The Marvel blockbuster that will SAVE Australia’s film industry: Shang-Chi film set comes to life in Sydney’s western suburbs
Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is preparing to resume production in Sydney’s western Sydney.
The blockbuster initially began filming in Australia earlier this year, but production was forced to a halt in February due to COVID-19 fears.
Aerial images of the sprawling compound taken on Friday show a purpose-built ‘Chinese village’ that will serve as a backdrop for the superhero film.
Back on track! Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is preparing to resume production in Sydney’s western Sydney, as aerial photos show the sprawling filmset taking shape
Small pagodas with yellow roofs surround a large central building reminiscent of a Chinese temple or palace.
Surrounding the structures is a large green screen, which will be used in post-production to create a desired backdrop.
An unusual, circular structure with latticed roofing is also visible on the outskirts of the compound.
Large-scale effort: Small pagodas with yellow roofs surround a large central building reminiscent of a Chinese temple or palace
The blockbuster will no doubt provide a welcome boost to Australia’s ailing film industry, which was brought to its knees as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold earlier this year.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the production is estimated to generate AU$150 million (US$115 million) for the Australian economy as well as 4,700 new jobs.
Starring Simu Liu as Marvel’s first Asian superhero, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will tell the tale of Shang-Chi, martial arts master who was raised inside a reclusive Chinese compound.
Blockbuster: Surrounding the structures is a large green screen, which will be used in post-production to create a desired backdrop
What could it be? An unusual, circular structure with latticed roofing is also visible on the outskirts of the compound
After leaving the compound as an adult, Shang-Chi must reckon with harsh realities of the outside world, including a terrorist organisation called Ten Rings.
Ten Rings leader The Mandarin – the film’s main antagonist – will be played by Tony Leung, while Awkwafina and Ronny Chieng have also been cast in undisclosed roles.
Filming began in February 2020 at Sydney’s Fox Studios and various locations around New South Wales.
A-list cast: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu (L) as Marvel’s first Asian superhero, while Awkwafina (R) will also appear in an undisclosed role
On March 12, after filming had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, director Destin Daniel Cretton announced he had taken a test for the deadly virus and was self-isolating.
Luckily, Cretton’s test came back negative.
In early July, it was announced that cast and crew returning to Australia to resume filming would have to self-isolate for two weeks.
The film was originally scheduled to hit theatres on February 12, 2021, the first day of Chinese New Year, but has since been pushed back to May 7, 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Self-isolation: It was revealed on March 13 that production was halted on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as Director Destin Daniel Cretton (pictured) went into self-isolation