Simu Liu Calls Avengers: Doomsday a "Dream Come True" for Misfits

Simu Liu, our beloved Shang-Chi, is back in the Marvel fold and spilling the tea on Avengers: Doomsday, promising an epic and heartfelt "love letter" to superhero fans everywhere.

TL;DR: The Lowdown on Doomsday

Simu Liu is officially thrilled to reprise his role as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday, calling it a "dream come true" and a "love letter to the genre."
The film promises an enormous ensemble cast, bringing together familiar faces, new heroes, and even original Fox X-Men stars for a massive superhero reunion.
The Russo Brothers are back directing, with the movie hitting theaters on December 18, 2026, aiming to reignite the magic for fans feeling superhero fatigue.

Alright, Marvel fanatics, grab your popcorn because Simu Liu is here to reignite that superhero spark! Our favorite Master of Kung Fu, who you know as Shang-Chi, has finally, officially, and enthusiastically confirmed his return to the MCU in the upcoming blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. And let me tell you, his excitement is infectious.

In a series of recent interviews, Liu shared some seriously heartwarming insights into his experience on the film, hinting that Doomsday is shaping up to be more than just another superhero flick. It sounds like it’s going to be a giant hug for everyone who ever felt like an "outcast, weirdo, or nerd" for loving these stories.

Simu Liu's Personal "Dream Come True" Experience on Set

When asked to describe Avengers: Doomsday in just three words, Liu didn't hesitate: "Dream come true." And honestly, we get it. For an actor who grew up watching many of the legends he now shares the screen with, stepping back into the Marvel universe, especially for an Avengers movie, must be an absolute trip.

"It's pretty much what you think... It was just an incredibly exciting feeling to know that you were coming back and then also to get to work with so many incredible people whose body of work I either grew up watching or I greatly, greatly admire. Getting to see them all put on tights and spandex and to play in this beautiful sandbox felt like a love letter to superhero movies in general."

— Simu Liu to Collider

He mentioned the sheer scale of the production, recalling days when base camp was bursting with "20, 30 people on set at the same time." Imagine that kind of energy! It sounds like a whirlwind, even for seasoned actors. Liu humorously admitted to feeling a bit of "imposter syndrome" amidst all that talent, but quickly found that genuine connections form during those downtime moments between takes.

A Sincere "Love Letter" to the Entire Superhero Genre

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Liu's comments go deeper than just the thrill of working with famous faces. He believes Avengers: Doomsday will serve as a much-needed "love letter to the entire genre of superhero movies." In a world that's grown a bit cynical about caped crusaders, Liu emphasized the importance of remembering where superheroes truly started.

He spoke passionately about the original appeal of comic books: they were a beacon of inspiration for the "outcasts and the weirdos and the nerds." These stories resonated because they whispered a powerful message – that heroism isn't just for the chosen few, but something anyone can find within themselves, regardless of their background.

This sentiment is crucial, especially as the MCU navigates its current phase. It feels like a conscious effort to bring back the heart and soul that made us fall in love with these characters in the first place. For Liu, it’s about rediscovering that core truth, proving that these movies still matter, and reminding us why we still love them, even when the world gets a little jaded.

Massive Ensemble Cast Promises Epic Team-Ups and Surprises

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One of the biggest takeaways from Liu’s excitement is the sheer volume of talent involved. While Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has hinted that the full cast hasn't even been revealed yet, the initial lineup is already mind-blowing. The official cast reveal stream on March 26, 2025, certainly got everyone talking!

We're talking about a reunion of Earth's Mightiest Heroes alongside new faces and, get this, even some fan-favorite characters making their way over from the Fox X-Men universe! Yes, you read that right – iconic X-Men actors are confirmed to be joining the fray, creating an unprecedented crossover event.

Confirmed Heroes and Familiar Faces Returning

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Anthony Mackie as Captain America (Sam Wilson)
Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
David Harbour as Red Guardian
Winston Duke as M’Baku
Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Danny Ramirez as Joaquín Torres / Falcon
Lewis Pullman as Sentry

Fantastic Four and X-Men Characters Making Their Big Debut

Adding another layer of excitement, we’re finally going to see the Fantastic Four properly integrated into the MCU, along with a massive influx of classic X-Men characters, some played by their original Fox film actors!

Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm / Invisible Woman
Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier / Professor X
Ian McKellen as Magneto
Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
James Marsden as Cyclops
Channing Tatum as Gambit (a long-awaited big-screen debut for this character!)

