It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the electrifying Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu would reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble blockbuster. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy around spoilers, Liu himself remained tight-lipped about his involvement until his name appeared alongside other MCU luminaries on a chairback.
Last month's cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday highlighted a significant presence of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to join the film, signaling a major X-Men involvement. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men series, made his MCU debut in the post-credits scene of The Marvels. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, had a cameo in the MCU's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU appearances. This raises an intriguing question: could Avengers: Doomsday be setting the stage for an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?
"I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu shared during his recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show. "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 reference the well-known leaks by Holland concerning 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 grip on spoilers, keeping even the most talkative cast members in the dark.
In addition to his role as Shang-Chi, Liu also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie. He was genuinely surprised to see the names of actors like Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart announced for 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."
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 been eagerly awaiting his return. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and an impressive list of actors attached, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. Yet, as the anticipation builds, more details are expected to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or inevitable leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts are also buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, further fueling speculation and excitement for what lies ahead in the Marvel universe.
