Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
Shang-Chi was almost played by a Mortal Kombat star in the MCU. The role eventually went to Simu Liu, who will return in this year’s Avengers: Doomsday.
Who has confirmed they auditioned for the role of Shang-Chi?
Ludi Lin, who plays Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 2, has confirmed that he auditioned for the role of Shang-Chi in the Marvel movie. At the time, rumors and reports circulated that Lin was in talks for the lead role, though it ultimately went to Simu Liu. Lin confirmed this during an interview with Brandon Davis, while discussing his friendship with Liu.
Besides Mortal Kombat, Lin is also known for playing the Black Ranger in 2017’s Power Rangers and Murk in Aquaman. When asked about his journey playing characters in major franchises, Lin nodded in agreement, saying, “I mean, in hindsight, it’s it’s like I was like I was a door-to-door salesman going, ‘Hey, man. Like, give me give me one of these IPs.’”
He was then asked who would win in a fight between Liu Kang and Shang-Chi. Lin pondered about the hypothetical fight, adding, “He’s got all 10 rings, right? And I think those powers haven’t fully been explored yet, right? So I don’t know what else he’s got.”
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings was released in 2021 and grossed over $432 million worldwide. Its director, Destin Daniel Cretton, is also helming this summer’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Cretton was previously attached to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty before Marvel scrapped the film. A Shang-Chi sequel remains in development at Marvel Studios.
Shang-Chi will return in Avengers: Doomsday, which releases on December 18, 2026. Mortal Kombat 2 is available on Digital and VOD platforms now.
