Simu Liu Calls 'Avengers: Doomsday' a Dream Come True, But What About Shang-Chi 2?

Imagine stepping onto a film set, surrounded by actors who've defined your favorite genre for decades. That's exactly the "dream come true" feeling Simu Liu described for his return as Shang-chi in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, even as fans eagerly await news on his solo sequel.

TL;DR: The Essentials on Simu Liu's MCU Journey

• Simu Liu is set to reprise his role as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday, calling it a "dream come true" experience.
• Liu is eager to play Shang-Chi for the long haul, stating he'd do sequels "as long as I physically could."
• Despite Liu's optimism, a formal announcement for Shang-Chi 2 is still pending, with director Destin Daniel Cretton busy on Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Stepping into a Larger Universe: Simu Liu's 'Doomsday' Experience

For many actors, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a big deal, but for Simu Liu, it's clearly more than just a job. The star, who debuted as the martial arts master in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is officially back for the highly anticipated culmination film, Avengers: Doomsday. This marks a major milestone for Liu and his character, as it's Shang-Chi's first time participating in an MCU team-up movie.

Liu recently opened up about his experience on the massive set, describing it as a "dream come true" and a genuine "love letter to the entire genre of superhero Movies." He shared how surreal it was to work alongside actors who have been playing their iconic roles for "over 20 years," some of whom he grew up watching. This feeling of stepping into their established world certainly sounds intimidating, but Liu focuses on the work.

Simu Liu on working with MCU veterans:

"I was just in like quite a large Marvel movie with a lot of these actors, some of whom have been playing the same role for like over 20 years. And I'm stepping into their world... it's everything I can do just to like stop myself from shaking."

"If we can just not make it about ourselves for a second and just focus on the work that you have to do... Then you just take it a step at a time, and then hopefully when you do it for 40 years, someone will be looking at you and being like 'Holy crap, what I would give to do work like that.'"

(Source: ComicBook, "Simu Liu Is Committed to Being the MCU’s Shang-Chi for the Long Haul," undated; ScreenRant, "Simu Liu's Avengers: Doomsday Comments Suggest The MCU Movie Can Be Everything Fans Have Hoped It Can Be," undated)

Liu candidly spoke about battling "impostor syndrome" while filming, a common feeling when you're suddenly playing in the big leagues. His approach? To "get out of your own way" and focus on the character's objective. This thoughtful perspective isn't just about his own performance; he hopes his dedication will inspire others in the future, much like he's inspired by those he's now working alongside.

The Big Picture: What to Expect from 'Avengers: Doomsday'

Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be an epic event for several reasons. Scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, and directed by the acclaimed Russo Brothers (Joe and Anthony Russo), this film, with a script by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, aims to be a foundational piece of the Multiverse Saga's conclusion. It's expected to feature Robert Downey Jr. returning not as Iron Man, but as the iconic villain Doctor Doom, setting up a formidable challenge for Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

The cast list alone reads like a superhero fan's dream, blending familiar MCU faces with exciting new additions and even characters from previous cinematic iterations. Expect to see Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, and Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova. But the film isn't stopping there; it's set to integrate characters from Fox's X-Men universe, with Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, and even Channing Tatum as Gambit confirmed to appear. Liu himself hinted at more unannounced cast members, teasing that he saw "Sir Ian McKellen" in his superhero costume!

This star-studded approach, bringing together various cinematic histories, is precisely what makes Liu's "love letter to the genre" comment so fitting. The movie looks to celebrate the entire superhero landscape, not just the MCU's own past, aiming to capture the excitement that defined earlier films like Infinity War and Endgame by going even bigger.

The Lingering Question: What's Happening with 'Shang-Chi 2'?

While Simu Liu is rightfully thrilled about Avengers: Doomsday, a question that consistently pops up is the status of a solo sequel to his 2021 hit. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduced fascinating plot threads, from the mystery of the Ten Rings' power to Shang-Chi's sister Xialing taking over the Ten Rings organization. Despite the clear setup, Marvel Studios has yet to formally announce Shang-Chi 2.

Liu, however, has consistently expressed his conviction that the film "will be made" and that he'd continue playing the character "as long as I physically could." Yet, the path to a sequel hasn't been straightforward. Director Destin Daniel Cretton, who helmed the first film, has been busy with other MCU projects, specifically Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

This delay hasn't gone unnoticed by Liu, who has subtly voiced his impatience. For example, he once liked a social media post suggesting Marvel was doing him "dirty" by not making a sequel years ago. He also seemed to throw a bit of shade when the sequel to this year’s Superman was announced, highlighting the disparity in wait times. These actions show a dedication to the character and a desire to continue his story, even if official news moves at a slower pace than some fans (and the star himself) might like.

