Iron Fist is particularly notable because of his character's somewhat controversial background, which Marvel Rivals ' interpretation of the character rectifies, whether intentionally or not. In the last few years alone,
The article from Polygon discusses the representation of Asian characters in Marvel Rivals, a new hero shooter game. It highlights the inclusion of characters like Luna Snow, Iron Fist, Psylocke, and Shang-Chi, noting that while their presence is a step forward for diversity, their portrayals often fall into stereotypical roles or are not given the depth they deserve. Luna Snow, for instance, is criticized for her overly sexualized design and lack of significant backstory, while Iron Fist, despite being a white character, is deeply tied to Asian martial arts culture. Psylocke's character has a complex history involving body-swapping with an Asian woman, which complicates her representation. Shang-Chi, on the other hand, is praised for his authentic representation but still faces challenges in escaping the "kung-fu fighter" stereotype. The article argues that while Marvel Rivals attempts to diversify its roster, the execution often reinforces rather than challenges existing stereotypes, suggesting a need for more nuanced and respectful portrayals of Asian characters in video games.