right, Lui was screen-tested on the Sunday before SDCC and was immediately cast as Shang-Chi three days later. That means that Marvel Studios had found their Shang-Chi just four days before the Hall H panel.

While it might seem like things are happening so quickly, Lui had actually been pushing for the role for several years. The Fresh Off The Boat star had looked back at his previous tweets asking Marvel for an Asian superhero (via Buzzfeed).

The MCU film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and will also star Awkwafina in an undisclosed role. Tony Leung had been cast as The Mandarin and this time, we're getting a real Mandarin and not just an actor pretending to be the Marvel villain (we still love you though, Ben Kingsley).

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is scheduled for release on February 12, 2021.

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