This mix of established MCU heroes, the Fantastic Four, and returning X-Men is practically a dream come true for comic book fans. It sets the stage for interactions and team-ups we've only ever imagined, truly solidifying Avengers: Doomsday as a landmark event in superhero cinema.

The Russo Brothers Return to Helm This Monumental Marvel Event

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Adding even more weight to the excitement, the directing duo behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Anthony and Joe Russo, are back in the director's chairs for Avengers: Doomsday. This is fantastic news for fans, as their previous work demonstrated a masterful ability to balance massive casts, complex storylines, and emotional stakes.

They're working from a script primarily penned by Michael Waldron (known for Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and Stephen McFeely (co-writer of Infinity War and Endgame), promising a narrative that's both grand in scope and deeply character-driven. The Russo brothers will also be helming the subsequent film, Avengers: Secret Wars, indicating a truly epic two-part saga on the horizon.

With such experienced hands guiding the ship, fans can rest assured that this "love letter" will be delivered with all the blockbuster spectacle and emotional resonance we've come to expect from the best of the MCU.

Unraveling the Multiverse Saga with New and Returning Threats

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Avengers: Doomsday isn't just another superhero movie; it's a pivotal moment in the Multiverse Saga, marking the grand finale of Phase 6. The stakes are sky-high, with whispers of Doctor Doom potentially stepping in as a major antagonist – a fan theory fueled by star Robert Downey Jr.'s social media activity hinting at his character making a cameo in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and reading material featuring Iron Man vs. Doctor Doom.

While the previous big bad, Kang the Conqueror, is reportedly no longer the central villain due to "unfortunate off-screen drama" affecting the actor, it means the Multiverse has tossed plans into a blender, opening up new, exciting, and perhaps even more unpredictable avenues for conflict. This shift could very well be what allows for the inclusion of so many diverse characters from across various cinematic universes.

This film is designed to capture the breathtaking scale and emotional impact of Infinity War and Endgame, but on an even grander scale, pushing the boundaries of what a superhero ensemble film can be. It's a testament to Marvel's ambition to constantly evolve and surprise its audience, offering a fresh take on multiversal threats and heroic team-ups.

What's Next for the MCU and Our Favorite Heroes?

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While Avengers: Doomsday is currently the biggest topic of conversation, the MCU continues its relentless march forward. The next theatrical installment will be Spider-Man: Brand New Day, seeing the highly anticipated return of Tom Holland's web-slinger after the events of No Way Home. Interestingly, Destin Daniel Cretton, who was initially tapped to direct a Shang-Chi sequel, is now helming Spider-Man 4.

Speaking of Shang-Chi, a sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has been "in the works" for over three years as part of Cretton's overall deal with Disney. While Liu confirmed in September that his solo sequel is still on the horizon, its release date remains unknown, making his role in Doomsday even more significant for fans eager to see more of him.

This intricate web of interconnected stories and character appearances underscores Marvel's long-term vision. Doomsday isn't just a movie; it's a culmination, a celebration, and a launching pad for the next generation of MCU storytelling. It aims to recapture the magic, making old fans fall in love again and new fans discover the enduring power of these heroic tales.

Mark Your Calendars for the Ultimate Superhero Gathering

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So, get ready to mark your calendars! Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on December 18, 2026. And while there's no word yet on when we'll get our first trailer, Simu Liu's comments alone are enough to get the hype train rolling at full speed.

It's clear that this movie is being crafted with the fans at its heart, promising not just explosive action but also a deep reverence for the genre that has captured imaginations for generations. Whether you're a lifelong comic book enthusiast or a casual movie-goer, Avengers: Doomsday sounds like it's going to be an unforgettable cinematic experience designed for everyone who's ever dared to dream of heroes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avengers: Doomsday

When does Avengers: Doomsday officially release in theaters?

Avengers: Doomsday is currently slated to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.

Who is directing Avengers: Doomsday?

The acclaimed director duo Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, are returning to direct Avengers: Doomsday.

Which Marvel heroes are confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday?

The confirmed cast is extensive and includes Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Florence Pugh (Yelena), and many more. Notably, several actors from the Fox X-Men films, like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, are also confirmed, along with the Fantastic Four cast members like Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn.

What makes Avengers: Doomsday special, according to Simu Liu?

Simu Liu describes the film as a "dream come true" and a "love letter to the entire genre of superhero movies." He emphasizes that it's for all the "misfits and weirdos" who grew up loving comic books, aiming to reignite the hopeful and inclusive spirit of superhero storytelling.

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