It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the epic Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was announced that Simu Liu would be reprising his role in the upcoming blockbuster. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent policy on spoilers, Liu himself remained tight-lipped about his involvement. Fans noticed his name on a chair alongside other MCU legends, sparking excitement and speculation.
The cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday last month was a major nod to the X-Men franchise, with veteran actors Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden all confirmed to join the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men series, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his portrayal of Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in 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), are yet to make their MCU debut. This raises the intriguing question: 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, though he admitted to being kept in the dark about the full cast list. "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 was referring to the well-known leaks from Holland about the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to spill plot details for the Avengers films. In response, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, ensuring that even the actors are kept out of the loop.
Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, was astounded to see some of the legendary names joining him in Avengers: Doomsday. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he mentioned 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 back in 2021. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited his return. While Avengers: Doomsday is set for a May 1, 2026 release, and boasts an impressive cast, many details about the film remain shrouded in mystery. However, more information is expected to surface in the coming year, whether through official channels or the inevitable leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, sparking further speculation and excitement about what's next in the Marvel universe.
