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Who Does Awkwafina Play in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?


Credit: Marvel Studios

Ahh, Awkwafina, who doesn't love this versatile actress? With her iconic laugh and wide acting range, it's no surprise that she has been chosen by Marvel to be included as a newcomer in the upcoming almost all-Asian film of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings possibly adding color to the already colorful story of Shang-Chi.

Who Does Awkwafina Play in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?

Who Does Awkwafina Play in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
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Credit: Marvel Studios

She's listed as Katy, a friend of Shang-Chi. However, you won't find her character in the Marvel comics as, just like the character of Darcy Lewis in Thor and later in WandaVision, her character's existence starts in this film. Katy is a character made for Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings and possibly in the future of Phase Four of the MCU.

In just a few snippets in the recently released trailer, we already love her! It seems that Awkwafina has a character she could play to her desire to fit in the narrative and without any comic book origin, she could turn up to be like that of Darcy, the color of the film, the fun of the bunch, the laughter of the story, the sidekick who brings joy.

Her personality seems to complement that of Shang-Chi, in a few scenes, it was shown that she has always been beside Shang-Chi, either acting as a valet or chilling at a bar. But what makes her stand out in the trailer is the scene on the bus where she asks Shang-Chi who he is and later on, she drives the bus and everyone to safety telling him that they make a great team.

Who Does Awkwafina Play in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings? 1
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Credit: Marvel Studios

Given that Marvel is known for having characters turning up in films or even series after their debuts like Darcy or Jimmy Woo, it is expected that this won't be the last we'll see of Awkwafina. We sure hope so as she's such a joy when on screen.

Awkwafina is best known for her portrayals in Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean's 8, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and in Jumanji: The Next Level. Her most prominent role is in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama The Farewell where she became the first-ever Asian woman to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

Awkwafina is joined by Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Tony Leung as Wenwu/The Mandarin, Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, Fala Chen as Jiang Li, Meng'er Zhang as Xialing, and Florian Munteanu as Razor Fist.

See Awkwafina's debut in the MCU in Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings premiering on September 3, 2021, in theaters and possibly in Disney Plus Premier Access as well.

Related: Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings: Who is The Mandarin?

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