Shang Chi Ending Explained, The Plot, Cast, and More
by Janani
Updated Jun 21, 2023
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is a famous American superhero film released in 2021, based on the Marvel Comics character Shang-Chi. This movie is a production of Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. As the 25th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the film was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Cretton has also co-written the screenplay with Dave Callaham and Andrew Lanham.
The cast includes Simu Liu in the lead role as Shang-Chi, alongside Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Yuen Wah, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and Tony Leung. The story goes around Shang-Chi, who must resist his past events when his famous father Wenwu (played by Tony Leung), the leader of the Ten Rings organization, involves Shang-Chi and his sister Xialing (portrayed by Meng'er Zhang) in a quest to find a legendary village.
Shang Chi Ending Explained
"The film 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' continues with the happenings after the events of 'Avengers: Endgame,' with Shang-Chi living in San Francisco. His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes the target of the Ten Rings organization, who are after a jade pendant. However, things become more complex as Shang-Chi realizes that his own father, Wenwu, sent the organization after him. The story revolves around the reunion of Shang-Chi, his father, and his sister Xialing, driven by Wenwu's belief that their mother is still alive. Their quest leads them to confront the Dweller-in-Darkness, a powerful evil entity.
Shang-Chi's journey takes him to the mystical land of Ta-Lo, where he, his friend Katy, and Xialing meet their aunt Ying Nan. They receive training to prepare for the battle against Wenwu and the Ten Rings, aiming to prevent the release of the Dweller-in-Darkness. The film's action-packed ending sets the stage for future developments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Dweller-in-Darkness is a formidable villain, imprisoned behind the Dark Gate for thousands of years. It seeks to escape and unleash chaos but is ultimately defeated by Shang-Chi and the Great Protector, Ta-Lo's guardian dragon. Ta-Lo, a mystical realm accessible through a hidden path, plays a crucial role in safeguarding against the Dweller-in-Darkness. Its residents, including Shang-Chi, possess enhanced powers within its borders.
During the climax, Wenwu relinquishes the Ten Rings to Shang-Chi, acknowledging his son's capabilities and sacrificing himself to save the day. As the new owner of the Ten Rings, Shang-Chi gains enhanced powers and a unique connection to the Great Protector. Meanwhile, Xialing assumes leadership of the Ten Rings organization, signaling a significant change in its direction.
Shang-Chi's future in the MCU looks promising, as he interacts with Wong and other notable characters, hinting at his potential involvement with the Avengers. The film's ending leaves open the possibility of Shang-Chi appearing in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.' Additionally, the origins and purpose of the Ten Rings remain a mystery, teasing future exploration in the MCU, including potential connections to creatures like Fin Fang Foom or other cosmic beings."
Cast of Shang Chi
Cast Name
Character Name
Simu Liu
Xu Shang-Chi / Shaun
Awkwafina
Katy
Meng'er Zhang
Xu Xialing
Fala Chen
Ying Li
Florian Munteanu
Razor Fist
Benedict Wong
Wong
Yuen Wah
Guang Bo
Michelle Yeoh
Ying Nan
Ben Kingsley
Trevor Slattery
Tony Leung
Xu Wenwu
Where was Shang Chi Filmed?
Filming for the movie commenced in February 2020, taking place at Fox Studios Australia in Sydney as well as various locations across New South Wales. The production initially referred to as "Steamboat," entered its principal photography phase during this time. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's major cities, is renowned for its iconic Sydney Opera House situated along the picturesque harbourfront. The Opera House's distinctive sail-like design has become a symbol of the city. Adjacent to the Opera House, you'll find the expansive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port, bustling with vibrant waterfront activities.
These areas serve as vibrant hubs of waterside life, attracting locals and tourists alike. In close proximity, you'll also discover the magnificent Harbour Bridge, known for its arched structure and captivating views. Furthermore, the esteemed Royal Botanic Garden is located nearby, offering a serene escape amidst the bustling cityscape. Sydney's combination of architectural marvels, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant waterfront atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
Shang Chi Plot
A thousand years ago, Xu Wenwu discovers a powerful set of ten rings that grant him incredible abilities and immortality. He forms the Ten Rings organization, using its power to conquer kingdoms and overthrow governments throughout history. In 1996, Wenwu learns about Ta Lo, a village rumored to house mythical creatures. He meets Ying Li, a guardian of the village, and they develop a romantic relationship. When the villagers reject Wenwu, Li chooses to leave with him. They marry and have two children, Shang-Chi and Xialing. Wenwu hides away the ten rings.
When Shang-Chi is seven, Li is murdered by the Iron Gang, Wenwu's enemies. Wenwu retrieves the rings, kills the Iron Gang, and resumes his leadership of the Ten Rings. He trains Shang-Chi in martial arts while excluding Xialing from formal training. At the age of 14, Wenwu sends Shang-Chi to assassinate the Iron Gang's leader. Traumatized by his actions, Shang-Chi escapes to San Francisco and adopts the name "Shaun."
