Simu Liu Calls Avengers: Doomsday a "Love Letter" to the Entire Superhero Genre

Get ready for some serious hype, Marvel fans! Simu Liu, reprising his role as Shang-Chi, is dishing on Avengers: Doomsday, promising an epic ensemble and a film that's a heartfelt nod to everything we love about superheroes.

TL;DR

• Simu Liu is Hyped: He called Avengers: Doomsday a "dream come true" and a "love letter" to superhero movies.
• Star-Studded Crossover: Expect Shang-Chi, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and more to unite against Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom.
• Release Date: Mark your calendars for December 18, 2026, for this Multiverse Saga finale!

Simu Liu's Dream Come True Experience on the Doomsday Set

Alright, fellow Marvel fanatics, let's talk Avengers: Doomsday. If you thought the hype couldn't get any bigger, think again! Simu Liu, our favorite Master of Kung Fu (aka Shang-Chi), recently spilled the beans on his experience filming the upcoming superhero epic, and let's just say he's as excited as we are — maybe even more!

When asked to describe the film in just three words, Liu didn't hesitate: "dream come true." Seriously, how awesome is that? It sounds like he's living out his childhood fantasies right alongside us. He hasn't been seen in live-action since his solo film in 2021, so his return is a huge deal for fans, and clearly, for him too!

"I mean, there are just so many actors in it, and getting to work with those people as peers is really incredible because I grew up watching so many of them. It feels, in a lot of ways, like a love letter to the entire genre of superhero Movies. And I think there’s something really fun about that."

— Simu Liu (via ScreenRant)

A Heartfelt Nod to All the Misfits, Weirdos, and Underdogs

Liu isn't just thrilled about rubbing shoulders with his idols; he genuinely believes Avengers: Doomsday is going to be something special for the fans who’ve stuck by these stories for years. He called the movie "for all the misfits and the weirdos and the underdogs that grew up reading comic books and feeling like there was hope for them somehow – that it didn’t matter if they didn’t fit in."

This really hits home, doesn't it? It's a reminder that at its core, superhero storytelling is about finding strength and belonging, no matter who you are. Liu emphasized that superheroes were "such an inspiration for the outcasts and the weirdos and the nerds" and that they teach us "no matter who you are, no matter where you came from, you could find heroism within you." This kind of passion from the cast really makes us feel like the movie is in good hands.

The Most Epic Ensemble Cast Since the Endgame Days

If you're wondering just how "many actors" Liu is talking about, buckle up! Avengers: Doomsday is being touted as the biggest crossover event since Endgame, and the confirmed cast list is absolutely stacked. We're talking not just the Avengers, but also the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and even the New Avengers (formerly the Thunderbolts) all colliding in one movie. Multiple universes, people! Multiple universes!

Who's Confirmed to Join the Doomsday Battle?

Get ready to see some familiar faces and exciting new additions, all fighting on the same (or different?) screens:

• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
• Anthony Mackie as Captain America
• Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
• Letitia Wright as Shuri / Black Panther
• Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
• Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent
• Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / Thing
• Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
• Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
• Kelsey Grammer as Beast (from the Fox X-Men!)
• Lewis Pullman as Sentry
• Danny Ramirez as Falcon (Joaquín Torres)
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
• David Harbour as Red Guardian
• Winston Duke as M'Baku
• Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
• Tom Hiddleston as Loki
• Patrick Stewart as Professor X (another Fox X-Men legend!)
• Ian McKellen as Magneto (yes, really!)
• Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
• Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
• James Marsden as Cyclops
• Channing Tatum as Gambit
• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
• And last, but certainly not least, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom!

Talk about a lineup! Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige even hinted back in April 2025 that the full cast hasn't even been revealed yet, so there could be more surprises waiting for us!

Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom: A Surprising Villain Twist

One of the biggest bombshells is Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU, but not as Iron Man. Nope, he's taking on the iconic villain role of Doctor Doom! While some fans might have initially been wary about RDJ playing a villain, the confidence from those involved suggests it's going to be incredibly effective, especially given his legendary history as Tony Stark.

This villain choice is a huge shift from earlier plans. Originally, the next big event film was titled The Kang Dynasty, focusing on a multitude of Kang variants. However, due to audience disinterest in Kang and Jonathan Majors' domestic assault verdict, Marvel wisely pivoted. Co-writer Michael Waldron even shared a fun tidbit about an early script idea where the Young Avengers would face a "first day" Kang. Looks like those plans have been completely jettisoned, making way for the formidable Doctor Doom!

Behind the Scenes: The Scale of Marvel's Next Big Project

Directing this colossal undertaking are none other than Anthony and Joe Russo, the masterminds behind Infinity War and Endgame. They’re also set to helm its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, so you know they mean business. The script comes from Stephen McFeely, Michael Waldron, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee – a mix of modern and legendary talent.

Liu gave us a little peek into the scale of production, mentioning days where "base camp was full, and you’re seeing, like, 20, 30 people on set at the same time. It’s really overwhelming." He even admitted to feeling a bit of "imposter syndrome" being among such an incredible peer group, but found that genuine connections formed during downtime. It’s cool to hear that even massive productions still allow for those human moments.

What's Next for Shang-Chi and the Wider MCU Story?

While Avengers: Doomsday is clearly a massive undertaking, it's also part of the grand finale of Marvel's Multiverse Saga. With so many characters, universes, and storylines converging, it's a huge moment for the MCU to recapture its former glory. We've seen a few recent projects like Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps hint at a positive direction, and all eyes are on Doomsday to deliver that unforgettable experience.

As for Shang-Chi, a sequel to his solo film has reportedly been in the works for a while as part of Destin Daniel Cretton's deal with Disney. However, with Cretton now busy directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day (which will see Tom Holland's web-slinger return after No Way Home), it might be a bit before we get Shang-Chi's next solo adventure. Still, seeing him in Doomsday is a huge win!

Whether fan-favorite Young Avengers or even Tom Holland's Spider-Man will officially join the Doomsday roster remains to be seen, but with Kevin Feige teasing more cast announcements, anything is possible!

Mark Your Calendars for an Unforgettable Theatrical Experience!

So, there you have it. Avengers: Doomsday sounds like it's shaping up to be everything we've hoped for and more – a massive, multiverse-spanning crossover with an iconic new villain, directed by the Russo Brothers, and packed with a cast that's literally a "dream come true" for superhero fans. Simu Liu's enthusiasm is infectious, and it makes us even more excited for this celebration of the superhero genre.

Get ready for a wild ride filled with action, heart, and maybe a few tears (it is the Russos, after all!). Make sure you've got December 18, 2026, circled on your calendar because this is one event you won't want to miss!

FAQs About Avengers: Doomsday When does Avengers: Doomsday come out? Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Who is directing Avengers: Doomsday? The film is being directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who also directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Who is the main villain in Avengers: Doomsday? The main antagonist will be Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Which superhero teams will appear in Avengers: Doomsday? Besides the Avengers, the film will feature characters from the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and the New Avengers (formerly Thunderbolts). Sources

• MovieWeb
• ScreenRant
• Collider
• CBR
• GamesRadar+
• Deadline