Shang-Chi’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now official. During the recent Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming blockbuster. While the reveal placed his name among a prestigious lineup of MCU talent, Liu himself remained tight-lipped about the details — a necessity given how closely Marvel Studios guards its secrets.
The cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday featured a wave of familiar faces from the X-Men universe. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden were all revealed as part of the ensemble, signaling a major X-Men presence in the film. Grammer previously played Beast in the Fox X-Men films and made his MCU debut via a post-credits scene in The Marvels. Stewart portrayed Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise and appeared in the MCU as part of the Illuminati in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debuts, raising speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday could secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men story.
During a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his thoughts on being part of the project: “I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity, but I didn’t know who else they were announcing. They don't tell us anything.” He added lightheartedly, “Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo ruined it for all of us. Now, they don't tell us.”
Liu was referencing the infamous spoiler leaks involving Tom Holland over the years regarding the Spider-Man films, and Mark Ruffalo’s tendency to accidentally reveal key plot points during interviews. Since those slip-ups dominated headlines, Marvel has taken extra precautions to ensure no insider information escapes before the official release.
Liu also expressed surprise at seeing some of the legendary actors joining him in the film. “I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced,” he said. “These are two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth. That blew my mind a little bit.”
Simu Liu first brought Shang-Chi to life in 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but the character has not appeared since. With Avengers: Doomsday set for release on May 1, 2026, fans can expect more details to emerge over the coming year — though likely without any major spoilers slipping out along the way.
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In other MCU-related news, Robert Downey Jr. recently sparked curiosity with a Doctor Doom-themed invitation to his 60th birthday celebration, reigniting speculation about his potential involvement in the film.
