It's official: Shang-Chi is set to make a thrilling return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was revealed that Simu Liu would be reprising his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent policy on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only acknowledging his name appearing alongside other MCU icons on a chair.
Last month's cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday highlighted a strong presence of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to appear, solidifying the X-Men's significant role in the film. Grammer, who previously portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, made a brief appearance in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who played Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to appear in the MCU, prompting speculation: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?
Simu Liu, during an appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, shared his excitement about being part of the film, though he was kept in the dark about other cast announcements. "I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu stated, "But I didn't know who else they were announcing. They don't tell us anything. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo ruined it for all of us. Now, they don't tell us."
Liu's comments refer to the well-known leaks by Holland regarding the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to inadvertently reveal plot points about the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has become even more vigilant about keeping spoilers under wraps from all cast members, both new and veteran.
In addition to his role as Shang-Chi, Liu also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie. He expressed his awe at seeing the names of Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart announced for Avengers: Doomsday, saying, "These are two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth. That blew my mind a little bit."
Simu Liu first brought Shang-Chi to life in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021. With Avengers: Doomsday set for release on May 1, 2026, and an impressive cast list now public, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, fans can expect more details to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or unintended leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU fans have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation to his 60th birthday party, sparking further speculation and excitement within the community.
