"Avengers Star Simu Liu: Marvel Keeps Cast in the Dark Thanks to Holland and Ruffalo"

It's official: Shang-Chi is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was confirmed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming ensemble film. However, due to Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy around potential spoilers, Liu remained tight-lipped about his involvement, only hinting at his name appearing on a chair alongside other MCU legends.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was dominated by veteran X-Men actors, signaling a major crossover. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all set to join the film, confirming the X-Men's significant presence. Grammer, known for his portrayal of Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, who played Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU via 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 debuts. This raises the intriguing question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

"I knew I was going to be involved in it to some capacity," Liu shared on a recent episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show. "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, who also played one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, was astonished to see some of the names announced alongside him. "I saw when Sir Ian and Sir Patrick were announced," he said 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."

Meanwhile, MCU enthusiasts have also been buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.'s recent Doctor Doom-themed invitation for his 60th birthday party, sparking speculation about his possible return to the MCU.