It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the electrifying Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role as the master martial artist. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy, Liu himself remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation by showing his name on a chair alongside other MCU legends.
Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was a powerhouse of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to join the fray, signaling a significant presence of the X-Men in the film. 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, appeared briefly in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, who portrayed Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, are yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises an intriguing question: could Avengers: Doomsday be setting the stage for an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?
"I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu shared during a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show. "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 reference the well-known leaks from Holland regarding the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to spill plot points about the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, keeping all cast members in the dark.
The actor, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, was astonished to see some of the names announced alongside him. "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 captivated audiences as Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021. While details about Avengers: Doomsday remain shrouded in mystery beyond its May 1, 2026 release date and the impressive cast list, fans can expect more revelations in the coming year, whether through official channels or inevitable leaks.
Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts are also buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, sparking further speculation and excitement about what lies ahead in the MCU.
