Marvel is making a movie with its first Asian lead and it's going to be epic

By Michael Rothman

News broke on Thursday that Marvel Studios had found a director for a game-changing film set to feature the studio's first Asian lead, "Shang-Chi."

Destin Daniel Cretton will helm the project, reports The Hollywood Reporter, and he has some pretty exciting Marvel ties, in particular to Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson.

Cretton directed the Oscar winner five years ago in "Short Term 12," and is directing her for the third time, along with "Black Panther's" Michael B. Jordan, in "Just Mercy." So, basically, they will be able to fill him in on all he needs to know about the Marvel Universe.

So far, no cast or release dates have been announced.

Marvel's first starring an Asian lead – #ShangChi – has found its director https://t.co/hE8haPYNRk pic.twitter.com/XoZwFim7ZN

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 13, 2019

Shang-Chi first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics back in the early 1970s and is often called the "Master of Kung Fu." He is half Chinese, born to a Chinese father and an American mother.

In the books, he did crossover events with the Iron Fist, formerly a Marvel Netflix show, and the Avengers, eventually joining the team years later.

How @Marvel's #ShangChi can escape a cliched comic book past https://t.co/6s8B6cvGl0 pic.twitter.com/Erqoc0eT43

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 14, 2019

THR adds that Dave Callaham, writer of hits like "The Expendables" and who is currently working on the comic projects "Wonder Woman 1984" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2," is writing the script. As with all characters who originated in the past, the story will need updating to avoid cliches and racist tones.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe tends to operate in phases and with this new phase that began with "Captain Marvel," it looks as if the future of the Avengers and its heroes will be more diverse and attuned to modern times.

Fans of the Marvel movies have taken to Twitter to share their excitement over the new film.

First #blackpanther made impact and billion dollars, then #CaptainMarvel inspired young boys and girls and heading to billions and now #ShangChi is about to do the same :)

— Cedric house (@cedrichouse1994) March 13, 2019

IS THIS REAL LIFE?!!!?!?!?!?!!?!?! #ShangChi https://t.co/OgOEZ7iINP

— Ron SeoulOh (@CPThrio) March 13, 2019

HOLY CRAP THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, we HAVE A DIRECTOR FOR SHANG-CHII! I just watched Short Term 12 and enjoyed it a LOT. Welcome Destin Daniel Cretton to the MCU fam! #ShangChi https://t.co/PR2qJ9kbQ1

— TASK the Ol’ Nerdy Skrull (@UpToTASK) March 13, 2019

Black Panther is paving the way for more diverse Marvel films! Short Term 12 director Destin Daniel Cretton is set to helm #ShangChi, the studio's first superhero movie with an Asian lead. It's about time. pic.twitter.com/17GOusR6wS

— LAdynerds (@LAdynerdsMeetup) March 13, 2019

Marvel and ABC News are both part of parent company Disney.