In the present day, Shaun works as a parking valet with his friend Katy, unaware of his past. They are attacked on a bus by Ten Rings members who steal a pendant given to Shang-Chi by his mother. Worried that the Ten Rings will target his sister for her matching pendant, Shang-Chi travels to Macau to find her. He reveals his past to Katy, who decides to help him. They discover Xialing at a secret fight club she created after escaping Wenwu. The Ten Rings attack the fight club, and Wenwu arrives to capture Shang-Chi, Katy, Xialing, and her pendant.
The group is taken to the Ten Rings' compound, where Wenwu uses the pendants to reveal a map to Ta Lo. He believes Li is imprisoned there and threatens to destroy the village unless she is released. Shang-Chi, Xialing, and Katy object, resulting in their imprisonment. Inside, they encounter Trevor Slattery, an actor imprisoned by the Ten Rings for impersonating Wenwu, and Morris, a creature named Hundun. Morris offers to guide them to Ta Lo.
They manage to escape and reach Ta Lo, a separate dimension inhabited by Chinese mythological creatures. They meet Ying Nan, Li's sister, who reveals Ta Lo's history. The village was once attacked by the Dweller-in-Darkness and its soul-eaters, but they were saved by the Great Protector, a Chinese dragon who helped seal the Dark Gate to the Dweller's realm. Nan explains that the Dweller-in-Darkness has been posing as Li to manipulate Wenwu into opening the gate with the ten rings. Shang-Chi, Xialing, Katy, Slattery, and Morris train with the villagers and prepare for Wenwu's arrival, equipping themselves with dragon-scale armor and weapons.
Wenwu and the Ten Rings attack Ta Lo. Wenwu overwhelms Shang-Chi and attempts to open the gate using the rings. This inadvertently releases some soul-eaters, leading the Ten Rings and the villagers to unite against them. The Great Protector revives Shang-Chi, and together they join the battle. Meanwhile, Shang-Chi confronts Wenwu but chooses not to kill him. However, the weakened gate allows the Dweller-in-Darkness to escape and attack Shang-Chi. In a final act of sacrifice, Wenwu gives Shang-Chi the rings before being killed by the Dweller-in-Darkness.
With the help of the Great Protector, Xialing, Katy, and the villagers, Shang-Chi defeats the Dweller-in-Darkness. After the battle, Shang-Chi and Katy return to San Francisco. They are summoned by the sorcerer Wong to Kamar-Taj, a mystical place of learning. There, Wong explains the significance of the ten rings and their connection to powerful forces in the universe. He suggests that Shang-Chi and Katy may play a crucial role in future events.
The film's conclusion sets the stage for Shang-Chi's continued journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With his newfound powers as the owner of the ten rings, Shang-Chi is poised to become a significant player in the ongoing superhero narrative. His interactions with Wong and the potential involvement with other notable characters, such as the Avengers, hint at exciting possibilities for future storylines.
Furthermore, the origins and purpose of the ten rings remain a mystery, leaving room for exploration and further revelations in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film tantalizes viewers with the potential connections between the ten rings and creatures like Fin Fang Foom or other cosmic beings, suggesting that there are greater cosmic forces at play.
Overall, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is an action-packed film that delves into the personal journey of Shang-Chi, his family dynamics, and his growth as a hero. It introduces new characters, explores Chinese mythology and culture, and expands the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe with its own unique blend of martial arts, fantasy, and superhero storytelling.
Shang Chi Post Credit Scene
In a post-credits scene, Xialing assumes leadership of the Ten Rings, vowing to transform the organization and train both men and women, despite previously telling Shang-Chi that she intended to disband it.
As the story unfolds, Shang-Chi's journey from a troubled past to becoming a hero intertwines with his discovery of his true heritage, the power of family, and his role in protecting the world from ancient and mystical threats.
In a mid-credits scene, Wong introduces Shang-Chi and Katy to Bruce Banner and Carol Danvers as they investigate the origin and purpose of the ten rings, discovering that they are acting as a beacon for something unknown.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Trailer
Shang Chi Ending Explained - FAQ
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released in the United States on September 3, 2021, as part of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The film was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Dave Callaham and Andrew Lanham.
The film follows the journey of Shang-Chi, who is forced to confront his past when his father, Wenwu, the leader of the Ten Rings organization, draws Shang-Chi and his sister Xialing into a search for a mythical village.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings grossed over $432 million worldwide, making it the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2021. It also set several box office records.
Critics praised the choreography of the action sequences, the exploration and representation of Asian culture, Destin Daniel Cretton's direction, and the performances of the cast, particularly Simu Liu as Shang-Chi and Tony Leung as Wenwu. The film received positive reviews and was nominated for various awards, including Best Visual Effects at the 94th Academy Awards. A sequel is currently in development with Cretton returning as writer and director.