From the lack of clarity behind the Ten Rings organization to the big cameos in the credits, Shang-Chi leaves several questions for the MCU's future.
Every new entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe leaves things deliberately ambiguous in order to keep fans interested for follow-ups. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings were no different in this area, with the movie not only introducing characters like Shang-Chi and places like Ta Lo, but it also set up sequel hooks along the way.
Even the presence of cameos like Wong carries with them many questions for the future, which goes along with unclear things, like the secrets of Ta Lo and the operations that Wenwu was engaged in. Since Shang-Chi will be returning in the future, the answers should be delivered eventually, so it’s worth looking back at the most pressing queries fans have.
While Wong became one of the most likable characters in Shang-Chi, as expected, it was very surprising to see him have Abomination as an ally. This was revealed after their fight in the cage, as their later conversation showed they were working together and proceeded to leave in a Sling Ring portal.
Wong even called Abomination by his real name, Emil, proving there has been a partnership between them for a while. Yet, Shang-Chi never answered why they have teamed up and how this even came about. Fans would also like to know why Wong would ditch his responsibilities at the Sanctum to engage in a staged fight with Abomination.
The stinger of the movie had Wong summon Shang-Chi and Katy to the Sanctum, where they spoke with Bruce Banner and Captain Marvel. Despite the interesting appearance of these characters, there was a glaring issue of Doctor Strange’s absence.
Considering he’s been tasked with heading the New York Sanctum, it stands to reason that Doctor Strange would be present for such an important problem. This leaves a big question mark over his status and where Doctor Strange was at the time that he didn’t bother to show up.
The nature of the post-credits scene was such that it could make viewers overlook even the best story arcs in Shang-Chi. Another talking point has been the appearance of Bruce Banner, who appeared just as he would have before he became "Smart Hulk."
The continuity of him losing function of his arm to "the Snap" remained, yet the movie failed to answer why he wasn’t in Hulk form anymore. His arc in Avengers: Endgame had been about accepting his new appearance, which is why Shang-Chi has left fans with a lot of questions about Bruce’s status.
Phase Four of the MCU has been all over the place with its timeline, with 2019’s Phase Three movie Spider-Man: Far From Home still placed after all of the current phase’s films and tv shows. Shang-Chi also didn’t make clear where the movie’s events are set.
Captain Marvel’s hair growth would suggest a significant time has passed since Avengers: Endgame, yet Shang-Chi’s abandonment of his sister in early 2010 would mean it’s early 2024, which is prior to Spider-Man: Far From Home. Whatever might be the case, the confusion has left fans wanting clarity over the film’s timeline.
Based on how Wenwu was portrayed, the Ten Rings organization seems to be among the most powerful in the world. It was run completely under his command, however, and it’s interesting to consider how Wenwu’s possible elimination in the Snap, or the loss of so many men, would have affected the organization.
Considering the movie takes place not long after Hulk brought everyone back, it’s strange how the Ten Rings was back in order as before. This leaves the question of how the organization was run in the five-year period and whether it was affected at all.
Ta Lo can very well be considered among the dangerous locations in the MCU for housing beings like the Dweller-in-Darkness and the Great Protector. However, it’s not technically part of the world since Ta Lo exists in another dimension.
What is ambiguous is what its exact nature is supposed to be, as Loki opened up several questions about what constitutes a part of the Multiverse. To this end, it’s a topic of speculation if Ta Lo can be considered a separate reality or if it adheres to whatever happens in the prime timeline.
The Ten Rings organization are actually the first antagonists in the MCU, having appeared in Iron Man. That version seems completely different from Shang-Chi, which was exclusively run by Wenwu and wouldn’t really be interested in Tony Stark.
It was mentioned that the Ten Rings organization has separate cells that work independently but since Wenwu has the actual Ten Rings weapon there’s a link there as well. Even disregarding that, the fact that there are different versions of the Ten Rings organization means there is an explanation for their exclusive nature and it should be revealed.
The Dweller-in-Darkness was sealed away in Ta Lo and needed to manipulate Wenwu into releasing it. This was all part of the main conflict of the story but it also raises questions over the being’s capabilities since Ta Lo is in another dimension.
It wasn’t explained how the Dweller-in-Darkness could extend its powers all the way to Earth and specifically to Wenwu. Viewers would also have been left curious over the identities of the other people the being had manipulated before Wenwu, which was confirmed by Ying Nan.
Xialing’s arc was about proving herself and the topic of her self-worth made Shang-Chi different from other MCU movies. The post-credits scene showed Xialing taking control of the Ten Rings organization but it wasn’t confirmed what her intentions are.
After all, she had been vocal about her hatred of the Ten Rings and it’s understandable if she would want to disband the whole thing. There’s also the matter of the organization’s villainous activities, which makes it an issue that Xialing will have to deal with and is something fans will be wondering about.
Ta Lo was said to contain other cities that could be accessed using the pocket doorways. While it’s reasonable that the powerful beings came from somewhere there, it wasn’t confirmed in the movie and this leaves the possibility of greater secrets in Ta Lo.
A sequel will do well in clearing all doubts over this aspect as the presence of creatures of such power deserves a clear explanation. Ta Lo is a realm that hasn’t been fully fleshed out yet and revealing their backstories is an excellent way to fill in all the gaps in the plot.
