Destin Daniel Cretton to Direct Asian-American Superhero Movie Based on Shang-Chi Character for Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios has hired Destin Daniel Cretton to direct the Asian-American superhero tent pole based on Marvel Comics’ popular Shang-Chi character of the 1970s, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

Dave Callaham is writing the script that will ultimately modernize the Shang-Chi story and character arc. Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige is producing the film. Marvel’s Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, and Jonathan Schwartz are executive producers on the project.

Marvel Studios is looking to tap into that authentic filmmaking superpower that brought “Black Panther” to cinematic life by bringing on Cretton and a predominantly Asian-American and Asian cast.

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Cretton is currently directing “Just Mercy,” a feature film he also wrote which stars Brie Larson and Michael B. Jordan. Larson first worked with Cretton when she starred in his second feature film “Short Term 12.” His other directorial credits include “The Glass Castle.” In addition to Larson and Jordan, Cretton has worked with several Marvel Cinematic Universe filmmakers including “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, with whom Cretton developed the television series “Scenes for Minors.”

Marvel Comics’ original Shang-Chi character is a half-Chinese, half-American superhero. He was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin. In the comics, Shang-Chi is an extraordinary master of numerous unarmed and weaponry-based wushu styles, including the use of the gun, nunchaku and jian.

Shang-Chi first appeared in Special Marvel Edition #15 (December 1973) by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin.

Cretton is represented by WME.

Deadline first reported the news.

Read original story Destin Daniel Cretton to Direct Asian-American Superhero Movie Based on Shang-Chi Character for Marvel Studios At TheWrap