Like most projects coming from Marvel Studios, many details about Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings have been shrouded in mystery. The movie will serve as the introduction to the titular character, played by the amazingly talented Simu Liu, as well as the return of the Ten Rings organization. The Ten Rings haven’t been talked about since Iron Man 3 when the Mandarin was exposed as actor Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) and a front for Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce). Something the actual Ten Rings wasn’t too thrilled about. With the exception of some rather impressive skills and some even more impressive magical rings, the promotional material has been scarce about much of the plot. Including the mysterious figure known as Death Dealer, serving as one of the main villains of the film. This character is so shrouded in mystery, not even the actor had been confirmed for the part, in hopes of surprising fans. However, today from an Instagram post we may finally have confirmation of who is playing the masked baddie.
Confirmed both by the actor behind the mask as well as Awkwafina on her Instagram stories, we have learned that Andy Le (@Martialcluboffical on Instagram) took on the role in the film. Le is a martial artist extraordinaire and a stunt expert. Which will be perfect for a role that appears to be stunt-heavy. Just from what little we have seen in the two trailers that have been released by Marvel Studios, the fight scenes, as well as the use of color, is going to be a shining moment for this movie and the people who made it. Adding individuals like Le, as well as his fellow Martial Club members Joseph Le and Brian Le (who also confirmed Andy Le‘s role in the film on their respective Instagrams”, adds realism to the movie. At times, some Marvel movies can feel a bit CGI-heavy. Though with a background in Stunts and Martial Arts the flow and movement within Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings will feel more organic and bring something to this film that makes it stand out from the others.
This appears to be Andy Le’s biggest project to date, with a bunch of short films (all of which seem to be action-heavy) and a Youtube channel where he shows off his skills to eager fans. This would not be the first time that Marvel Studios has taken a chance with a relatively new actor. Especially because the studio has stated in the past that they look for the best person for the role, not necessarily the most famous. And if his youtube videos are any indication, Marvel Studios has struck big with this exceptionally talented individual.
Death Dealer appears to be an interesting character, though maybe one of the B-string Baddies from Marvel’s roster. Within the context of the promotional material, he appears to be someone sent by Wenwu (Tony Leung), the real Mandarin and Shang-Chi’s father, after Lui’s Shang-Chi, who is attempting to live a normal life outside of his father’s grasp. It’s possible that Death Dealer could be Wenwu’s lieutenant in the Ten Rings or just a loyal lackey that carries out punishment on The Mandarin’s behalf. Either way, it appears that Andy Le has many scenes throughout the movie that he will be using his skills to impress the audience. In The Comics, Death Dealer did not last long, with only a handful of appearances before his untimely demise. So it’s possible that he does not last long in the film and is just an obstacle for Shang-Chi to conquer before fighting his father for control of the mystical rings that seem to haunt his past. However, perhaps Marvel has bigger plans for the character, only time will tell.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in Theaters on September 3, 2021.
Source: POC Culture, Instagram
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