Counterpoints and The MCU's Evolving Strategy

While Liu's enthusiasm for his continued role as Shang-Chi and Avengers: Doomsday is infectious, it’s worth noting a couple of practical limitations within the broader MCU strategy. First, Liu's strong optimism for Shang-Chi 2 is powerful, yet a formal studio announcement remains absent. This creates a disconnect, as the director's current commitments and the general lack of updates leave fans in limbo. It’s a common studio practice to hold back announcements until everything is firmly in place, but it can be frustrating for those waiting.

Second, the idea of Doomsday being a "love letter" and a potential "cultural reset" for the MCU comes at a critical time. Recent years have seen mixed reactions from critics and audiences, with some films enjoying success while others have faced divided receptions. For instance, Captain America: Brave New World was reportedly "lambasted," while Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite strong reviews, "underperformed at the box office." This mixed bag means Doomsday carries a heavy burden to reignite widespread passion and prove that the ambitious "love letter" approach can truly resonate.

However, the MCU isn't blind to these challenges. There’s a clear effort to adapt, with a revised release schedule aiming for fewer projects per year to combat "superhero fatigue." Creatively, the franchise is making noticeable shifts, incorporating more practical effects and stunts, as seen in Thunderbolts, and setting Spider-Man: Brand New Day in real locations. Even in its storytelling, Marvel is showing self-awareness, with Deadpool & Wolverine openly joking about the MCU's past struggles and the upcoming Wonder Man series directly discussing the sentiment that there are "too many superhero movies." This willingness to address criticisms head-on, even with humor, indicates a conscious effort to win back goodwill.

A Fan's Perspective: When The Stars Align

Imagine a long-time Marvel fan, let's call her Maya, who grew up reading X-Men comics and always dreamed of seeing characters like Magneto and Professor X on the big screen in a way that truly honored their legacy. She also loved Shang-Chi and found Simu Liu's performance incredibly inspiring. For Maya, the news that Avengers: Doomsday will not only bring Shang-Chi into a team-up but also unite him with heroes from the Fox X-Men films, and even legendary actors like Ian McKellen, is monumental. It bridges worlds she thought would remain separate, offering a sense of completion and an exciting new beginning, making the price of admission feel more than justified.

Practical Takeaways for MCU Fans

• Get Ready for an Epic Crossover: Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) is bringing together an unprecedented array of characters, from core Avengers to Fantastic Four and Fox's X-Men.
• Simu Liu is In It For The Long Haul: The actor's dedication to Shang-Chi means there's a strong chance for future solo stories, even if specific sequel announcements are delayed.
• The MCU is Listening: Expect Doomsday and future projects to lean into practical effects, diverse storytelling, and a self-aware approach to address past criticisms.
• Catch Up on Disney+: If you want to revisit Shang-Chi's origin or other MCU adventures, Disney+ is your go-to. Plans start from $11.99 a month with ads.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered When does Avengers: Doomsday come out? Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Who is directing Avengers: Doomsday? Joe and Anthony Russo, also known as the Russo Brothers, are directing the film. Will Robert Downey Jr. return to the MCU? Yes, Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday, playing the villain Doctor Doom. Where can I watch Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings? You can stream Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, along with other MCU movies and shows, on Disney+. Subscriptions start from $11.99 a month with an ad-supported plan. Sources

• ComicBook.com, "Simu Liu Is Committed to Being the MCU’s Shang-Chi for the Long Haul," undated.
• ComicBook.com, "Shang-Chi Star Teases More Unannounced Cast Members in Avengers: Doomsday," November 5, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Simu Liu's Avengers: Doomsday Comments Suggest The MCU Movie Can Be Everything Fans Have Hoped It Can Be," undated.
• ScreenRant, "Simu Liu's Avengers: Doomsday 'Dream Come True' Comment Is Actually A Subtle Confirmation Of Its Story," November 3, 2025.
• Deadline, "Simu Liu Teases ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ As A ‘Love Letter To The Entire Genre Of Superhero Movies’," November 3, 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Simu Liu Is Finally Set To Reprise His Role As Shang-Chi In A Marvel Cinematic Universe Film, As He’ll Play The Martial Arts Master In The Upcoming Culmination Film Avengers: Doomsday. This Marks A Major Milestone For Liu, Given It’ll Be The First Time His Character Will Be Part Of An MCU Team-Up Flick. As Exciting As It’ll Be To See Liu Alongside Other Franchise Veterans, There’s Still The Matter Of How Long He’ll Remain With The Franchise Moving Forward. On That Note, Liu Is Now Weighing In On His Future With The MCU," undated.
• Devdiscourse, "Marvel's 'Avengers: Doomsday' to Unleash Doctor Doom in 2026," November 4, 2025.
• Geo News, "Marvel star gets candid about his future in franchise," November 7, 2025.