It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream event confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy surrounding potential spoilers, Liu kept his comments brief during the announcement, even as his name appeared alongside other MCU luminaries on a chair.
Last month's cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday spotlighted several veteran X-Men actors, signaling a significant inclusion of the X-Men in the film. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to join the cast. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his portrayal of Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU via Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to make their MCU debuts. This lineup raises the intriguing question: could Avengers: Doomsday be a covert Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?
During a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his excitement about being involved in the film, though he admitted he was kept in the dark about the other cast announcements. "I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," he explained. "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 reference to the infamous leaks by Holland regarding the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's penchant for revealing plot points highlights the increased secrecy measures Marvel has adopted to prevent spoilers.
In addition to his role as Shang-Chi, Liu also featured as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, and was astounded to see the names of Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart announced alongside his. "These are two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth. That blew my mind a little bit," he said during the interview.
Liu first brought Shang-Chi to life in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. With Avengers: Doomsday set for release on May 1, 2026, and a cast list that continues to grow, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge in the coming year, regardless of Marvel's tight-lipped approach.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, sparking further speculation and excitement about the future of the franchise.
