So, let's talk about that underground fight club in Macau. You remember the scene. Neon lights, pounding music, and a shirtless Simu Liu getting absolutely rocked by his own sister. But the guy who actually stole the vibe? Ronny Chieng. Honestly, his character, Jon Jon, is the kind of guy who shouldn't work in a high-stakes Marvel movie, yet he's the glue holding that entire mid-section of the film together.
People often forget that Ronny Chieng wasn't just some random comedian they hired for a quick laugh. He’s a massive Marvel fan in real life. Like, "I know the deep lore" kind of fan. So when he showed up as the waistcoat-wearing, fast-talking right-hand man to Xialing, it wasn't just a cameo. It was a statement.
Who exactly is Jon Jon?
In Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Jon Jon is basically the ultimate hype man. He runs the day-to-day operations of the Golden Daggers Club. If you want to bet on a Hulk-adjacent creature or watch a Black Widow assassin throw hands for money, Jon Jon is the guy you talk to.
What’s cool is how Chieng played him. He didn’t go for the "mysterious underworld criminal" trope. Instead, he gave us a "guy who is incredibly stressed by his job but loves the hustle" energy. It’s very Southeast Asian, specifically that "Ah Beng" culture he’s talked about in interviews. He’s cosmopolitan, he speaks multiple languages, and he knows exactly how to handle a crowd.
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That specific accent choice
There was a bit of a buzz about how Jon Jon spoke. Chieng didn't use a "Hollywood Chinese" accent. He used something closer to home. He actually worked with translators on set to make sure the character felt international. Director Destin Daniel Cretton wanted the Macau scenes to feel like a melting pot. By keeping a bit of his own natural cadence—a mix of Malaysian, Singaporean, and Australian influences—Chieng made the world of Shang-Chi feel way more lived-in than your average green-screen city.
The Simu Liu connection
You can't talk about Ronny Chieng Shang Chi moments without mentioning the chemistry. Off-screen, Simu Liu and Ronny Chieng are actually tight. They bonded hard while filming in Australia, especially when the pandemic shut everything down. They were basically stuck in a bubble together.
That comfort level shows up on screen. When Jon Jon greets Shang-Chi at the club, there’s this unspoken "I know who you are, and I know you're in trouble" look. It’s subtle. Most MCU side characters are just there to deliver exposition and die. Jon Jon felt like he had a life before the movie started and a very busy schedule to get back to after the scene ended.
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Why he’s more than just "The Funny Guy"
Sure, he has the one-liners. But Jon Jon represents the civilian side of the MCU that we rarely see. Most people in this universe are either superheroes or terrified bystanders. Jon Jon is neither. He’s a guy who looked at a world full of aliens and gods and said, "Cool, how do I make a profit off this?"
He’s an entrepreneur of the weird. That’s a perspective we need more of.
Will we see Ronny Chieng in Shang-Chi 2?
This is the big question. As of 2026, Marvel has been a bit quiet on the specific release dates for the sequel, but Simu Liu has been vocal about it definitely happening. Given that Xialing is now running the entire Ten Rings organization at the end of the first film, it would be weird not to see her most trusted lieutenant by her side.
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Imagine Jon Jon managing an international army of assassins instead of just a fight club. The logistics alone would be a comedy goldmine. Chieng has joked in the past about wanting a suit or some powers, but honestly? He’s better without them. The MCU is crowded with people who can shoot lasers. It’s short on people who can manage a spreadsheet while a dragon is flying overhead.
Things you probably missed about Jon Jon
- The Hair: That slicked-back look was a very intentional choice to separate him from his "Daily Show" persona.
- The Wardrobe: He’s one of the best-dressed characters in the movie. That waistcoat and shirt combo screamed "I am successful but I will also jump into a fight if I have to."
- The Translator Role: He’s the one who bridges the gap between the English-speaking leads and the more traditional elements of the Macau underworld.
What this means for representation
Look, Shang-Chi was a massive deal for a lot of reasons. It was the first Asian-led Marvel movie. But having a guy like Ronny Chieng—who is a household name in Malaysia and Singapore—play a character that isn't a kung-fu master was huge. He's just a guy. A smart, funny, slightly sketchy guy. That kind of "normalcy" is actually the highest form of representation.
If you're looking for where to go next with your Shang-Chi obsession, your best bet is to dive into Ronny Chieng’s stand-up specials like Asian Comedian Destroys America! or his series International Student. You’ll see exactly where that Jon Jon energy comes from. It’s not an act; it’s just Ronny turned up to eleven.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go back and re-watch the Macau sequence. Pay attention to Jon Jon in the background when he’s not the focus. His facial expressions during the fights are top-tier. After that, keep an eye on Marvel's Phase 6 announcements. If we get a Ten Rings spin-off series on Disney+, there’s a very high chance Ronny Chieng will be front and center.