By Caitlin Tasker

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to break new ground for the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it hits theaters on September 3, 2021. The first nearly all-Asian American cast for Marvel Studios has recently been overshadowed by the Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021) trailer and the latest superhero film has been called an “experiment” by the Disney CEO, which had led to some conspiracy theories that Marvel Studios is not giving the Marvel film its due.

Awkwafina recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about her audition for ­Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and her experience meeting the star Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) for the first time.

Awkwafina said:

“I remember testing with Simu that day, and he was nervous. I was nervous, too. I was like, ‘I hope I don’t get fired in the process of chemistry reading’.”

She was the first person cast for the next movie coming in Marvel’s Phase 4, and Simu Liu was not cast as Shaun/Shang-Chi until near the end of the casting process. However, since the Golden Globe Award-winning actress was cast, she has faced an uphill battle while promoting the film.

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