It's now confirmed: Shang-Chi will grace the Marvel Cinematic Universe once again. The blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday livestream disclosed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the eagerly awaited ensemble film. However, given Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy around potential spoilers, Liu was quite reserved about the announcement that his name would appear alongside other MCU luminaries on a chair back.
The cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday last month prominently featured veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to appear, indicating a significant presence of the X-Men in the film. Grammer, who portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in the post-credits scene of The Marvels. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, had a cameo in the MCU through Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen, who played Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to make their MCU debuts. This lineup 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 involvement in the film, saying, “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 referring 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 bosses have clamped down on spoilers, keeping them under wraps from all cast members, new and old alike.
Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, was astounded to learn he would be sharing the screen with such esteemed actors. He remarked, “I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced. 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 been eagerly awaiting his return. With Avengers: Doomsday set for a May 1, 2026 release, and a stellar cast now attached, the film remains shrouded in mystery. More details are expected to emerge within the next year, whether through official channels or otherwise.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been speculating about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday party invitation, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding Marvel saga.
