It’s official: Shang-Chi is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' strict policy on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation by noting his name on a chair alongside other MCU stars.
Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was dominated by veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to appear, signaling a major inclusion of the X-Men in the film. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for playing Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, had a cameo in the MCU via Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?
"I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu shared on the Jennifer Hudson Show, discussing his role in the film. "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 comment alludes to the well-known leaks by Holland about the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to spill plot details about the Avengers. Since these incidents became headline news, Marvel has tightened its security, keeping spoilers away from all cast members, whether new or returning.
In addition to his MCU role, Liu also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. He expressed his astonishment at the cast announcements for Avengers: Doomsday, particularly when he learned that Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart would be joining the film. "These are two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth. That blew my mind a little bit," he remarked during the interview.
AnswerSee ResultsLiu first brought Shang-Chi to life in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, but fans have yet to see the character's return to either the big or small screen. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and a cast list that now includes numerous notable names, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge within the next year, whether as official announcements or leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU fans have also turned their attention to Robert Downey Jr's recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, sparking further speculation and excitement within the community.
