"Avengers Star Simu Liu: Marvel Keeps Cast in Dark Due to Holland, Ruffalo"

Exciting news for Marvel fans: Shang-Chi is set to make a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the thrilling Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble blockbuster. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy around spoilers, Liu himself remained tight-lipped about his involvement, which was only hinted at by his name on a chair alongside other MCU legends.

Last month's cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday spotlighted a significant inclusion of veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to join the film, signaling a major role for the X-Men. 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, had a brief appearance in the MCU through Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, who played Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

Simu Liu shared some insights on his involvement during a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show. "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 was referring to the well-known leaks from Holland about the MCU’s Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to reveal plot points about the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has ramped up efforts to keep spoilers under wraps, even from their cast members.

Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, was taken aback by the caliber of actors joining him in Avengers: Doomsday. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he noted during the interview. "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 captivated audiences as Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021. Despite the anticipation, Shang-Chi has yet to return to the screen until now. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and a star-studded cast, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. However, fans can expect more details to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or accidental 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 within the community.