Forest Hills’ Awkwafina set to costar in Marvel’s first film with an Asian lead
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Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced the film at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP.
By Victoria Merlino
Forest Hills-born rapper and actress Awkwafina is set to costar in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first movie starring an Asian superhero, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced the film at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. “Shang-Chi” will feature actor Simu Liu as the titular ‘70’s cult classic hero Shang-Chi and Destin Daniel Cretton as director. Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, will play an as-of-yet unspecified, but leading, role.
“Now that the craziness is over, the work begins. There is so much at stake here; we are fighting for our identity, for our right to be seen, to BELONG. Eternally grateful to Marvel, to Kevin, Jonathan and Destin for this gift. @awkwafina LET’S GET TO WORK BABYYYYY!!!” Liu tweeted following the announcement.
The announcement marks a high point in a series of recent successes for Lum, including a supporting role in last year’s smash romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” and the starring role in the critically well-received “The Farewell.”
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is set to debut in 2021.
