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Actress Meng’er Zhang Reveals Photos From Behind the Scenes of ‘Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings’

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'Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings' director Destin Daniel Cretton on set with Meng'er Zhang Photo Credit: Destin Daniel Cretton Instagram

If you’ve seen ‘Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings‘, or if you’re just about to see it for the first time this Friday on Disney+ Day, then you will most likely notice one particular character who steals the show! Xialing, Shang-Chi’s estranged sister, is a movie-maker’s dream: she’s beautiful, charismatic, sassy, and has incredible combat skills that include the unusual weapons known as rope darts. To see Meng’er Zhang playing this character in ‘Shang-Chi’ feels natural–but in reality, the actress actually has never done a feature film or onscreen acting before! She’s mostly been on stage, and has done some singing–so to play a lead in ‘Shang-Chi’ was a big step, and Meng’er Zhang relied on advice from co-star Ben Kingsley and director Destin Daniel Cretton, saying that Cretton in particular “gave me the utmost trust. The first time I went to see myself in the monitor, he said “tell me what you see and how you feel, so I can help you better.” He was always patient with me, always clear about what he wants without giving me any pressure. He understands my weirdness and protects it. Because of him, this movie is and will forever be so special.” Fortunately for us Disney and Marvel fans, Meng’er Zhang has also been very generous when it comes to sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the life on set while filming ‘Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings’! Check out some of her pictures below, as well as some clips from her impressive martial arts training.

Michelle Yeoh and Meng’er Zhang Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Meng’er Zhang and Awkwafina Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Simu Liu and Meng’er Zhang Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

One of the most notable traits that makes Meng’er Zhang’s character Xialing shine in ‘Shang-Chi’ is her combat style. The precision, elegance, and ferocity that she fights with make for some particularly impressive fight scenes; watch clips of her boxing and rope dart skills here, here, and here! The actress also shared some behind-the-scenes photos of her stunt doubles, saying that “Stunt doubles don’t get enough credit. They put their lives on the line to make the characters come to life, they deserve the spotlight and respect…we completed the character together!”

Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Florian Munteanu (who plays one of the Ten Rings villains in Shang-Chi) and Meng’er Zhang Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Meng’er Zhang and Florean Munteanu Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Yuen Wah and Meng’er Zhang Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Have you seen ‘Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings’ yet? Read our review of the movie here, and add it to your movie marathon list for this Friday’s Disney+ Day celebrations!

Destin Daniel Cretton and Meng’er Zhang on the set of ‘Shang-Chi’ Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

Tony Leung and Meng’er Zhang Credit: Meng’er Zhang Instagram

About Sharon

Sharon is a writer and animal lover from New England. Sharon's two main focuses in her work are Disney's correlations with pop culture and the significance of Disney princesses (which was the basis for her college thesis). When she's not writing about Disney, Sharon spends her time singing, dancing, and cavorting with woodland creatures!

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