"Avengers Star Simu Liu: Marvel Keeps Secrets Due to Holland and Ruffalo"

It's official: Shang-Chi, portrayed by Simu Liu, is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the highly anticipated film, Avengers: Doomsday. During the massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream, Liu's name appeared alongside other MCU legends, though he remained tight-lipped about the details due to Marvel Studios' strict spoiler policies.

The cast reveal last month was a major highlight for fans, especially with the inclusion of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to join the ensemble. Grammer, who previously 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, had a brief appearance in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, who portrayed Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, are set to make their MCU debuts. This significant crossover raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

Liu shared his excitement about being part of the film on the Jennifer Hudson Show, 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." He humorously referenced the infamous leaks by Holland and Ruffalo, which have led to Marvel tightening its grip on spoilers.

In addition to his MCU role, Liu also featured as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie. He expressed his awe at being joined by the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, stating, "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 introduced Shang-Chi to the MCU in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021. With the Avengers: Doomsday release date set for May 1, 2026, and a star-studded cast now confirmed, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, fans can expect more details to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or otherwise.

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts are also buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, adding another layer of intrigue to the ever-expanding universe.