‘Iron Fist’ Star Jessica Henwick Was In Talks For Xialing Role In ‘Shang-Chi’

The star also discussed a potential return as Colleen Wing.

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Iron Fist star Jessica Henwick revealed that she was in the running for the role of Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing in the film based on the titular character.

Jessica Henwick made her Marvel debut in the short-lived Iron Fist series for Netflix. The series was subject to considerable criticism, particularly towards its storyline, but acclaim was nevertheless met for Henwick’s portrayal of Colleen Wing. Henwick revealed recently that she was given the option of auditioning for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings or The Matrix Resurrections but not both. The star clearly chose the latter, which made its HBO Max and cinematic debut yesterday.

While the Iron Fist star took the red pill, many have been wondering why Jessica Henwick didn’t stay in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and take on a role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Henwick revealed that she didn’t feel ready to close the door on Colleen Wing just yet and that she was in the running to play Xialing, a warrior who eventually assumes control of the legendary Ten Rings.

“That definitely did come up in the discussion. If I did [Shang-Chi], I would effectively be putting Colleen to bed. It wasn’t the main factor, but it definitely came up in conversation. I love Colleen. She changed my life. Of course, if I was given the opportunity to revisit her, I would, but I just don’t know how likely that is.

Brief spoilers ahead for Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The Iron Fist alum also went on to reveal that Charlie Cox was aware for years that he would be returning as Daredevil in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

“Charlie knew about that opportunity years ago. He already knew it was happening. I think I would have heard by now if there were any plans with Colleen.”

On that note, the outlet discussed if there was a possibility that the Iron Fist star would return as Colleen Wing, to which Jessica Henwick responded doubtfully.

“That would be cool! If it was the right moment, the right project, for sure. I love Colleen. But we’ll see. I gave her a happy ending. She’s happily living in New York with Misty [Simone Missick]. They’re running their own business together. So she’s good where she is as well.”

So while Jessica Henwick didn’t get to play Xialing in Shang-Chi, it’s clear that she’s happy with where her first Marvel character ended.

Here is the synopsis for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings:

“Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.”

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a script written by David Callaham, the Marvel film stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and Tony Leung.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings is now available to own on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray DVD, Digital HD and to stream on Disney Plus. Stay tuned for all the latest news on the future of the MCU as we learn it and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter