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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Never released in China. It was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film denied approval, amid criticism of the character's Fu Manchu origins and star Simu Liu's past comments.
- Status
- Banned
- Country
- China
- Category
- Movies & TV
- Banned since
- 2021
- Last checked
- 01/11/2026
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was never released in China. When the Marvel film opened worldwide in September 2021, it became the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie not to be granted approval for distribution in China.
Key facts
- Status: denied a release in mainland China
- Released elsewhere: September 2021
- Official reason: none given
- Stars: Simu Liu, Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh
Why was Shang-Chi not released in China?
China did not explain the decision, but two issues dominated the debate. The first was the character’s origin: in the original comics, Shang-Chi’s father was Fu Manchu, a villain from 1910s novels widely seen as a racist caricature of Chinese people. Marvel replaced him in the film, but the history still drew criticism on Weibo.
The second was lead actor Simu Liu, who was born in China and grew up in Canada. Past comments he had made about China resurfaced online in 2021, and Chinese state media coverage of Marvel’s upcoming films conspicuously left Shang-Chi off the list months before its release.
Was it part of a wider Marvel block?
Yes. China did not release a single Marvel film for about three years. Eternals was also denied a release in 2021, and Spider-Man: No Way Home never reached Chinese cinemas after Sony refused a censorship demand. Marvel’s China drought only ended in February 2023, when two new films were approved.
Is Shang-Chi still banned in China?
Yes. The 2021 film still has no release in mainland China, even though later Marvel titles have been approved. For other films China has kept out of its cinemas, see the Movies & TV bans list.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shang-Chi banned in China?
Shang-Chi was never released in mainland China. It was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film not granted approval for distribution there.
Why was Shang-Chi not released in China?
China gave no reason. Critics pointed to the character's comic-book link to the racist Fu Manchu stereotype and to past comments by star Simu Liu about China.
Can you watch Shang-Chi in China?
Not in cinemas or on approved platforms. The 2021 film still has no release in mainland China.