Simu Liu: Marvel's Secrets Safe With Holland, Ruffalo

It's official: Shang-Chi will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu is set to appear in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' strict policy on preventing spoilers, the actor remained tight-lipped about his inclusion, even as his name appeared on a chair alongside other MCU icons.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement featured numerous 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 portraying Beast in the Fox X-Men series, first entered the MCU through a post-credits scene in The Marvels. Stewart, who played Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, made a brief MCU appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an Illuminati member. McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to appear in the MCU. This naturally raises the question: could Avengers: Doomsday secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men storyline?

"I knew I would be involved to some extent," Liu shared during a recent Jennifer Hudson Show interview. "But I had no idea who else would be announced. They keep us in the dark. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo spoiled it for everyone. Now, Marvel tells us nothing."

Liu is referring to Holland's notorious MCU Spider-Man leaks over the years and Ruffalo's tendency to reveal Avengers plot details. Since these entertaining slip-ups made headlines, Marvel executives have become extremely cautious about spoilers, withholding information not just from the known talkers but from all cast members, both new and veteran.

The actor, who also played one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, expressed amazement at some of his co-stars. "I saw the announcements for Sir Ian and Sir Patrick," he said during the interview. "These are two of the most incredible actors ever. That completely blew my mind."

Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, though the character hasn't reappeared since. Beyond the confirmed May 1, 2026 release date and the growing cast list, Avengers: Doomsday remains largely mysterious. However, more details will undoubtedly emerge over the next year—whether officially or through spoilers.

In other MCU news, fans have also become curious about Robert Downey Jr.'s hairstyle after the Iron Man actor recently distributed a Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday celebration.