'Shang-Chi' Cast and Character Guide: Who's Who in the New Marvel Movie

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the first Asian-led superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This action-packed chapter in the MCU, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, follows the titular hero as he is forced to confront his father Wenwu.

Here is a guide to the cast and the characters that they play.

Shang-Chi

Shang-Chi is played by Simu Liu, who rose to fame in comedy Kim's Convenience.

Liu's character escaped his father's clutches as a teen and ran to the United States to make a new life for himself, changing his name from Shang-Chi to Shaun.

Ten years later he learns his sister Xialing is in danger from Wenwu and decides to travel to Macao to find her, with best friend Katy joining him.

Katy

Katy is portrayed by Awkwafina, the actor and rapper who won a Golden Globe for her lead role in comedy The Farewell and appeared in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean's 8.

Shang-Chi and Katy have an interesting will-they-won't-they relationship dynamic after becoming friends when the latter defends the former from school bullies.

They both work as valets and are happy to keep things that way until Shang-Chi reveals the truth behind his past.

Wenwu

Wenwu is played by Hong Kong star Tony Leung, one of Asia's most successful actors. He has appeared in critically acclaimed films including Infernal Affairs, Chungking Express and In the Mood for Love—the last of which won him best actor at the Cannes film festival.

Leung's character Wenwu is the leader of the Ten Rings criminal organization and is also known as the Mandarin. Wenwu has control of the Ten Rings, an ancient weapon he uses while fighting.

Xialing

Xialing is Shang-Chi's sister and is portrayed by Meng'er Zhang, who makes her feature film debut in the Marvel movie.

The character is estranged from her brother, but has learned to fend for herself.

As far as possible from a damsel in distress, Xialing is a skilled fighter in her own right and is trying to carve her path in a male-dominated society.

Nan

Ying Nan is Shang-Chi and Xialing's aunt, who lives in the ancient hidden village of Ta Lo—which their father wants to invade.

Nan is played by Michelle Yeoh, the Malaysian star famous for her martial arts skills and her appearances in hit movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians and Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies.

Nan helps Shang-Chi, Xialing and Katy reach their full potential before the final battle.

Li

Ying Li is Shang-Chi's and Xialing's late mother, who fell in love with Wenwu after fighting him as protector of Ta Lo.

Fala Chen plays Li and her character's story is told at various points in the film, making her presence felt throughout.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is in theaters now.