Simu Liu Confirms Shang-Chi Return in Avengers: Doomsday Amid Marvel's Spoiler Crackdown

Shang-Chi is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as confirmed during the Avengers: Doomsday livestream. Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film, though Marvel Studios' strict secrecy measures kept him in the dark about his involvement until the reveal, with his name appearing alongside other MCU icons on a chair.

The recent Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement highlighted several veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are confirmed for the film, signaling a significant X-Men presence. Grammer, known for Beast in the Fox X-Men series, debuted in the MCU in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, who portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared briefly in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an Illuminati member. McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises speculation: is Avengers: Doomsday shaping up as an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?

"I was aware of my involvement to some extent," Liu shared on the Jennifer Hudson Show. "But I had no clue who else was being announced. Marvel keeps everything under wraps. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo’s past leaks have made them extra cautious."

Liu was alluding to Holland’s well-known leaks about the Spider-Man series and Ruffalo’s tendency to spill Avengers plot details. Following these high-profile slip-ups, Marvel has tightened its spoiler policy, ensuring all cast members, new and returning, are kept in the dark to prevent leaks.

Liu, who also starred as a Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, expressed awe at the cast list. “Seeing Sir Ian and Sir Patrick announced was surreal,” he said during the interview. “They’re among the greatest actors ever. It was mind-blowing.”

Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but the character has yet to reappear on screen. Beyond the May 1, 2026 release date and the confirmed cast, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in secrecy. More details are likely to emerge in the coming year, with or without spoilers.

Meanwhile, MCU fans are buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.’s recent Doctor Doom-themed 60th birthday party invitation, sparking curiosity about his potential role.