It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy around potential spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation when his name appeared alongside other MCU legends on a chair.
Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was dominated by veteran X-Men actors, signaling a significant presence of the X-Men in the film. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set 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 role as Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, briefly appeared in the MCU in 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 debuts. 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, albeit with limited information. "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 refer to the well-known leaks from Holland about the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to reveal plot points about the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, keeping even the cast in the dark.
Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, expressed his awe at some of the other cast members announced for Avengers: Doomsday. "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."
Liu first portrayed Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and fans have eagerly awaited his return. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and a star-studded cast, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or inevitable leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, sparking further speculation and excitement within the fan community.
