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

It's now official: Shang-Chi will be making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu would reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy around potential spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement. His name was quietly placed on a chair alongside other MCU luminaries, hinting at his participation without any fanfare.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was dominated by veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to appear, solidifying the X-Men's significant presence in the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films and had a brief appearance in the MCU through Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, known for his role as Magneto, has yet to make his MCU debut, as have Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops). This raises an intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

Simu Liu shared his thoughts on his involvement during a recent appearance 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."

Liu's comments allude to the well-known leaks by Tom Holland about the MCU’s Spider-Man series and Mark Ruffalo's habit of spilling plot points related to the Avengers. In response to these incidents, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, keeping even the cast in the dark.

In addition to his role in the MCU, Liu also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. He expressed his astonishment at some of the other names announced for Avengers: Doomsday during his interview, saying, "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced. 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, but the character has yet to return to the screen until now. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and a star-studded cast list, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. However, fans can expect more details to emerge within the next year, whether through official channels or inevitable leaks.

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts are also buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, further fueling speculation and excitement about the future of the MCU.