"Avengers Star Simu Liu: Marvel Keeps Cast in the Dark Due to Holland and Ruffalo"

It's official: Shang-Chi, portrayed by Simu Liu, is set to make a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the recent Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was revealed that Liu would join the cast of the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent policies on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation when his name appeared alongside other MCU luminaries on a chair.

The cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday last month prominently featured veteran X-Men actors, signaling a significant presence of the X-Men in the film. Kelsey Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise and made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene, will be joined by Patrick Stewart, who portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films and briefly appeared in the MCU's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as a member of the Illuminati. Joining them are Ian McKellen as Magneto, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and James Marsden as Cyclops, none of whom have yet appeared in the MCU. This ensemble raises the intriguing possibility that Avengers: Doomsday might secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men movie.

During an appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his excitement about being part of the film, although he was kept in the dark about other cast announcements. "I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu said, humorously noting how Marvel keeps its secrets tightly guarded, especially after past leaks by Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo. These incidents have led Marvel to clamp down on information sharing among all cast members, new and old.

Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, expressed his awe upon learning that esteemed actors like Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart would be his co-stars. "These are two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth," he remarked, clearly impressed by the caliber of talent joining him in Avengers: Doomsday.

Simu 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 scarce beyond its May 1, 2026 release date and the impressive list of actors attached, fans can anticipate more information emerging over the next year.

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, further fueling excitement and curiosity about future developments in the Marvel universe.