Tony Leung, Awkwafina in Sydney: Fans suspect it's to film Marvel's Shang-Chi
Leung’s wife and manager, Carina Lau, also posted photos on Instagram of herself in the Australian city.
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai. (Photo: AFP / Getty Images North America / Ilya S Savenok)
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted Tony Leung Chiu-Wai in Sydney, Australia, leading to fans speculating that the star is in town for the filming of Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings.
The city is reportedly one of the filming locations for the upcoming Marvel film where Leung plays the villain, The Mandarin.
Chinese site World Journal reported that the star was seen having dim sum with three dining companions. One lucky fan also had the opportunity to pose for a photo with the actor at The Eight Modern Chinese Restaurant, which he posted on Instagram on Jan 26.
Leung’s wife and manager, Carina Lau, was not at the restaurant but she, too, appears to be in Sydney, as evidenced by photos she shared on Instagram. One such picture had the iconic Sydney Opera House in the background.
Lau was in Singapore in November last year where she was part of the judging panel for Star Search 2019. She said at the time: “I am very happy that Marvel picked (Leung) to be one of the characters. I am looking forward to watching this role because it’s a villain. He has always wanted to try different characters and I hope this will be a breakthrough for his career.”
Leung’s Shang-Chi co-star Awkwafina is also reportedly in the Australian city after the recent Golden Globes winner posted a photo on herself on Instagram Stories on Jan 23 with the caption: “Good morning Sydney!”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed on Jan 9 that production for Shang-Chi was slated to begin soon, though no exact date was given.
READ: A female Thor, Tony Leung as a villain: Your guide to Marvel’s Phase 4 movies and TV shows
Shang-Chi is part of Marvel’s Phase 4 post-Avengers: Endgame and Spiderman: Far From Home, and is the first Marvel Studios film to feature an Asian superhero as the lead. Canadian actor Simu Liu was cast in the titular role.
READ: Marvel’s first Asian superhero responds to comments that he’s ‘too ugly’
Leung’s appearance as The Mandarin is also the first time a Hong Kong actor will appear in a Marvel Studios film.
The film is set for release in Feb 2021.
