It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was revealed that Simu Liu would reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' stringent policies on spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, even when his name appeared alongside other MCU legends on a chair.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was dominated by veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed to appear, signaling a significant presence of the X-Men in the film. Grammer, who played 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, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, along with Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops), have yet to make their MCU debut. This raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

"I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu shared during his recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show. "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 refer to the well-known leaks by Holland about the MCU’s Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's habit of spilling plot points for the Avengers. Since these incidents, Marvel has tightened its grip on spoilers, ensuring that even the most talkative cast members remain in the dark.

The actor, who also played one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, expressed his astonishment at seeing some of the names announced for Avengers: Doomsday. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he said 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 portrayed Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. With a release date set for May 1, 2026, and a roster of confirmed actors, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge within the next year, whether as official reveals or unintended 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 about the future of the MCU.