Simu Liu on Marvel's Secrecy and Avengers: Doomsday's Star-Studded Cast

Marvel Cinematic Universe confirms Shang-Chi's return in Avengers: Doomsday. During the recent livestream reveal, Simu Liu was announced to join the ensemble cast, but Marvel Studios' strict spoiler policy kept him tight-lipped about his role, only hinting at his name appearing alongside other MCU icons.

The Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement highlighted veteran X-Men actors, including Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden, signaling a major X-Men presence in the film. Grammer, known for Beast in the Fox X-Men series, debuted in the MCU in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, who portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X, appeared briefly in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an Illuminati member. McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debuts. This raises speculation: is Avengers: Doomsday shaping up as an Avengers vs. X-Men showdown?

“I was aware of my involvement to some extent,” Liu shared on the Jennifer Hudson Show. “But Marvel keeps us in the dark about other announcements. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo’s leaks have made them extra cautious.”

Liu referenced the well-known spoiler slip-ups by Holland, tied to the MCU’s Spider-Man films, and Ruffalo, notorious for revealing Avengers plot details. These incidents have prompted Marvel to tighten its secrecy, withholding spoilers from all cast members, veterans and newcomers alike.

Liu, also recognized for his role as a Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, expressed awe at the casting. “Seeing Sir Ian and Sir Patrick announced was surreal,” he said. “They’re among the greatest actors ever. It was mind-blowing.”

Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, but the character has yet to reappear on screen. With a May 1, 2026 release date and a stellar cast, Avengers: Doomsday remains largely under wraps, though more details are expected to emerge in the coming year, spoilers or not.

Meanwhile, MCU fans are buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.’s recent Doctor Doom-themed 60th birthday party invitation, with many speculating about his hairstyle and its potential significance.