It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent secrecy policies, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation when his name appeared on a chair alongside other MCU luminaries.

The cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday last month was dominated by veteran X-Men actors, signaling a major crossover. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to join the film, confirming the X-Men's significant role. 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 the MCU's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises the intriguing question: could Avengers: Doomsday be a secret Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

"I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu shared on the Jennifer Hudson Show, discussing his role in the film. "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 infamous leaks by Holland about the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to reveal plot points about the Avengers. Since those incidents, Marvel has clamped down on spoilers, keeping details from all cast members, new and old.

In addition to his MCU role, Liu also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie. He expressed his astonishment at seeing the names of some of his co-stars announced. "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 portrayed Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, but the character has not appeared on screen since. With the May 1, 2026 release date set for Avengers: Doomsday, and a growing list of confirmed actors, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge within the next year, whether as official announcements or inevitable leaks.

Meanwhile, MCU fans are also buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed 60th birthday party invitation, sparking further speculation about future MCU developments.