Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings first trailer has been unveiled and it featured a masked villain, who is a notable adversary in the comic known as the Death Dealer. The upcoming superhero film is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, who's also known as the Master of Kung Fu.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was first announced in December 2018, with Destin Daniel Cretton directing the film adaptation. Shortly after that, it was confirmed that Simu Liu is set to play the titular role, and other cast members will include Awkwafina, Ronny Chieng, and Michelle Yeoh.
In the comics, Shang-Chi was raised to believe that his father, Fu Manchu, was benevolent. He was trained to aid his goals, but his perspective has changed after executing a mission. He found out that his father has actually been doing evil things.
After learning about it, Shang-Chi vowed that he would oppose the empire of his father. Based on the first trailer, it looks like the MCU version follows this same trajectory. Yet, the titular character's rebellion has brought him to face more challenges and opponents.
For instance, the trailer of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings featured a masked and hooded figure, known as the Death Dealer. Born Li Ching-Lin, this adversary works as a double agent for Fu Manchu and he is based in London.
He is brutal and dangerous, with Director Fah Loh Suee tasking Dennis Nayland Smith and Shang-Chi to bring him down. He was given the title of Death Dealer after receiving a mask and costume, which he used to disguise. Now, the version of the character in the upcoming film was seemingly altered.
As seen in the clip, Death Dealer played a part in training Shang-Chi throughout his childhood up until he decided to go on his own way. His decision to rebel against his father may prompt the masked villain to go after him, especially since he's the one who taught him almost everything.
Right now, however, it remains uncertain who's going to play Death Dealer in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Considering the popularity of the character, some were hoping that he wouldn't be killed off just like what in the comics.
Moreover, Death Dealer was revealed to have a son named Huo Li, who's seeking revenge against Shang-Chi. However, there is no guarantee that he is appearing in the upcoming movie as his father's ultimate fate is yet to be seen.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be released on September 3, 2021.
