"Avengers Star Simu Liu Reveals Marvel's Secrecy: 'Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo Ruined It'"

It's official: Shang-Chi is set to make a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent policies on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, which was subtly hinted at by his name appearing on a chair alongside other MCU luminaries.

The cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday last month spotlighted several veteran X-Men actors. Notable names such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are slated to join the film, solidifying the significant presence of the X-Men within the storyline. 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, had a cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, famous for playing Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), are yet to make their MCU debuts. This has sparked speculation about whether Avengers: Doomsday might be setting the stage for an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown.

During a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared insights into his involvement with the film. "I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," he remarked, adding, "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 past incidents where Holland and Ruffalo inadvertently leaked MCU spoilers, prompting Marvel to clamp down on information shared with the cast.

Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, expressed his astonishment at the caliber of actors joining the project. "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. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited his character's return. With Avengers: Doomsday slated for release on May 1, 2026, and a roster of renowned actors attached to the project, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to surface within the next year, regardless of Marvel's tight-lipped approach.

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, sparking further curiosity and speculation within the fan community.