It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent policies on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, which was subtly hinted at by his name appearing on a chair alongside other MCU luminaries.
The cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday last month showcased a significant presence of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to appear, confirming the X-Men's pivotal role in the film. Grammer, known for his portrayal of Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, who played Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, had a brief appearance in the MCU via Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, has yet to appear in the MCU, as have Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops). This raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?
Simu Liu shared insights into his involvement during a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show. "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 highlight the notorious leaks from Holland about the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's penchant for revealing plot points about the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, ensuring that even the actors are kept in the dark.
Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, expressed his astonishment at the caliber of actors joining him in Avengers: Doomsday. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he remarked 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 captivated audiences as Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021. Despite the excitement surrounding his character, Shang-Chi has yet to return to the big or small screen until now. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and a stellar cast list, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. However, fans can expect more details to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or unexpected leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU fans 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 unfolding narrative.
