Part 11/12:
Despite the hype and the controversies, the ultimate success of Shang-Chi hinges on its actual box office performance. Preliminary estimates suggest that Shang-Chi could struggle to meet expectations, especially if pandemic-related concerns and lackluster promotion keep audiences away.
Many observers believe that Marvel is deliberately setting up Shang-Chi as the first of a new phase of films and shows that lean heavily into cultural representation and cosmic storytelling. Yet, there’s a lingering suspicion that internal marketing struggles reflect uncertainty about the film's reception.