(Image credit: Disney/Marvel Studios)
In a thrilling update for Avengers: Doomsday, a massive cast reveal was made yesterday, highlighting over a dozen stars set to feature in the latest Marvel installment. Notably, Simu Liu is back as Shang-Chi. While fans are thrilled to see him return, some express disappointment that it’s as part of such a large ensemble.
Liu’s involvement was announced during a grand livestream event by Marvel Studios, marking the start of filming for the much-anticipated movie. The heroes poised to confront Doctor Doom were introduced via their distinct set chairs, with Liu joining the ranks of stars like Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, and Patrick Stewart.
On social media, particularly on X/Twitter, Liu playfully responded to the announcement by jokingly suggesting he’d been doing karaoke, matching the fans’ exuberance about his MCU comeback. It’s creating a buzz around the long-awaited sequel: Shang-Chi 2. “It’s absolutely criminal that we never got a Shang-Chi 2 before Doomsday,” remarked a Reddit user, echoing the sentiment of many fans.
The sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has been under consideration since the first film’s debut. Destin Daniel Cretton, the director and co-writer, remains committed to the project, although its current progress remains uncertain. Initially, Cretton was slated to helm both Avengers 5 and Shang-Chi 2, but he stepped back from the major ensemble to concentrate on the direct sequel and Wonder Man series. Recently, he’s taken on directing Spider-Man 4, set for a July 2026 release.
The absence of Shang-Chi on our screens can be attributed to several factors, including the 2023 Hollywood strikes and Liu’s own personal injury—a torn Achilles tendon—that kept him from participating in action-heavy films until his recovery. Despite these setbacks, it’s evident that Kevin Feige and Marvel are keen to keep this exceptional martial artist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The hope remains strong for updates on Shang-Chi 2. In the meantime, fans are eagerly awaiting other MCU productions. For more about upcoming projects, check out our guide to The Fantastic Four: First Steps.