The buzz surrounding a potential sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has been steadily growing since the 2021 film became a major success. Fans are eager to see the return of the lead stars, especially Awkwafina, who portrayed the quirky, bold Katy. Yet, despite Marvel’s usual speed at securing its stars for sequels, Awkwafina recently provided a somewhat sobering update.
In an interview with Comicbook.com, when asked if she had any news about reprising her role in Shang-Chi 2, Awkwafina simply stated, “I have not.” The Crazy Rich Asians star made it clear that the studio has not yet approached her for a return, which leaves fans to speculate whether her beloved character will make it back onto the screen alongside Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi. The statement is surprising, especially considering the confirmed development of the sequel.
Simu Liu, the star of the first film, confirmed that Shang-Chi 2 is in the works, sparking excitement among fans worldwide. But with Awkwafina’s latest comment, it raises questions about how the character arcs might evolve in the MCU’s future films. Awkwafina played a pivotal role in the first film, offering comic relief and an emotional grounding for Shang-Chi’s character, making her absence in the sequel unlikely—if not a missed opportunity for Marvel.
Given Marvel’s history of keeping plot details under wraps, this could be a calculated move to stir anticipation, or it could genuinely reflect a state of flux in the casting process. We’ve seen similar situations before in the MCU, where actors revealed uncertainty, only to later reprise their roles in sequels or crossovers.
Awkwafina has expressed interest in continuing with her MCU character, saying, “I loved being a part of the Marvel universe.” However, without any concrete plans revealed, fans are left wondering whether her dynamic chemistry with Liu will get a chance to shine once again. In the unpredictable world of Marvel, one thing is certain: anything is possible.
As Marvel prepares to move into Phase 6, where many storylines will intersect and evolve, it’s hard to believe that Katy’s story has concluded. With Shang-Chi’s confirmed role in upcoming Avengers films and the ten rings possibly playing a central part in future Marvel phases, Awkwafina’s role seems far from over.
Her update may be disappointing for now, but given Marvel’s unpredictable casting announcements and secretive production schedules, it’s too soon to lose hope. Fans should keep their eyes peeled for future updates—there’s still plenty of room in the MCU for Awkwafina to make a triumphant return.