“I really can’t tell you anything!” squeals Meng’er Zhang from her apartment in Singapore. The 34-year-old actor has been sworn to secrecy about her breakout role as Xialing in Marvel’s Asian-led action film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. So much so that her husband – an action designer she met on set – is sitting next to her during our Zoom call and playing the role of publicist. So, what can she reveal? “It’s going to be epic,” she grins. “I’m a badass. I kick ass.”
The daughter of an actor and stage designer, growing up, the theatre was Zhang’s playground. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Zhang has largely worked on stage and in musical productions in Nanjing – the city in eastern China where she grew up – and Shanghai. Keen to broaden her acting training, she also studied at London’s East 15 Acting School, and the Russian Institute of Theatre.
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Her journey into the Marvel Universe is the stuff of fairytales: after learning of the role in a group chat, she sent off an audition tape despite being over the age cut-off, then was flown to Australia two weeks later for a screen test with the film’s lead, Simu Liu. Did she ever think that, after just two auditions, she would go on to star opposite Awkwafina, Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh in one of the year’s most keenly awaited and culturally significant blockbusters?
“I’m still processing it,” she laughs. Mostly, she’s proud to represent the Asian community, which has been victim to countless racist hate crimes over the past year. “Shang Chi will touch home, especially for Asian immigrants living in Western countries,” she says. “We need to remember our roots and be proud of where we’re from. Representation is so important, and Shang Chi won’t be the last to tell our stories. Guaranteed, you’ll leave the cinema carrying a warm feeling in your heart.”
Below, the rising star shares a few of her favourite things with Vogue…
“My best beauty tip? Wear a face mask in the morning. I use Chantecaille Bio Lifting Mask, which makes my skin shine like a diamond.”
“Chanel’s autumn/winter 2012 silver rucksack kind of looks like a frog. I really want to track one down.”
“My make-up bag is always so heavy because I own every Suqqu eyeshadow palette! I love all the playful bright colours. ”
“I love how Stella McCartney X Adidas black knit-sock trainers are so comfy and protect my ankles.”
“Omorovicza Queen of Hungary facial mist is always in my bag.”
“Alain Mikli’s colourful sunglasses and a good pair of earrings can really change an outfit.”
Editor
Soey KimCredit
Photo: @mengerzhang