On January 6, 2026, Simu Liu confirmed that his character Shang-Chi will join the cast of Avengers: Secret Wars, making this announcement ahead of the film’s release and spotlighting the growing anticipation among Marvel fans. This update marks another major transition for Liu following his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and the Simu Liu Avengers Secret Wars revelation further cements his role in upcoming blockbusters.
Simu Liu Set for Return in Marvel’s Next Avengers Saga
Simu Liu, who debuted as the martial arts hero in 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is set to reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026. Liu now confirms that Shang-Chi will also play a part in the highly anticipated 2027 sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. While attending New York Comic Con, Liu addressed speculation about a possible second standalone Shang-Chi movie, stating that while there is little to reveal at the moment, the project remains in development.
During the event, Liu shared,
The more immediate tease is of course, is Doomsday … which I was lucky enough to be a part of and will be lucky enough to be a part of its successor in Secret Wars.
This statement reaffirms Shang-Chi’s continued involvement in major MCU crossovers and hints at significant plans for the character.
Joining an Expansive Ensemble of Heroes and Villains
Avengers: Doomsday is set to feature an impressive array of returning actors, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as James ‘Bucky’ Barnes, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, and Lewis Pullman as Sentry. The Fantastic Four will appear—with Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing—expanding the already substantial MCU roster.
Beyond current franchise favorites, several X-Men actors return as well: Sir Patrick Stewart will reprise his role as Professor X, joined by Sir Ian McKellen (Magneto), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Channing Tatum (Gambit), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique). Chris Evans is also confirmed to return as Steve Rogers, years after his last appearance in Avengers: Endgame.
Plot and Directorial Ambitions
Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is scheduled for a December 18, 2026 theatrical release. The storyline is expected to follow the Avengers, the New Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four as they combine forces to confront Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, whose ambitions pose a severe threat to the Multiverse.
The ongoing expansion of the MCU’s multiversal narrative positions these crossover projects as major cinematic events, drawing together established and new characters alike. Liu reflected on the meaning behind reprising his role, stating in a past People magazine interview,
It’s such a privilege to have played a character that resonated with so many different people.
He also expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with some of the industry’s most respected actors:
And part of that is like getting to put the suit back on again, except with these incredible legendary actors, many of whom I grew up idolising and worshipping. Now, I get to call them my co-workers.
Fan Anticipation and Future Prospects
Since his first MCU appearance in 2021, Liu’s character Shang-Chi has generated substantial enthusiasm among fans who have been waiting to see the hero return to action. Liu commented on how often he is asked about future appearances, stating,
Somebody tells me in some way, shape or form – I’m not kidding you, I’m not being hyperbolic – every single day of my life and oftentimes multiple times in a day.
The confirmed return of Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi in both Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars underscores Marvel Studios’ commitment to interweaving established favorites with new additions from across the franchise. As the MCU heads toward these blockbuster ensemble films, anticipation continues to build regarding how the story will unfold and which heroes and villains will play pivotal roles.
