Shang-Chi: learn more about Tony Leung, actor who gives life to ‘Wenwu’ in the ‘Legend of the Ten Rings’ Marvel Studios | MCU | UCM | nnda nnrt | FAMA

On this occasion we were able to chat with one of the main characters of “Shang-Chi” and enemy of the most remembered in the history of Marvel comics, ‘Wenwu’, or as they also know him, the ‘Mandarin’, starring Tony Leung.

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Tell us about your character.

My character is Wenwu. I think Wenwu is a tragic character. Although he is very powerful with the Ten Rings, he felt lonely all his life until he met his wife, and I think this was the happiest time of his life. After losing her, he was tortured through guilt and lived suffering. That’s why I think he’s a pretty tragic character.

What did you think of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

I watch a lot of Marvel movies and I also have my favorite characters. Deadpool and Iron Man are my favorite characters. I didn’t expect to have a chance to be a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What was it that attracted him to Shang-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS?

I think it was because of Destin, our director. I had a phone interview with him and of course he couldn’t tell me much about the story at the time, so he gave me just a few clues about my character. But I felt good talking to him, and I thought I could trust him.

What was your initial reaction to the script?

I didn’t expect to have as much involvement in the film until I read the script. From what Destin had told me, I thought it would only take me about two or three weeks. Wenwu is not the Super Hero, he is just an evil one. That wasn’t a problem for me, but in the end I was in Sydney for six months.

What did you talk to the director about about the character?

I think the script does a very good job with my character, very detailed, so all I had to do was follow the script. I’d rather surprise or convince the director with my performance on stage than talk too much beforehand. So we don’t talk much about the character before filming.

What are the Ten Rings?

I think they are very similar to the Iron Man costume. When one puts on the rings, one becomes someone very powerful and dangerous. And at the same time, the rings give immortality to whoever wears them.

How do they figure in the history of the rings?

Rings are the basis of the story. It is because of the rings that Wenwu changes his life and acquires great power.

Tell us about Li’s character

She is beautiful, outgoing, optimistic and very kind. He has the ability to make the people around him happy. She is an affectionate and compassionate woman. I think it’s perfect for Wenwu. He falls in love with her when he meets her and leaves everything for her. I think she is the meaning of life for Wenwu. And I think that’s what makes her story so beautiful and poignant.

What is it like working with Fala Chen?

Working with Fala is very beautiful. She has a very good treatment, it is very easy to work with her, and she is always happy, always making jokes. I think it’s great for paper.

What was the family dynamic like before and after Li’s death?

There was a lot of love, happiness and joy before he died. After his death, the family collapses. It affects each member of the family to a different degree.

And Shang-Chi does not return?

After ten years, Wenwu forces Shang-Chi to come back because he had a crazy idea.

How does Wenwu feel when Shang-Chi returns?

He is happy because he wants Shang-Chi to lead the Ten Rings Organization with him.

And how do you react to the fact that Shang-Chi takes Katy?

I think his reaction is very typical of a father when the son brings a girl home. And I think Katy also likes Wenwu.

Tell us about what it’s like to work with Florian.

Florian is a very nice person. It is perfect for Razor Fist for its tough, manly look. But he is a very good person.

Tell us about training and the importance of martial arts.

Usually in Hong Kong, we learn everything on set because most male actors know something about martial arts, as they usually learn it as a child. So they show us the movements directly on the set. But for this film, we did some rehearsals before filming.

It took us two weeks to rehearse all the action sequences before filming. This helps a lot when you go on set and do the scene. It saves a lot of time. In this movie, what I do is the kung fu style called Tiger Harp. I think it’s a symbolic thing, it’s a symbol of the East. And at the same time, it is a symbol of the character’s mental state. It represents the aggressiveness and anger of Wenwu’s character, unlike tai chi, which represents the peace and harmony of those living in Ta-El, the mysterious village.

Tell us about what your character looks like

I really admire costume designer Kym Barrett. She is very good at defining the character through dressing room. She went to Tokyo to do the dress rehearsals with me. At the time, I had no idea what my character would look like, and she was the first person to give me an idea of ​​what she looked like.

Tell us what it’s like to work with Simu Liu

It is very enjoyable and it is a pleasure to work with this young and talented actor. He is very professional, very passionate, and makes me feel invigorated on set.

And what is it like working with Nora Lum (Awkwafina)?

I had seen many of Nora’s movies because she is so funny, especially in Crazy millionaires. I didn’t expect to have a chance to work with her. I really like her as an actress and it’s really nice to have her in this movie.

And working with Michelle Yeoh?

I hadn’t seen her in a long time, so I really enjoyed working with her. We like to meet and visit after work.

What did you like most about making this film?

This is a very difficult question. I always like the dramatic part because the action part can be a little tiring. But I really enjoy working with the team. This is my first time working with an American team and I love the work atmosphere. They are all very professional, and very friendly.

What was it like working with Destin, the director?

On set, Destin made me feel very relaxed and calm, and encouraged me a lot after each shot. He told me my performance was perfect, or very good. It gave me a lot of confidence, especially at the beginning of filming. Sometimes I corrected some things, but I also really liked that. It was very nice to work with him.

How was filming in Australia?

I love the beach and water sports, so after work, I went to different beaches to enjoy the sea. It was very beautiful.

Tell us about the scope of the action

I think this movie is very particular, it’s unique, because of the wonderful Marvel special effects combined with the martial arts. It will be something new for the public.

Is there anything you want to say to the Asian community?

Before coming to Sydney, many friends from different Asian countries sent me messages saying they were looking forward to seeing this movie. I think it’s because they’re going to be able to see reflected, feel identified.