Summary
A theory centered aroundAvengers 5has finally been confirmed, three years after it was first created. In those three years,Avengers 5’s highly anticipated storyhas significantly changed. The film was originally titledAvengers: The Kang Dynastycentering on the Avengers taking down the titular villain after he was teased inLokiandAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However,Kang actor Jonathan Majors' assault chargessaw him removed from his role, leading Marvel Studios to make some major alterations toAvengers 5’s story.
Now,Avengers 5is titledAvengers: Doomsday,with theupcoming Marvel movieseeing the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Not only that, but theRusso Brothers are returning forAvengers 5and6,furthering the difference in vision betweenDoomsdayandThe Kang Dynasty. Interestingly, though,one of the biggest theories aboutAvengers 5’s initial story catered specifically to the character of Kang and his connection to an aspiring Avenger. Despite Kang’s story being changed and the would-be Avenger in question not being seen since 2021, this theory has seemingly been confirmed.
Who’s On The Avengers 5 Team? Predicting The MCU Line-Up Based On Recent Announcements
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release in 2026, which opens the door for a pretty vast number of MCU heroes to join the titular lineup.
Shang-Chi’s Post-Credit Scene Is All But Confirmed To Have Been Teasing Kang The Conqueror
The theory stems from the post-credit scene ofShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In this scene, Shang-Chi is contacted by major Avengers including Captain Marvel, Bruce Banner, and Wong.Shang-Chi discovers that his titular rings are sending out a signal to somewhere unknown and that they are much older than anyone realizes, while not being from Earth or space as far as Bruce and Carol can tell. Initially, this post-credit scene led to theories that the rings are somehow connected to Kang the Conqueror.
All of this points to the theory that the rings being connected to Kang was true if Shang-Chi was set to be a lead ofThe Kang Dynasty…
These theories received more credence with the release ofAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, where Kang’s Quantum Realm city was built using similar ring designs to those of Shang-Chi’s. Recently, areport revealed Shang-Chi’sAvengers 5role, with the new MCU hero originally expected to be a lead of what wasAvengers: The Kang Dynasty.Furthermore,Shang-Chidirector Destin Daniel Cretton was initially hired to directAvengers 5.All of this points to the theory that the rings being connected to Kang was true if Shang-Chi was set to be a lead ofThe Kang Dynastywith Cretton helming the film.
It is admittedly unexpected for this theory to be all but confirmed in this manner. The initial report fromInversecame over three years on fromShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’release. This was made even more unexpected by the lack of Shang-Chi content in the MCU since then, as audiences are receiving updates about the character’s role in a movie that is now not happening the same way, without the character being seen in the MCU since the initial 2021 film.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Cast
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: This film introduces Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Confronted by his past, he becomes entangled with the mysterious Ten Rings organization, which challenges his identity and abilities. Released in 2021, the movie explores themes of family and legacy.
Marvel’s New Avengers 5 Plan Means Shang-Chi’s Post-Credit Scene Doesn’t Matter Anymore
The Pivot Away From Kang The Conqueror Leaves This Theory Unresolved
WithAvengers 5confirmingKang’s MCU replacement as Doctor Doom, questions over whetherShang-Chi’s post-credit scene matters anymore will be raised. As evident by the above report,Avengers 5was clearly going to tie Shang-Chi’s and Kang the Conqueror’s stories together in a big way. Now, Kang the Conqueror’s MCU future is all but over, unless Marvel Studios opts for a recast and gives the character a secondary antagonist role behind Doom. If this is the case,the connection to the rings could still be explored, but it is unclear as yet what role Kang will play inAvengers: Doomsday.
Another possibility is that the theory above is retconned. After all, no Marvel movies have outright confirmed it as true yet, and there are only several supporting factors from production details that seem to do so. As such, it would not be difficult for the writers ofAvengers: Doomsdayto retcon the signal being sent by Shang-Chi’s rings to be connected to Doom in some way. Then, Shang-Chi’s story would not have to be changed too drastically and the rings could still be tied toAvengers 5, only not to Kang the Conqueror as was almost certainly first intended.
Marvel Should Still Have Shang-Chi As A Main Avengers Character
Shang-Chi’s MCU Future Should Not Be Affected By Avengers 5’s Changes
In light of the many changes toAvengers 5’s story, Shang-Chi’s involvement should not be one of them. Many would agree thatShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsis one of the best movies in Phase 4, with the character having immense promise for the future of the franchise. For this reason, he should still play a big part inAvengers: Doomsdayregardless of whether the film’s post-credit scene was meant to connect to Kang or not.
Destin Daniel Cretton has been confirmed to direct Shang-Chi 2, but a production date is unclear as yet.
Admittedly, the future has looked somewhat bleak for the character of Shang-Chi since 2021. A sequel to the film has not yet entered active development, and the changes toAvengers 5mean his starring role alongside other MCU heroes may be reduced. Hopefully, Marvel Studios sees the promise in the character and his franchise, and continues to include him in plans forAvengers: Doomsday. If not, the loss of Shang-Chi as a main MCU character may prove to be the most unfortunate of casualties stemming fromAvengers 5’s overhaul.
