Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is one of the most exciting projects in active production at Marvel Studios right now. Helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi will be the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie with an Asian lead, so naturally, I’m psyched for it! That said, Marvel Studios has decided to temporarily pause first-unit production on the film because — you guessed it — coronavirus.
But thankfully, it’s nothing too serious. The comic book movie is currently being filmed in Australia. While the Destin Daniel Cretton hasn’t shown any symptoms, he decided to get tested for Covid-19 anyway just to be on the safe side, as he has a newborn baby. Doctors have recommended that he self-isolate while awaiting the results and Marvel Studios have lent their full support.
Disney and Marvel sent a note to the film’s crew that was obtained by THR:
As many of you know, Destin, our director, has a newborn baby. He wanted to exercise additional caution given the current environment and decided to get tested for Covid-19 today. He is currently self-isolating under the recommendation of his doctor. While he waits for the results of the test, we are suspending 1st unit production in an abundance of caution until he gets the results this coming week. Second unit and off production will continue as normal. We will reach out to everyone by Tuesday for the latest update.
This is an unprecedented time. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work through this.
Just to be clear, only first-unit production has been on pause. Second unit production (usually action blocks supervised by the second unit director) of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will continue as usual.
Shang-Chi stars Simu Liu as the titular character, alongside Awkwafina. It’s directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a script by Dave Callaham (Zombieland: Double Tap).
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is currently set for a Feb 2021 release.
