"Avengers Star Simu Liu on Marvel's Secrecy: 'Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo Ruined It'"

It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The recent Avengers: Doomsday livestream confirmed that Simu Liu will once again take on the role of the martial arts master in the upcoming ensemble blockbuster. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy regarding spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement until the official announcement, which included his name alongside other MCU heavyweights.

The Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal last month was a major highlight for fans of the X-Men franchise, showcasing a lineup of veteran actors from the series. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to appear, signaling a significant inclusion of the X-Men in the film. Grammer, who previously portrayed Beast in the Fox X-Men films, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debut. This raises an intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

During a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Liu shared his excitement about being part of the film but noted the tight-lipped nature of Marvel's operations. "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's comments refer to the well-known leaks from Holland regarding the MCU's Spider-Man series and Ruffalo's tendency to spill plot points about the Avengers. In response to these incidents, Marvel has tightened its secrecy measures, keeping plot details under wraps from all cast members.

Liu, who also starred as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, was particularly surprised to see the names of some of his co-stars. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he remarked 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 brought Shang-Chi to life in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and fans have eagerly awaited his return. With Avengers: Doomsday set for release on May 1, 2026, and featuring a star-studded cast, the film remains shrouded in mystery. However, more details are expected to emerge in the coming year, whether through official channels or the inevitable leaks.

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, adding another layer of speculation and excitement to the ever-expanding Marvel universe.