Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stopped production last week due to coronavirus concerns. Director of the film, Destin Daniel Cretton made the decision to self isolate himself with the advice of his doctor.
Cretton, who wasn’t experiencing symptoms, has a newborn baby at home and decided to get tested for COVID-19 after being in close proximity with some people who had potentially been exposed. According to Deadline, Cretton has tested negative for the coronavirus.
Here is what the director had to say on social media:
“During my weekend of isolation away from my family, I had a lot of time to ponder this interesting moment in history that our second child was born into, a time full of opinions and division, where scientific truths are debated and brushed off as political spins. But in the midst of this storm, while staring up at a spot on my hotel ceiling that I swear looked exactly like a bunny, I could see something really quite beautiful happening. People all around the world are beginning to realize how connected we are, how vulnerable we are, how much we need each other to survive,” said Cretton.
“Please stay hopeful, please stay humble, please stay home. Social distancing is an act of love for yourself, your family, and for every person on this planet,” he added.
Shang-Chi stars Simu Liu as martial arts master Shang-Chi. Awkwafina and Tony Leung also star. It has a Feb. 12, 2021 release date and it is unknown if that release date will be delayed.
The original Marvel Comics “Shang-Chi” follows Shang, a half-Chinese, half-American superhero created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin. In the comics, Shang-Chi is a master of numerous unarmed and weaponry-based wushu styles, including the use of the gun, nunchaku, and jian. Shang-Chi first appeared in Special Marvel Edition #15 in 1973.