Shang-Chi director tapped for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

Days after the Marvel presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios confirms Avengers: The Kang Dynasty will be directed by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton has been confirmed to helm Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. (Images: Marvel Studios)

During the Marvel panel at SDCC, Marvel Studios president and chief creative officer Kevin Feige laid down the Phase 5 and Phase 6 projects for the MCU. Similar to the conclusion of the Infinity Saga (which comprised Phases 1, 2, and 3), there will be a connecting thread to all Marvel Cinematic Universe films leading to a two-part finale. Referred to as The Multiverse Saga, the entire slate will conclude with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars, which will be in production at the same time.

Read on for the details and further information on the Marvel Phase 5 and 6 directors confirmed so far.

Marvel pedigree

According to reports, Marvel Studios has been given the directorial reins for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Destin Daniel Cretton.

Cretton is no stranger to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Having already helmed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cretton has proven his ability to navigate an MCU property into a box office and critical success.

Destin Daniel Cretton, who helmed last year’s Marvel hit, #ShangChi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has come aboard to direct #Avengers: The Kang Dynasty: https://t.co/cWWRt9D5vl pic.twitter.com/YoHITgx46L

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 26, 2022

Starring Simu Liu, 2021’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings mixed the mystical martial arts tropes of Asian cinema with the familiar superhero trappings of the Marvel Universe. Destin Daniel Cretton is also developing a separate live action series that centers on Simon Williams aka the Avengers mainstay Wonder Man. Cretton is working with Andrew Guest (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Community) as the executive producer for the Wonder Man series, and Cretton may direct one or more of the episodes.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings directed by Cretton grossed over 0 Miliion globally. — Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings directed by Cretton grossed over $400 Miliion globally.

In addition, Cretton is already in the developing stages for the Shang-Chi sequel. With the $432 million international gross of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cretton has a proven track record that would be ideal for the MCU Phase 6 project. Given that the Russo brothers have not expressed interest in returning to the MCU for a project as big as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Cretton makes for a sound choice.

No director yet for Avengers: Secret Wars

In addition to Cretton, a few other directors has been confirmed for future Marvel films. Bassam Tariq (Ghosts of Sugar Land, Mogul Mowgli) will be directing Blade (starring Mahershala Ali). Jake Schreier (Robot and Frank, Paper Towns) will be heading the Thunderbolts film. And Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox) will be directing Captain America: New World Order starring Anthony Mackie.

While Destin Daniel Cretton will be directing Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, there is currently no confirmed director for its follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars.

While Cretton will direct Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, there is no confirmed director for Avengers: Secret Wars, as of this date.

As the two films will be shot back-to-back and only have a 6-month gap between their theatrical releases, the director for the second part will likely be announced soon or as part of the upcoming D23 Expo 2022 this September.

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is projected for a theatrical release on May 2, 2025.