It’s official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The excitement was palpable during the Avengers: Doomsday livestream, where it was revealed that Simu Liu would be reprising his role as Shang-Chi in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy, Liu remained tight-lipped, only hinting at his involvement by showing his name on a chair alongside other MCU luminaries.
Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was a major event, especially for fans of the X-Men franchise. Veteran actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden were confirmed to join the film, signaling a significant presence of the X-Men. Grammer, known for his portrayal of Beast in the Fox X-Men series, has already made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, who played Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, appeared briefly in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as a member of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, and others like Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debuts. This leads to speculation: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?
During a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his excitement about being part of the film, albeit with limited information. "I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity,” he said. “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 humorously pointed to the infamous leaks by Holland regarding the MCU’s Spider-Man series and Ruffalo’s tendency to spill plot points about the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, keeping all cast members in the dark.
Liu, who also played one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, was visibly shocked by some of the names set to appear alongside him in Avengers: Doomsday. “I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced,” he shared during the interview. “These are two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth. That blew my mind a little bit.”
Liu first graced the screen as Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. While Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on May 1, 2026, remains shrouded in mystery, the confirmed cast members have sparked widespread speculation and excitement. As the release date approaches, more details are expected to emerge, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr's recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, adding another layer of intrigue to the MCU's future developments.
