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

It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The recent Avengers: Doomsday livestream event confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming blockbuster. However, true to Marvel Studios' secretive nature, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his participation when his name appeared on a chair alongside other MCU icons.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was dominated by veteran X-Men actors, signaling a significant presence of the X-Men in the film. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to join the ensemble. Grammer, who portrayed 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 in the X-Men films, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debuts. This lineup raises an intriguing question: could Avengers: Doomsday be setting the stage for an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?

During an appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his excitement about being part of the film, albeit without knowing the full scope of the cast. "I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," he said. "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 humorously referenced Holland's infamous leaks about the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to spill plot points, which have led Marvel to clamp down on spoilers even more tightly.

Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, expressed astonishment at the caliber of his co-stars. "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 brought Shang-Chi to life in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and fans have eagerly awaited his return. With Avengers: Doomsday set for release on May 1, 2026, and a star-studded cast now confirmed, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or the inevitable leaks.

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, sparking speculation about potential future roles or cameos in the MCU.