The Marvel blockbuster that will SAVE Australia’s film industry: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings resumes production in Sydney’s west
Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is about to resume production in western Sydney.
The upcoming blockbuster had started filming in Australia at the start of the year, but production was suspended in February due to COVID-19 fears.
But things are now back on track, with aerial photos taken on Friday showing a purpose-built ‘Chinese village’ that will serve as a backdrop for the superhero film.
Back on track! Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is about to resume production in western Sydney. Aerial photos taken on Friday show the film set taking shape
Small pagodas with yellow roofs surround a large building reminiscent of a Chinese temple or palace.
The structures are encircled by a large green screen, which will be used in post-production to create a desired backdrop.
An unusual, circular structure with latticed roofing is also visible on the outskirts of the compound.
Large-scale effort: Small pagodas with yellow roofs surround a large central building reminiscent of a Chinese temple or palace
The blockbuster will no doubt provide a boost to Australia’s ailing film industry, which was brought to its knees as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold earlier this year.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the production will generate an estimated $150 million for the Australian economy, as well as 4,700 new jobs.
Starring Simu Liu as Marvel’s first Asian superhero, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will tell the tale of Shang-Chi, a martial arts master who was raised inside a reclusive Chinese compound.
Blockbuster: Surrounding the structures is a large green screen, which will be used in post-production to create a desired backdrop
What could it be? An unusual, circular structure with latticed roofing is also visible on the outskirts of the compound
After leaving the compound as an adult, Shang-Chi must reckon with harsh realities of the outside world, including a terrorist organisation called Ten Rings.
Ten Rings leader The Mandarin – the film’s main antagonist – will be played by Tony Leung, while Awkwafina and Ronny Chieng have also been cast in undisclosed roles.
Filming began in February 2020 at Sydney’s Fox Studios and various locations around New South Wales.
A-list cast: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu (L) as Marvel’s first Asian superhero, while Awkwafina (R) will also appear in an undisclosed role
On March 12, after filming had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, director Destin Daniel Cretton announced he had taken a test for the deadly virus and was self-isolating.
Luckily, Cretton’s test came back negative.
In early July, it was announced that cast and crew returning to Australia to resume filming would have to self-isolate for two weeks.
The film was originally scheduled to hit theatres on February 12, 2021, the first day of Chinese New Year, but has since been pushed back to May 7, 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Self-isolation: It was revealed on March 13 that production was halted on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as Director Destin Daniel Cretton (pictured) went into self-isolation