It's official: Shang-Chi is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The major Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu will be part of the upcoming ensemble film. However, keeping spoilers under wraps is a Marvel Studios priority, so Liu himself was tight-lipped when his name appeared on a director's chair alongside other MCU legends.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement heavily featured veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed for the film, signaling a major X-Men presence. Grammer, famous for playing Beast in Fox's X-Men franchise, recently made his MCU debut in a post-credits scene for *The Marvels*. Stewart, who portrayed Charles Xavier, briefly entered the MCU as an Illuminati member in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises an intriguing question: Could Avengers: Doomsday secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men story?

"I knew I would be involved to some extent," Liu commented on the film during a recent Jennifer Hudson Show appearance. "But I had no idea who else they were announcing. They don’t tell us anything. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo spoiled it for everyone. Now, Marvel keeps things quiet."

Liu is referring to Holland's now-infamous MCU Spider-Man leaks and Ruffalo's history of accidentally revealing Avengers plot points. Since these high-profile slip-ups made headlines, Marvel has been meticulously guarding spoilers, not just from known talkers but from the entire cast.

The actor, who also played a featured Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, was amazed by some of the names joining the project. "I saw the announcements for Sir Ian and Sir Patrick," he said in the interview. "They are two of the greatest actors ever. That completely blew my mind."

Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but the character hasn't been seen since. Beyond its May 1, 2026 release date and the growing cast list, Avengers: Doomsday remains largely mysterious. More details are sure to emerge in the coming year—whether officially released or accidentally spoiled.

In other MCU news, fans are also speculating about Robert Downey Jr.'s hairstyle after the Iron Man actor sent out Doctor Doom-themed invitations for his 60th birthday party.