The return of Shang-Chi to the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been officially confirmed. During the massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was revealed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' strict policy on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation by noting his name on a chair alongside other MCU stars.
Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal spotlighted several 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 portraying Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, appeared briefly in the MCU via 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 debut. This has led to speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie.
In a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his excitement about being involved in Avengers: Doomsday. He mentioned, "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. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo ruined it for all of us. Now, they don't tell us." Liu was referencing 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 control over 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 his co-stars. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he said 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."
Liu first portrayed Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021. While details about Avengers: Doomsday remain scarce beyond its May 1, 2026 release date and the announced cast, more information is expected to surface in the coming year.
Meanwhile, MCU fans are buzzing with curiosity about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, adding another layer of intrigue to the MCU's unfolding narrative.
