Simu Liu: Marvel Keeps Cast Uninformed Over Leaks

Shang-Chi is officially returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the massive Avengers: Doomsday livestream, Simu Liu confirmed his participation in the upcoming ensemble film—though Marvel Studios' secrecy protocols kept him tight-lipped about appearing alongside other MCU stars until his name appeared alongside theirs.

Last month’s Avengers: Doomsday casting announcement notably featured veteran X-Men actors, confirming a significant mutant presence. Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), and James Marsden (Cyclops) are all confirmed for the film. Grammer previously debuted in the MCU during The Marvels post-credits scene, while Stewart briefly appeared as an Illuminati variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The inclusion of so many iconic mutants raises an intriguing question: Could Avengers: Doomsday secretly be an Avengers vs. X-Men adaptation?

"I knew I’d be involved to some extent," Liu shared during a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. "But Marvel didn’t reveal who else was joining—they keep us in the dark now. Thanks to Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo’s past leaks, they never tell us anything upfront."

Liu referenced Holland’s accidental Spider-Man spoilers and Ruffalo’s infamous MCU revelations—prompting Marvel to implement stricter secrecy measures across all productions.

The actor, who also played Ken in Barbie, was stunned by some co-star announcements: "Seeing Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart confirmed? These are acting legends. It’s surreal."

Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, marking his first MCU return since. With the film’s May 1, 2026 release date and growing cast, Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in mystery—though more details will inevitably surface.

Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. fueled speculation after sending Doctor Doom-themed invitations for his 60th birthday, prompting fan theories about his potential MCU return.