"Simu Liu on Avengers: Secrecy Tightened After Holland, Ruffalo Leaks"

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to welcome back Shang-Chi, as confirmed during the blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday livestream. Simu Liu, who first brought the character to life in 2021's *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*, will reprise his role in the eagerly anticipated ensemble film. Liu, while appearing on the Jennifer Hudson Show, expressed his excitement about being part of the project but remained tight-lipped about specifics, a testament to Marvel Studios' strict confidentiality measures. He humorously noted that the likes of Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo have made Marvel even more cautious about sharing details with the cast.

The cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday was a major highlight, especially with the inclusion of several 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, has already made his MCU debut in *The Marvels'* post-credits scene. Stewart, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, previously appeared in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* as a member of the Illuminati. McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, who portrayed Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, are set to join the MCU for the first time. This raises intriguing questions about whether *Avengers: Doomsday* could be setting the stage for an Avengers vs. X-Men storyline.

Liu was particularly thrilled to learn about the involvement of Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, describing them as "two of the greatest actors to have ever walked the face of the Earth." Their inclusion in the film left him in awe. Liu's excitement extends beyond the MCU; he also played a notable role as one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s *Barbie*.

While details about *Avengers: Doomsday* remain scarce beyond its May 1, 2026 release date and the impressive cast list, fans eagerly await further revelations. In the meantime, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed birthday invitation, sparking further speculation about future plot developments.