Two months after its theatrical release, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on November 30. Just before the film’s home release, Meng’er Zhang, who played a crucial role in the film, sat down to chat with Game Rant about the film, her character Xialing’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the film’s lasting impact on diversity in Hollywood.

When she first sent in her audition tapes for Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Zhang wasn’t even aware that it was for an MCU project. Only after she had made the cut and was asked to fly in to read lines with Simu Liu did Zhang realize what role she had managed to land. Being cast in a Marvel film, working alongside some extremely versatile actors, and meeting her spouse on set, Shang-Chi was definitely a life-changing experience for Zhang, one that she holds very close to her heart.

The biggest takeaway from the film for Zhang is being able to represent Asian culture in mainstream media. Not only did Shang-Chi introduce the MCU’s first Asian superhero, but also gave female characters, who were also of Asian origin, a chance to shine. Zhang is forever grateful for being a part of changing the MCU’s history, especially as she has been told by many young Asian girls that Xialing has changed their perspective and made them more independent.

Game Rant: The MCU is probably the best way to kick off your Hollywood career. How did you first react when you found out that you were going to be in Shang-Chi?

Meng’er Zhang: I just saw an audition call in a group chat. I didn’t even know that it was a Marvel film. In the call, it just said that it’s a feature film and they needed someone who could speak Chinese and English. And I thought to myself that I could be that girl. So, I sent my tapes and I got a callback. They flew me in to do a screen test with Simu. That’s when I found out that I was auditioning for a Marvel film. It was like a dream!

GR: How was the experience of the entire filming process?

Zhang: It was great! It was really cool. I didn’t have any martial arts background before. So, they trained me for four months and it was really intense. You could really hear Simu and I screaming in the stunts stage. They trained us really hard. I remember the first day I started my training, and I was like “wow, it’s so cool!”. We had personal trainers to teach us MMA and tai chi and we were given specific meal plans. At that moment Simu had already started his training and he was like, “this is your first day, so you are excited. I understand that. I will check on you after a week to see how you’re doing.”. Three days later, my arms and legs were so sore and I just wanted fried chicken. Simu took me out for a cheat meal, fried chicken and barbecue, and it became our tradition.

GR: The action sequences in Shang-Chi are brilliant. What was your reaction when you saw yourself on the big screen doing those stunts?

Zhang: I didn’t do all the stunts. I did whatever they allowed me to do. For the dangerous things, I had amazing stunt doubles and we completed the character together. They are amazing women! It blew my mind and it was so cool to see the stunts.

GR: Shang-Chi introduced a new Asian superhero into the MCU. What are your thoughts on finally having some Asian representation in the Marvel films and Hollywood?

Zhang: I read a lot of comments and received feedback from all over the world, especially from the Asian community. A lot of girls sent me messages and told me how Xialing helped them and changed their perspective. They were afraid to speak up for themselves and they were taught that women were less than men. This character really inspired and encouraged them. I feel a strong sense of warmth and pride that I am a part of this change. I hope there are more female Asian characters in films to empower young girls. It is really important!

Originally in this film, I had a little red color underneath my natural black hair. We had already shot with that for a month. But, one day I read an article in Teen Vogue talking about how Asian female characters in Hollywood films always have some color in their hair to show that they can fight, or they are rebels, and cool. I didn’t want my character to follow that trend. I called [director] Destin, and asked him if we could take that out. And the next day, we took that out. The whole production team was very supportive and they agreed, and they knew how important it is.

GR: Do you think a film like Shang-Chi will impact Hollywood positively moving forward when it comes to diversity.

Zhang: I think so. I think it will only get better and better.

GR: I know you cannot give us any spoilers, but what are your thoughts on Xialing’s future in the MCU?

Zhang: I cannot and also, I don’t know anything yet. I think about those questions every day, because I am so into it. Also, I think Xialing is such a complex character and has so much more for us to explore. I wonder how she trained herself, and how she managed to build that fight club in Macau all on her own. In the end-credits scene, you can see her sitting on the throne, with Razor Fist and Jon Jon standing by her side. She is the new leader of the Ten Rings Organization. But, you cannot have the organization without the actual Ten Rings right? Her brother has them and I think she might want those rings. Between Shang-Chi and Xialing, who is more like their father? Who is more power-hungry and ambitious? So, I want her to get those rings.

GR: Being on set, who was more fun to hang out with - Simu or Awkwafina?

Zhang: Both of them! When they were together, it was so much fun. The chemistry between all of us was so natural. We were really like a family. It was so special.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 30. The home release will not only give fans access to the film, but also offers a lot of bonus feature content, including a gag reel, deleted scenes, and featurettes that offer a look at the making of the film. One of the featurettes will specifically focus on Shang-Chi and Wenwu’s relationship, as father and son, and their legacy in the Marvel comics.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is now streaming on Disney Plus and will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 30.

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