‘This Is Marvel’: Shang-Chi Villain Actor on Why His Big Suggestion Was Rejected

Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Marvel Studios

A creative disagreement on the set of Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has resurfaced after the actor revealed he once pushed back against the film’s fight style, only to be reminded, “This is Marvel.”

Tony Leung Chiu-wai talks about his time on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Tony Leung, who played Wenwu in the 2021 superhero film, said working on a Marvel production felt very different from the Hong Kong films that shaped his career. He described the set as highly organized and efficient, with strict schedules and little room for improvisation.

During the interview with the Vulture, Leung recalled disagreeing with director Destin Daniel Cretton over how his character should fight. He believed a warrior who had lived for a thousand years would naturally combine techniques from many styles of martial arts. “If a guy comes from a thousand years ago, the way he fights must be a combination of all martial arts, like MMA today, because he lived through all that time,” Leung said.

The actor said he questioned why the action leaned toward traditional kung fu, inspired by 1970s films. According to Leung, the director rejected the idea and responded, “This is Marvel.” Leung added, “Okay,” and said he stopped arguing after that exchange.

Even with that disagreement, Leung said he enjoyed playing Wenwu because the character carried emotional depth beyond being a standard villain. He explained that the role centered heavily on grief and family.

Leung shared that one question from the director helped him understand the character better. “Do you love your kids?” Cretton asked him during filming. Leung answered, “Yes, but I don’t know how.” He said that emotional conflict became the foundation of Wenwu’s relationship with his children in the movie.

The Oscar-nominated actor also reflected on his broader acting philosophy during the interview. He said he trusts directors more than scripts and prefers filmmakers with a strong personal vision. “To me, the script is not important. The director is more interesting,” Leung said.

Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on SuperHeroHype.

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